stupid mistake

[IBcarguy]

Well,today I made a careless mistake and messed up my truck dropping my new 5th wheel. Everything was unhooked, landing gear down, so I attempted to pull my truck out from under the trailer. The only problem was that I forgot to lower the tailgate and the pinbox smashed it up pretty bad when I pulled forward. @#&$(&^!#$ !!! Obviously, I'm a little PO'd at myself for being so careless. I bet I won't do it again though.

[blofgren]

Dano1955 wrote:
ALMOST been there, ALMOST done that!

:S

X2.

[phillyg]

Me too!

[Cummins12V98]

I need to drop my tailgate to unplug the RV and also disconnect the breakaway cable. I also carry these blocks in the bed so VERY unlikely the tailgate will get damaged.

I won't be without my backup camera!

The BS-ing part got me big time. Was finishing up getting ready to leave saying our good byes. Started to pull away and there was a lot of noise. Cord was still attached to pedestal. Pulled over pedestal sparks were flying and water bubbling out of the ground. Also pulled the power cable that was hard wired to the RV right out. NOT a pretty picture, I thought the noise was dragging the trees above. I have a policy, I tell people to please leave until I am setup or torn down before we can talk.

[jffnkrn]

I have been real close a few times, bsing, side tracked, in a hurry, dark, etc. It is only a matter of time I am sure. Also almost hit the rig with the top of the bed of the truck when backing in to hook up. front of fifth wheel was low, almost again. We are all only human. Good Luck & Be Safe ! ! !

[SkiSmuggs]

Been there as well, but am so paranoid about it that I creep slowly away. I only bumped the pin box against the tailgate and barely left a mark. Then there was the time I forgot the umbilical and yanked it out of the connector in the bed. No visible damage then either.

[TxGearhead]

I will admit to 3 hitching issues. Two of them it was raining and I got in a hurry. They other one I was BS'ing with a neighbor and not paying attention. Just minor damage to the 5th that a rattle can of paint fixed.

[danrclem]

Ouch!! I really feel bad for you. I'm a newbie 5th wheel owner and I've been hoping that I won't do the same thing.

[JIMNLIN]

Ouch !! I've done that twice with GN trailers. Both were in the dark on a wet and muddy worksite. The first one the landing jacks with boards underneath sunk more after checking with a flashlite. Being muddy the tires spun so it only dented the gate.
The second time I forgot to drop the gate and a big rain storm was fixing to hit. I rushed to get unhooked and off the dirt before it turned to mud. This time it pulled the gate completely off the truck.
I put a vented V gate on before making my reload run so the other drivers never knew my goof.

[md_procouple]

Yeppers !!! Been there, Done That, took the bows. Even got distracted once and after putting the shore power cord away got distracted and left the front storage compartment door open, drove 150 miles before I noticed it. Never will do that again either. Good Luck and Happy Camping !!!

[Me_Again]

This box holds our golf clubs, and does not get in the way of hitching.

[Mike_LeClair]

I feel your pain! Total in damages from this tow truck job gone bad was $27,000.00.

Mike

[LadyRVer]

The first thing I thought of reading your post... I see a V-tail gate on your wish list. Even those aren't fool proof... kingpin has to be high enough to clear the V. But, they are nice.

Don't beat yourself up. We have all done stupid mistakes. And, I doubt you will do that one again.. Hope your new fifth-wheel wasn't hurt.

[time2roll]

I only towed once or twice with the tailgate. Been using a $25 net that I did manage to rip up once. $25 and all was new again. Been plenty of other stuff though 😉

I hope the fix goes ok for you.

[ParkCountry]

Try not to be so hard on yourself. You aren't the only guy who this has happened to and you most certainly won't be the last. I have seen the same thing a few times through the years. Life happens. I know you'll never make this mistake again. Ever.

[Lwiddis]

Easy, I use a physical checklist and still goof...usually the steps or wheel blocks.