Stopping Overnight

[JC435]

We're going on our first real trip soon and have a question about stopping for the night and leaving the campground the next morning. Is there any problem with just keeping everything hooked up for that length of time? Assuming we're in a level spot, should we use the stability jacks? Is there anything else we should do/not do in the 10 hours we're there? Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

[Wishbone51]

Slate CM wrote:
A couple of others have said the same about disconnecting to save the battery. My trailer harness only has power when the key is on.

I was surprised to find out last week that my running lights on the trailer won't come on when I have my headlights on and my key off. How long have I had this truck and trailer? :h

[Slate_CM]

PenMan wrote:
I never unhook for a one night stay unless I need to take the truck somewhere without pulling the trailer. I do unhook the electric from the truck so I don't take a chance of discharging the truck batteries.

A couple of others have said the same about disconnecting to save the battery. My trailer harness only has power when the key is on.

[PenMan]

I never unhook for a one night stay unless I need to take the truck somewhere without pulling the trailer. I do unhook the electric from the truck so I don't take a chance of discharging the truck batteries.

[rockhillmanor]

Just a note if you are calling ahead for a CG site, or even if you just pull in off the road to a CG for the night:
be SURE to ask for a 'pull through' site if you are not going to unhook.

When I had my TT I never unhooked if only staying the night or even a couple of days.

[owenssailor]

We often stay hooked up for several days at a time. I disconnect the power cable from the truck and put down the stabilizers. If the front of the trailer is a bit low I just lift it up truck and all with the jack. Tonight the front was a bit high so I put a block under each trailer tire. It worked.

[allen8106]

For a one night stop I only unhook if I anticipate the need to go somewhere to get something after i get there but if you plan ahead properly that won't be an issue.

[Wishbone51]

DutchmenSport wrote:
As stated above, the only time necessary to "unhitch" is if the tongue needs to be lowered and you can't because it's hitched. In that event, I just do a quick unhitch, but leave the bars and everything right there, ready for a quick re-connect the next morning. We do want the trailer somewhat level. Nothing is worse than sliding off the bed because the trailer is on "tilt."

Yeah.. Just pull forward a foot perfectly straight. If you have room, you could even leave the chains connected. 5 mins or less to back up, lower the trailer, connect the WD and be on your way.

[old_guy]

depending on where you over night, just don't let you tow vehicle extend into the street so far as to block traffic. when camping over night at sam's town in Vegas I had to unhitch as the space was too short. taught me to make a reservation ahead of time at sam's town.

[DutchmenSport]

As stated above, the only time necessary to "unhitch" is if the tongue needs to be lowered and you can't because it's hitched. In that event, I just do a quick unhitch, but leave the bars and everything right there, ready for a quick re-connect the next morning. We do want the trailer somewhat level. Nothing is worse than sliding off the bed because the trailer is on "tilt."

[mtofell1]

coolmom42 wrote:
Ditto to the above, except you do need to be level so as not to mess up the fridge.

You'd probably roll out of bed before doing any damage to the fridge. The amount off-level needed to cause damage is actually pretty surprising.

[wrenchbender]

I only unhook when at the final stop.This way I always have redundantcies.

[Wishbone51]

JC435 wrote:
One additional question. Is it necessary/preferable to extend the tongue jack if still hooked up?

I do, just to relieve pressure on the truck.

If I can't get it level front to back with it hitched to the truck, I disconnect the WD bars from the trailer, but leave them connected to the truck and raise the front, but don't move the truck so I can hitch up again fast the next morning.

If I have to lower it to level, then I have to completely disconnect and move the truck.

[JC435]

One additional question. Is it necessary/preferable to extend the tongue jack if still hooked up?

[coolmom42]

Ditto to the above, except you do need to be level so as not to mess up the fridge.