Shakedown Weekend

[ArmyVeteran]

Originally Posted by franktafl

GTULOWITZKY, I have a question... what did you mean when you said the hitchball is too far back on the coupler? I've never heard that before and was just wondering what it refers to.

I have experienced the same thing on our trailer.
If you lower the trailer onto the hitch with the ball just slightly further back from exact center, it will not lock.



I have to actually lower the trailer with the ball coming down slightly forward of center. Then no problem.



Have no idea why

[GTULOWITZKY]

Originally Posted by franktafl

GTULOWITZKY, I have a question... what did you mean when you said the hitchball is too far back on the coupler? I've never heard that before and was just wondering what it refers to.

The locking lever would not lock. It would move slightly forward but not to a locking position. I pulled the truck forward but it would still not release and lock onto the ball. So I raised the hitch up and moved the truck forward, I then released the locking lever to a closed position (just to make sure it would and was not damaged). It worked fine without the ball in the coupler. I then backed up again and this time the ball went under the hitch by 2/3 (as I was taught) and lowered the trailer and it slide right on and locked.

[GTULOWITZKY]

[QUOTE=ArmyVeteran;62775]I have experienced the same thing on our trailer.
If you lower the trailer onto the hitch with the ball just slightly further back from exact center, it will not lock.



I have to actually lower the trailer with the ball coming down slightly forward of center. Then no problem.


I was taught 2/3 in the coupler but was showing off for my 18 wheeler neighbor and slammed it in as if I was driving a 5th wheel. Didn’t work so well but I eventually got it.

[franktafl]

Originally Posted by GTULOWITZKY

The locking lever would not lock. It would move slightly forward but not to a locking position. I pulled the truck forward but it would still not release and lock onto the ball. So I raised the hitch up and moved the truck forward, I then released the locking lever to a closed position (just to make sure it would and was not damaged). It worked fine without the ball in the coupler. I then backed up again and this time the ball went under the hitch by 2/3 (as I was taught) and lowered the trailer and it slide right on and locked.

WOW, touchy! Thanks for elaborating.

[ArmyVeteran]

"I have to actually lower the trailer with the ball coming down slightly forward of center. Then no problem."



I never heard that 2/3 rule before. I am used to a Hook and Pintle....if its close it will work. Just like hand-grenades.


Have fun!

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by franktafl

I was a "regular" at Mardi Gras for a number of years.... LOTS OF GREAT PICTURES! How was it in Savannah?

Originally Posted by GTULOWITZKY

Are you asking me out on a date?

No but I would love to. I hear they do haunted hikes there.

Originally Posted by franktafl

DOn't be offended but I was asking Aaron for that day... maybe we could double up on him?

Sorry guys... been hauling my ashes all over the country. Got stuck in Houston for an extra night, now I am in Charlottesville. No rest for the weary or wicked.

The Halloween stuff in Savannah was fun, and a bit creepy. Some people take it to extremes. Not quite as wild a Mardi Gras. That is in a class by itself. Last year I was in NOLA the week prior and it was already getting crazy.

I am not much of a party/crowd person any more. Besides that, the dog and I have an agreed upon bedtime of no later than 9:15 PM or we both get cranky.

Aaron

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by ArmyVeteran

"I have to actually lower the trailer with the ball coming down slightly forward of center. Then no problem."



I never heard that 2/3 rule before. I am used to a Hook and Pintle....if its close it will work. Just like hand-grenades.


Have fun!

I like my pintle hitches... until I have the backhoe behind the F-350...

We have one of everything at our place and more than one of the heavy duty stuff. Some of the ball hitches are fussy than others. Not sure why. I was always taught to back the truck not quite under the ball, drop it on the top of the hitch ball, then back up until it dropped, pull forward a few inches to set it, then close the latch. And don't forget the wheel chocks!

Aaron

[ErictheBeard]

Great write up. As said before we were all first timers before. Some are more or less methodical. I’m like you. Welcome to the 213RBSL bandwagon. It’s our second trailer but I never remember camping in our last one and people in camp grounds asking if they could get a tour of it!

[wildwest450]

I was taught if the hitch lock won't close, violently kick it back with your heel, seems to work.

[ArmyVeteran]

Originally Posted by wildwest450

I was taught if the hitch lock won't close, violently kick it back with your heel, seems to work.

My kicker is not that violent any more hehe
Have to go with the 2/3 rule.

[steve weston]

What I do is to freeze a 64 oz plastic water bottle and when we go out camping I put the frozen water bottle in freezer the night before our trip. Helps a bunch.....