Dropped 5er with Pullrite SuperGlide?

[MNRon]

I recognize that the internet breeds paranoia. I've read several threads over the years about dropped fifth wheels on pickups, but another current thread got me to wondering. I have a Pullrite Superglide that I'm very happy with. The wrap-around jaws make it difficult to believe that they could release if closed properly, and it's hard to understand how they could be closed improperly.

All of that preamble is setting up the question. Has anyone actually dropped a fifth-wheel using a Pullrite Superglide? Not looking for "saw one dropped once" or "heard of one" etc. Just trying to understand if anyone has live experience with this problem when using a Pullrite.

As always, thanks.
Ron

[Cummins12V98]

CarlT100 wrote:
I don't think the locks are a waste. They certainly prevent casual vandalism.

So true. Cheap little locks on our bikes for two years traveling. Left our bikes sitting in front of our garage did not worry about them and the other day I thought where are the bikes. Looked in shop and garage then realized bikes are GONE!

[CarlT100]

I don't think the locks are a waste. They certainly prevent casual vandalism.

[Cummins12V98]

tinner12002 wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

jnharley wrote:
We had a Pullrite for 11 years and never had a problem with it. We now have a B&W hitch with the puck system in our new Dodge dually. We always do a pull test, we both visually check, and we do a light check. Safety is a priority for us and none of this takes more than a minute to accomplish.

I assume your RAM is newer than the 12 listed in your sig. 13 and newer RAM's have the puck system if ordered that way. Great option!

Your choice to do a pull test if you want but after doing your visual test and all looks correct no way can it unhitch. Of course you can if you so choose!

Is this what your hitch looks like?

I have the same setup mostly because of the hitches available for the new Ram factory setup. I have mine locked to bed but never thought about locks in pins and on locking handle...probably a good idea!

I think the locks are a good idea, some on here will tell you what a waste they are but hey do what works for you! Enjoy the Truck and hitch.

[justafordguy]

My question is has anyone dropped a pin after latching the handle and doing a pull test with this type hitch? Is it unsafe or do you just have to hitch it correctly?

[Hannibal]

I don't know about ugly hitches but, a Reese two jaw hitch pulls the jaws tighter with pull on them. It's when someone forgets to latch the handle that the pin can walk the jaws open on a turn. Pull test won't prevent this. Focus on the job at hand will.

[JIMMY034]

In response to all the anti-pull test guys, I don't always do a pull test either, BUT, it's NOT a bad thing, and someone mentioned that it's 'common sense' NOT to do a pull test. Well, being cautious...THAT'S common sense. The people who drop trailers didn't do that pull test. Your jaws may be locked but a bolt might be bad or you may have a stress (or manufacturing) crack/defect, and to drive away based solely on visual inspection is absolutely AGAINST common sense. It is also irresponsible to even suggest NOT doing the pull test (actually called a tug test) as there are many people brand new to the lifestyle, and until they become comfortable and proficient in what they do, they should take every precaution possible. And anyone who has a split-jaw type hitch (can't believe they even still make that design), you had BETTER do a tug test, don't rely on visual only verification. I personally know 3 people who dropped, every one of them had a split-jaw hitch.

[Bionic_Man]

CarlT100 wrote:

grahampconrad wrote:
I have a question, i pull a 38ft with a Reese 16k and i still would like to know what is a superglide and a B & W ? Is that a kind of hitch.

I have a Reese Elite 25k that fits the factory puck system in my F-450. It is easy to use and easy to remove and install in the truck.

I have that in the 18K. It has served me well.

I have owned 2 Reese with the clam shell jaws, a Superglide, and now this one. Never had a problem with any of them, but I do like the current Elite the best.

[CarlT100]

Definitely easy to hook up and release. My Reese is more quiet than my old Husky. That is not a slam against Husky; it was 20 years old and had served me flawlessly.

[tinner12002]

CarlT100 wrote:

grahampconrad wrote:
I have a question, i pull a 38ft with a Reese 16k and i still would like to know what is a superglide and a B & W ? Is that a kind of hitch.

I have a Reese Elite 25k that fits the factory puck system in my F-450. It is easy to use and easy to remove and install in the truck.

I had one of those in my 2012 Ram. Would have used in newer Ram had they had a adapter for it. Never any issues with it, easy hook up and release. Ended up about giving it away. I do think the B&W I have now has a little quieter/tighter jaws though.

[tinner12002]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

jnharley wrote:
We had a Pullrite for 11 years and never had a problem with it. We now have a B&W hitch with the puck system in our new Dodge dually. We always do a pull test, we both visually check, and we do a light check. Safety is a priority for us and none of this takes more than a minute to accomplish.

I assume your RAM is newer than the 12 listed in your sig. 13 and newer RAM's have the puck system if ordered that way. Great option!

Your choice to do a pull test if you want but after doing your visual test and all looks correct no way can it unhitch. Of course you can if you so choose!

Is this what your hitch looks like?

I have the same setup mostly because of the hitches available for the new Ram factory setup. I have mine locked to bed but never thought about locks in pins and on locking handle...probably a good idea!

[CarlT100]

grahampconrad wrote:
I have a question, i pull a 38ft with a Reese 16k and i still would like to know what is a superglide and a B & W ? Is that a kind of hitch.

I have a Reese Elite 25k that fits the factory puck system in my F-450. It is easy to use and easy to remove and install in the truck.

[Cummins12V98]

grahampconrad wrote:
I have a question, i pull a 38ft with a Reese 16k and i still would like to know what is a superglide and a B & W ? Is that a kind of hitch.

This is a B&W RVK3600 it's installed in a RAM 3500 Dually is fits into the factory puck system. It's rated for 25K towing and 6,500# pin weight.

[JIMNLIN]

fj12ryder wrote:
Children, children, take it out on the playground. Shoot, you two are going to start hitting each other with your purses before long. Sound like a couple of old biddies. lol

🙂 Hmmm don't have a purse but may use a umbrella and give him a poke.

[grahampconrad]

I have a question, i pull a 38ft with a Reese 16k and i still would like to know what is a superglide and a B & W ? Is that a kind of hitch.

[the_bald_guy]

YES I have made the mistake of dropping the trailer and I have a super glide. Didn't do too much damage to truck. Ripped the tailgate off and put a hole in the bed but didn't do any damage to the trailer. I had a lot of "help" to hook up and obviously didn't get it right. I think I high hitched it and the latch didn't close all the way. Now I triple check everything and do a pull test before leaving.