Hitching

fmhicks · 09-21-2017, 03:42 PM

When I hitch up my 5th wheel should I open the jaws on Reese 30047 ? Hooked up the other day with jaws closed but not locked Thanks

**ependydad** · 09-21-2017, 05:30 PM

According to this:
http://www.hitchpro.net/application/...ons/n30047.pdf

You should:

Quote:

4. With handle in the closed position (See Fig. 11), back truck slowly into trailer. As the trailer king pin enters the
hitch it will push the hitch jaws open and extend the handle (See Fig. 12). As king pin completely enters head, jaws
will spring closed around king pin and handle will return to the closed position. (See Fig. 13)

Does that answer your question?

markb5900 · 09-21-2017, 05:35 PM

As above, that is how I do it.
Jaws are "closed" then I back in.
If it doesn't hook up correctly, (only one jaw closed) I can see it with the handle then, it doesn't go in to a position you can lock it.
When the handle is in the correct position, I take my flash light and double check that both jaws are around the king pin. Just me being anal, but makes me feel better to SEE that both jaws are closed.
Then I hook up the pull away cable/brake and engage the lock on the handle.

lison · 02-14-2018, 10:59 AM

Always visually check to ensure the jaws are fully closed. I painted my jaws with bright orange paint so I can see it better. I found out the hard way, and the camper fell on my late father's truck. 'Will never make that mistake again. :-(

**Bama Rambler** · 02-14-2018, 11:15 AM

And don't forget to always, "ALWAYS" do a pull test!

5picker · 02-14-2018, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

And don't forget to always, "ALWAYS" do a pull test!

Did Bama mention...ALWAYS!

wildcatter · 02-14-2018, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lison

Always visually check to ensure the jaws are fully closed. I painted my jaws with bright orange paint so I can see it better. I found out the hard way, and the camper fell on my late father's truck. 'Will never make that mistake again. :-(

I like this idea, I have a B&W companion, I always check my jaws. Looks like I am buying some bright orange paint.

5picker · 02-14-2018, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lison

Always visually check to ensure the jaws are fully closed. I painted my jaws with bright orange paint so I can see it better. I found out the hard way, and the camper fell on my late father's truck. 'Will never make that mistake again. :-(

I've always hitched mine with the jaws closed but the lever unlatched on my Reese hitches. Just remember to latch the lever if applicable after hitching.

I painted mine white but same concept as those who used yellow.
With this and a pull test, (pulling forward after hitching but BEFORE completely raising landing jacks) you'll not dump one.

NMWildcat · 02-14-2018, 02:08 PM

I wonder how many folks actually do a pull test? I never have, and don't see me starting that new habit

**Bama Rambler** · 02-14-2018, 02:21 PM

I did one every time when I used the conventional hitch.

I'm still tempted to do one now even with the Andersen.

wildcatter · 02-14-2018, 02:32 PM

I always do a pull test, it takes a minute and will hopefully prevent me from a big oops.

brookstone345sa · 02-14-2018, 03:27 PM

I do the pull test also, it does 2 things. It makes sure you are locked in, and it also checks that brakes are working. It beats buying a new bed for truck.

5picker · 02-14-2018, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

I wonder how many folks actually do a pull test? I never have, and don't see me starting that new habit

I do... always.

NMWildcat · 02-14-2018, 11:30 PM

So, that's 3 that do the pull test

. How about folks that don't?

SlfMdeFam · 02-15-2018, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brookstone345sa

I do the pull test also, it does 2 things. It makes sure you are locked in, and it also checks that brakes are working. It beats buying a new bed for truck.

X2. I do it for the same two reasons too. Oh, and the third reason for not wanting to buy a new bed.

CHICKDOE · 02-15-2018, 11:20 AM

visually verify that hitch jaws are engaged and locked around kingpin. then pull test while trailer legs are still down and chocks still on trailer wheels. once legs are up and chocks removed get the trailer rolling just a bit and then use the brake controller manual levels to activate just the trailer brakes to ensure they are working. it only takes a couple of minutes and the cost of not having something right is overwhelming.

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