To test or not?

[TonyL]

We're currently in an RV park adjacent to a large RV dealership.
The last couple of days, people have been collecting either their new fifth wheel or after service/repair.
I've not seen one do what I call a tug test to ensure that the pin is securely engaged in the plate.
We do it every time we go to tow, are we the only ones?

 

[whiteva]

I recommend everyone with a fiver check for lock at every stop. a few years ago one of our drivers returning from an RV show stopped for a burger after about 20 miles. Returning to the rig when pulling forward the new fiver dropped on the truck. Someone had pulled the handle while he was inside. I know the rig was connected as I had checked it at the show.
No it was not April 1st

 

[poohbear]

I have always done a pull test on both of our 5ers . Its better to have done the test and pass than to not test and that bump on the interstate at 65 mph lets you know you failed the test

 

[LarsMac]

An old saying, "It never hurts to double-check."

 

[MN Blue Skies aka Max]

We use to do always do it it but we have become lax. This is a good reminder to always do it.

Once we did drop the hitch on the tail gate, You'd think we would've have learned out lesson. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[LarsMac]

Leftover from my Trucking days, I do a walkaround after pretty much every stop and check that anything that can come loose hasn't.

 

[Arch Hoagland]

In campgrounds I have seen two fifth wheel trailers drop down on the side rails of the truck pulling them. One occurred right in front of my coach.

I also have a friend with a fifth wheel and his fell down on the side rails just as he was accelerating to get on the freeway.

In every case they told me they hadn't checked the connection. They do now.....

 

[Derby6]

Do you leave your legs down for pull test (1-2 inches) off ground?
I don't.. I verify with my eyes pin is set and jaws are locked.
Had a discussion on another site about this and I argued we all kinda do a pull test when we pull out...LOL
That discussion made me paranoid, so I know do a kind of "honary" test. Checks brakes and hitch at same time. I am confident in my physical check, so I don't leave the legs down. But I know all is good as I roll on!

 

[triplethreat]

I do a pull test every time I hitch up to our 5ver. 4000 lbs on pin weight can do some damage to the truck pretty quickly. I also lock the release handle with a padlock so that someone would have to actually cut it or hammer it off to be able to release the handle. And I also leave my landing gear down within an inch or so off the ground.

 

[DutchmenSport]

I'm a "tester", always have been with both bumper pull and 5er trailers. And um ... I retired after 20 year of being a "software tester" so, testing is just in my blood.

 

[TonyL]

We raise the legs about 1" above the ground and always back off any leveling pads under the wheels. We then use the manual trailer brake controller to put the trailer brakes fully on whilst trying to pull it forward.
Even with all the torque from the truck, it's amazing how well the trailer holds back the truck!

 

[RayIN]

I performed a tug-test every time I moved the rig, until I began using a cheap padlock on the manual locking tab for a Reese hitch.

 

[TonyL]

Our B & W hitch has a clip pin that can only be fitted when the release handle is fully closed, but I still like to test the mechanics of the attachment.
Better to fail in a campground than on an interstate and possibly maim or kill an innocent for my negligence.

 

[Domo]

It doesn't make any difference what you are towing. You are responsible for the safety of OTHERS as well as your family and your equipment.

We check our hitch, chains, electric, air line (pneumatic cylinder in toad), brake lights, turn signals, tires and that all wheels are turning each time we return to the rig after walking into a restroom/fuel station, etc.

Too many adventurous children and jealous adults running around that can pull your emergency brake actuator or any number of other things when you're not looking.

Only takes a couple of minutes -