We have a big trip planned this summer and will be overnighting qit a few single nights on the journey. To get things going each morning I want to try to limit how much time I spend getting ready for the road.Question: it is OK to stay hooked up to the hitch (Reese) or should I all together unhook to releive stresses on the trailer hitch and truck.My assumption is it might be best to unhook (not remove) the sway bars and chains as these are under pressure, along with jacking up to the trailer to releive stress on the truck, but otherwise I can keep the trailer on the hitch ball, chains, electrical, emerg brake and essentially 80% hooked up.What do you think?

I have done it many times without any problem. I did put the "foot" down on the trailer to lift a little weight off the hitch and tow vehicle springs sometimes.

I would definitely unhook the trailer 7-way power connector. I would not want to drain the truck start battery down for any reason.In my case my F150 ford truck will disconnect power to the 7-way connector after a short time-out after the ignition key has been turned off but alot of other trucks do not have this feature.Other than that I don't see any benefit one way or the other... Personal preference I suppose.Roy Ken

IF you find yourself in a pretty level site, and don't have to run the hitch jack up much to get level, go for it. But if you find yourself picking the rear wheels up off the ground to get level, don't do that.You gotta keep your rig level overnight to prevent damage to your fridge, as well as to make it comfortable for sleeping. Nothing quite like the thrill of waking up in the middle of the night 'cause you slid right off the end of the bed. And that much slope will kill the fridge in a matter of weeks to days.

We have gone as long as a 4 day weekend without unhooking anything.

We had a tr and now have a 5th wheel and do it if we are just overnighting. Put rear stabilizers down and front until the weight is off the hitch. Plug it in and put out the slide.

Advisable to stay hooked up on overnight stops

16 Replies

Sandia_Man
Explorer II
Jul 16, 2013
When overnighting for a few hours of sleep we do as little as possible to our set-up if we are somewhat level. We usually spend a bit of $$$ at the establishment (fuel, groceries, breakfast etc.) but our primary intention is just getting up early and hitting the road. I always disconnect the 7 pin umbilical ensuring TV battery stays charged.
Merrykalia
Explorer II
Jul 16, 2013
We had a tr and now have a 5th wheel and do it if we are just overnighting. Put rear stabilizers down and front until the weight is off the hitch. Plug it in and put out the slide.
Jack_Diane_Free
Explorer
Jul 16, 2013
We have gone as long as a 4 day weekend without unhooking anything.
naturist
Nomad II
Jul 16, 2013
IF you find yourself in a pretty level site, and don't have to run the hitch jack up much to get level, go for it. But if you find yourself picking the rear wheels up off the ground to get level, don't do that.

You gotta keep your rig level overnight to prevent damage to your fridge, as well as to make it comfortable for sleeping. Nothing quite like the thrill of waking up in the middle of the night 'cause you slid right off the end of the bed. And that much slope will kill the fridge in a matter of weeks to days.
RoyB
Explorer II
Jul 16, 2013
I would definitely unhook the trailer 7-way power connector. I would not want to drain the truck start battery down for any reason.

In my case my F150 ford truck will disconnect power to the 7-way connector after a short time-out after the ignition key has been turned off but alot of other trucks do not have this feature.

Other than that I don't see any benefit one way or the other... Personal preference I suppose.

Roy Ken
JayGee
Explorer
Jul 16, 2013
I have done it many times without any problem. I did put the "foot" down on the trailer to lift a little weight off the hitch and tow vehicle springs sometimes.

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Advisable to stay hooked up on overnight stops

16 Replies

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