Unhooked for the night.

[bgum]

There is a current thread on the 5th wheel area and it got me to thinking about what travel trailer do.

So here goes. When you stop for just one night, regardless of where, do you unhitch?

[Skibane]

^Might also be used to advantage to quickly move the RV to a more sheltered spot during a hailstorm.

(My personal favorite improvised hail shelter is a self-serve car wash - Nobody's using them to wash their cars during a hailstorm anyway.):B

[JRscooby]

Skibane wrote:

tommyznr wrote:
Or quite possibly the flip side, a medical emergency where you may not want to take the whole camp to the emergency room at 90 mph down the back roads.

A medical emergency is just about the only event where that might be a consideration - And only then if you can't rely on neighbors, park rangers, an ambulance or life flight to get you there.

If a flash flood, forest fire, avalanche, mudslide, chemical spill or massive gas leak is imminent, nobody is likely to help you hitch up - they would all be too busy saving themselves.

In a large part of the country there is a danger not listed. In open country where you can see it at a distance, and if the road goes the right direction, you might be able to out run a tornado. I have done it on a motorcycle, but not sure could of done in pickup. Pulling trailer? I would of tried because no other option.
But in a campground you really need to get to the designated shelter (often restroom) as quick as can. For many that means drive a short distance. Dragging a trailer should not be a option.

[BFL13]

As was mentioned it is all about whether you have a Chev or not. Leave it hitched if you want but if a Chev undo the 7-pin.

[Skibane]

tommyznr wrote:
Or quite possibly the flip side, a medical emergency where you may not want to take the whole camp to the emergency room at 90 mph down the back roads.

A medical emergency is just about the only event where that might be a consideration - And only then if you can't rely on neighbors, park rangers, an ambulance or life flight to get you there.

If a flash flood, forest fire, avalanche, mudslide, chemical spill or massive gas leak is imminent, nobody is likely to help you hitch up - they would all be too busy saving themselves.

[tommyznr]

Skibane wrote:

vakirks wrote:
So glad I read this thread. I never unhooked but neither did I consider the unforeseen emergency. And there are 2 listed here and who knows what else could happen. Medical emergency, who knows? That’s why they’re unforeseen. Unhooking from now on as standard procedure. Thanks!

The idea is to leave your RV hitched up, so that you don't waste precious time having to hitch it up during an emergency.

Quickly leaving the area with your RV is infinitely preferable to leaving your RV behind to be destroyed in the fire/flood/whatever.

Or quite possibly the flip side, a medical emergency where you may not want to take the whole camp to the emergency room at 90 mph down the back roads.

[Grit_dog]

Well, if this isn’t overthinking something, I don’t know what is….
Would seem if it is possible and feels more convenient to stay hooked, that is the answer.
If the opposite, then the opposite is the answer.
:S

[Skibane]

vakirks wrote:
So glad I read this thread. I never unhooked but neither did I consider the unforeseen emergency. And there are 2 listed here and who knows what else could happen. Medical emergency, who knows? That’s why they’re unforeseen. Unhooking from now on as standard procedure. Thanks!

The idea is to leave your RV hitched up, so that you don't waste precious time having to hitch it up during an emergency.

Quickly leaving the area with your RV is infinitely preferable to leaving your RV behind to be destroyed in the fire/flood/whatever.

[MFL]

Tvov wrote:
I don't think it is any different with a 5th wheel?

For just an overnight, and if the TT is level, I'll leave it hooked up.

After having several TTs, and a couple FWs, it is much easier to unhook/hookup a FW.

Normally a TT is level to slightly low in front, so easier to keep level while hooked, than a FW, which is often a bit nose high.

Jerry

[Lantley]

If we factored in all the potential emergencies and pitfalls as reasons to not unhook it becomes too dangerous to go camping at all.

[Tvov]

I don't think it is any different with a 5th wheel?

For just an overnight, and if the TT is level, I'll leave it hooked up.

[vakirks]

So glad I read this thread. I never unhooked but neither did I consider the unforeseen emergency. And there are 2 listed here and who knows what else could happen. Medical emergency, who knows? That’s why they’re unforeseen. Unhooking from now on as standard procedure. Thanks!

[Skibane]

Desert Captain wrote:
Another consideration is where you find yourself camping or even just spending the night. Out west {here in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado etc.} half of the state is on fire or at risk for one breaking out on very short notice.

When we camped with our 22'TT I would stay hooked up and I do the same now that we are using our 24' class C, usually towing our 6 X 10' cargo trailer. I never stay hooked up to water or sewer but just use them as needed for a quick fill or dump.

Being able to flee in mere minutes should the winds shift or a new fire breaks out is a no brainer. Picture the chaos in a crowded campground when a wind shift puts everyone at risk from a fast approaching fire.

That's also a consideration in campsites next to rivers or washes. One heavy rainstorm, and your RV is now a boat.

[Desert_Captain]

Another consideration is where you find yourself camping or even just spending the night. Out west {here in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado etc.} half of the state is on fire or at risk for one breaking out on very short notice.

When we camped with our 22'TT I would stay hooked up and I do the same now that we are using our 24' class C, usually towing our 6 X 10' cargo trailer. I never stay hooked up to water or sewer but just use them as needed for a quick fill or dump.

Being able to flee in mere minutes should the winds shift or a new fire breaks out is a no brainer. Picture the chaos in a crowded campground when a wind shift puts everyone at risk from a fast approaching fire. :S We have had to literally turn around on a two lane highway due to a fast moving fire suddenly closing down our intended route more than once.

This pic was taken about 30 miles east of Zion in June of 2020. We were headed up to Jacob Lake when this fire over ran the highway not far in front of us:



Be safe out there folks...

:C

[LadyRVer]

Yes. Usually went out for dinner and filled up gas tank. Also, had truck available in case of an emergency.

[Lantley]

I avoid unhooking if possible.