stupid mistake

I had a close call a couple years back. For some reason I removed the wheel chocks before hooking up the fifth wheel. When I backed in and the hitch made contact with the pin the trailer rolled back. It stopped just in time before the landing legs come off the blocks they were on. I was a trucker for many years and should have known better. I was lucky.

laknox wrote:

fj12ryder wrote:

Tango, AE7UI wrote:
My question is why even use the tailgate?
I have a service body on my truck and has a drop in "tailboard". It stays home when I use the fifth wheel.
Never needed the "board" when traveling and no trailer.

Well, believe it or not some of us actually use the bed of the truck to carry things. I know that seems odd, but it's true. That tailgate keeps things in the bed.

x2. I do have a v-gate and it =really= helps reduce the turbulence in the bed when I'm hitched up. I've lost wheel chocks on a fairly short drive, and these weren't the really cheap ones, either. I've had a 2' 2x4 "float" around the bed, too. =That= got me pulling over FAST! Much, much better with the louvered gate, for sure.

Lyle

The "service body" is a different "situation".

To add to what Lyle said - for *pickups* (with a "factory" bed/box),
the "V" gate is also the "normal" tailgate when not towing.

I can see/watch the pin in rearview mirror when hitching....."Field goal" in the "V" - and/or adjust height as needed

Any one of the various bed covers - and a section for the "V", can't be beat for everyday use.

BTW that section for the "V" is my "removable board"..:W

:C

fj12ryder wrote:

Tango, AE7UI wrote:
My question is why even use the tailgate?
I have a service body on my truck and has a drop in "tailboard". It stays home when I use the fifth wheel.
Never needed the "board" when traveling and no trailer.

Well, believe it or not some of us actually use the bed of the truck to carry things. I know that seems odd, but it's true. That tailgate keeps things in the bed.

x2. I do have a v-gate and it =really= helps reduce the turbulence in the bed when I'm hitched up. I've lost wheel chocks on a fairly short drive, and these weren't the really cheap ones, either. I've had a 2' 2x4 "float" around the bed, too. =That= got me pulling over FAST! Much, much better with the louvered gate, for sure.

Lyle

Tango, AE7UI wrote:
My question is why even use the tailgate?
I have a service body on my truck and has a drop in "tailboard". It stays home when I use the fifth wheel.
Never needed the "board" when traveling and no trailer.

Well, believe it or not some of us actually use the bed of the truck to carry things. I know that seems odd, but it's true. That tailgate keeps things in the bed.

My question is why even use the tailgate?
I have a service body on my truck and has a drop in "tailboard". It stays home when I use the fifth wheel.
Never needed the "board" when traveling and no trailer.

Jetstreamer wrote:
Gotta have a notched fifth wheel tailgate ......it's just simply way too easy to forget....bought mine years ago and it's just a no brainer.

Did that first thing when I got a 5th wheel. The brand new OEM tailgate is in storage. BUT

It's not a fix all. Under certain circumstances you can hit the notched tailgate. Believe me I've hit it both ways. Second time evened out the bow from the first time. HINT: When you un-hitch let the air out of the airbags before pulling out.

jkwilson wrote:


4. There aren't enough cuss words for some situations.

LOL :B :B Let me hear a big AMEN!!!!!!

Let's make this a sticky stay around. Leave it "stupid mistakes" or make it
"What did you break this time?" Great reading, informative and fun for the readers not so much for the doers.

Forgot to disconnect trailer cable from back of truck bed when pulling away. Had to replace the trucks socket but the trailers connector/cable was fine.

Pilots call it sterile cockpit. No discussion that does not pertain to take off or landing. Politely explain that there will be no discussion that is not part of hooking or unhooking. Do it the same way every time. If there is a distraction, start over.