Just about dropped it!

I contacted B&W and it is normal to have to pin it open to unhitch. That said, I think a small spring loaded ball and detent setup under the handle to lightly hold it open would be an improvement. The force of the kingpin hitting the jaws would close it.

GMH wrote:
Hooking up the 5vr to come home from our last outing, I left the front hatch open by mistake. I couldn’t close it or the tailgate. So I opened the jaws of the hitch and pulled forward far enough to close the hatch and then re-hitched. Raised the front landing gear and pulled ahead a couple of inches to release the wheel chocks. As I was walking around doing a final check before hitting the road, to my horror I noticed that I had the release handle still pinned in the open position!:E I thank my lucky stars that I hadn’t pulled ahead any farther to release the chocks or I would have a big hole in my truck bed...or maybe just serious damage to the front of the 5vr?:o

I wanted to keep my two posts separate, but I am really glad you caught that before you did anything serious! :)

Cummins12V98 wrote:
The padlock is simply part of MY process.

Bottom line there is not a better or more highly rated hitch on the market.

GOD gave us eyes. It’s not the hitch fault if we don’t use them.

It took you long enough to respond!

There is NEVER a reason for this to happen. It takes all of 10 seconds to Get Out And Look (G.O.A.L.). No one is in that big of a hurry to not spend the time to make sure they are properly hitched.

I am not commenting on this particular case, but to the general masses. I check my hitch at least 3 times, and it takes me less than 1 minute, that includes my walk around checking windows, awning, lights (with 4 way flashers on), jacks and hitch. I have my DW check my hitch jaws every time also, two sets of eyes are better than one, and I have taught her what to look for.

To those who think a "pull test" is good enough, you are most likely doing it wrong. Lift your jacks 1/4" from your blocks, then pull out from under your trailer. You will be surprised how much throttle it takes, then you will understand what I am saying. Don't have your 7 pin plug plugged in when you do this, or be quick on your brakes.

I drove truck for 17 years pulling 120,000 lbs (doubles), in case anyone wants to tell me I am doing it wrong. No, I haven't dropped a trailer YET. Not saying I won't, I am human, and humans screw up. It happens.

I have a B&W Companion, and I have to pin my jaws open every time I unhook at home, I have a 5 degree downhill slope where I park my 5er. I have done what the OP did, but I caught my mistake when I do my walk around. It never varies, and if it gets interrupted, I start over. It takes much less time than trying to lift a trailer back up.

The padlock is simply part of MY process.

Bottom line there is not a better or more highly rated hitch on the market.

GOD gave us eyes. It’s not the hitch fault if we don’t use them.

moe f wrote:
What's going on??? Sixteen responses and haven't seen "BedSaver" mentioned. :B

Better yet an Andersen hitch

4x4ord wrote:
^^^ That's the problem... you have to do something for it to lock around the kingpin if you've locked the jaws open. A better design would unlock when you pull the lever and lock when you back into the kingpin. Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate my B&W Companion, but, it could be improved.

All they need to do is the same that Reese has done , there is a lot of things going on with the towing process , the more it’s simplified the better , padlocks, keys etc just complicate the process , having mine stay open without devices to deal with is just one more thing not to deal with.

^^^ That's the problem... you have to do something for it to lock around the kingpin if you've locked the jaws open. A better design would unlock when you pull the lever and lock when you back into the kingpin. Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate my B&W Companion, but, it could be improved.

Sorry I disagree it's NOT a poor design. All one has to do is remove the pin "IF" you pin it open. By using a LOCK instead of a pin as part of my routine I never forget to relocate the pin. Rarely do I need to hold the arm open but when I do the lock goes right into it's place once I pull forward.

Try pulling out of a CURT on an angel! You will wish you could PIN" something open. :B

moe f wrote:
What's going on??? Sixteen responses and haven't seen "BedSaver" mentioned. :B

No need if you have EYES.

The way the B&W can be locked open is a poor design. I never lock mine open. If I want to unhook and the jaws don't stay released when I pull the lever I put the truck in drive and put a slight bit of forward pressure on the coupler before placing the transmission back in park and releasing the coupler.