Al F Posted January 31, 2016 Report Share Posted January 31, 2016 An RVing couple towing a 2016 trailer watched as their $100,000 rig was turned into confetti by a freight train in Clermont Harbor, Miss. The 38-foot rig came loose from the tow rig as it crossed over a railroad track. The couple struggled to reattach the rig, but couldn't get the job done before the oncoming train totaled their coach. Happily, no one was hurt, and the truck was clear of the tracks when the accident occurred. Thanks to www.RVTravel.com news letter for the above info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NH2 Posted January 31, 2016 Report Share Posted January 31, 2016 The procedure we use before heading out...After connecting the 5th wheel hitch(with the wheel chocks are still in place) we lift the front levelers about 1" off the ground and try to "pull" the truck away from the trailer. If the connection was faulty, the most the trailer would drop would be 1". This test has saved us twice in 11 years, but glad we test EVERY time.Sorry to learn of their misfortune but glad nobody was hurt. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 The procedure we use before heading out... After connecting the 5th wheel hitch(with the wheel chocks are still in place) we lift the front levelers about 1" off the ground and try to "pull" the truck away from the trailer. If the connection was faulty, the most the trailer would drop would be 1". This test has saved us twice in 11 years, but glad we test EVERY time. Sorry to learn of their misfortune but glad nobody was hurt. Mark e The "pull test" should be considered mandatory for anyone towing a fifth wheel. Couple that with physically looking at the hitch jaws to see if they are fully engaged around pin and you are not "high hitched". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Mayer Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 Pull test. Flashlight inspection of hitch jaws. Visual inspection of disconnect lever to ensure it is in the correct position. EVERY TIME...even if just moving sites in a campground. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mariner Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 I saw a truck driver hook up to his trailer, didn't do a pull test or check to see if the king pin was securely locked, and proceeded to drive away. He was fine because of the weight of the trailer, until he tried to turn out of the truck stop. While making the turn the trailer just slid right off the hitch. When I drove by I noticed the seals on the doors which told me he probably had a load of computers, or some other high dollar load. He didn't look very happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray,IN Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 I once towed my cargo trailer about 45 miles, turned into my other house, and the trailer simply dropped away from the ball. Apparently the ball was not fully into the socket when I locked the latch, only the safety chains were guiding the trailer behind my dually. Sure glad that happened when it did, instead of while I was at highway speed!. Now, if I can't see the hitch is correct I feel for a proper latch/lock-every time. Always get grease on my hand, but it washes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cowdog353 Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 I painted the jaws white, easy to see and I check before moving . Has saved me a couple of times! Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscarvan Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 Pull test, brake test. Every time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris-n-Dennis Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 Should also be true for a motorhome with toad. Brake test every time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis M Posted February 4, 2016 Report Share Posted February 4, 2016 Pull test. Flashlight inspection of hitch jaws. Visual inspection of disconnect lever to ensure it is in the correct position. EVERY TIME...even if just moving sites in a campground. X2 !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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