RV Crushes Truck

MFL wrote:
"Thats interesting you mentioned that, some insist that you can't drop a fifth wheel with a B&W , all you need is to see that the jaw is closed , well the lever position tells you they are not apparently ,but the visual tells you the jaw IS closed ??."

Yes, you can have a drop with any brand hitch, B&W included, if you are not paying attention. B&W does recommend a pull test for this very reason. I will add, with the design of the B&W, it is easy for an experienced operator to visually inspect the pin, surrounded by jaws, visually inspect the handle, closed and pinned, in which case a pull test is not needed. It simply cannot open/drop. I use the look twice test, looking once more, just before getting in the truck.

Jerry

I agree 100% , IF ALL the steps are followed . I am an experienced operator, so we can go around ,and around on this , But I will disagree on the pull test. Big reason we are human , and there lies the problem .

I bought my Reese 18K slider 12 years ago. Blue Ox bed savers were available to buy then, and IMO the best device ever offered for the prevention of dropping a fifth wheel. Pretty sure they don't sell them anymore. Most likely the mentality of I can't drop a fifth wheel . :B

Anyway that was before I retired, and being in the steel fabrication business built one for that hitch, copied from how they built theirs. Still on the hitch today. I still did a pull test. I will admit I don't always do a pull test now, but like you I am experienced ,but I also have a crutch . :)

If I didn't have that bedsaver I would do a pull test.