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Old 09-15-2015, 02:34 PM   #21
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau 35SK
State: Pennsylvania
Posts: 163
THOR #2366
When we had our 5th wheel, we always did a pull test before hitting the road. I have seen a number of 5th wheels disconnect and hit the pickup, and someone makes something called a boxsaver or something to catch the pin if it disconnects.

However, have never talked to anyone that had a disconnect that did a pull test. Anyone with a 5th wheel should be doing one in the interest of safety.

Fred

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Old 09-15-2015, 03:18 PM   #22
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THOR #1150
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fred g
When we had our 5th wheel, we always did a pull test before hitting the road.
Ditto: In 10 years of pulling a 5th wheel I always did a pull test and never dropped the camper onto the pickup.
(When I first purchased the 5th wheel a coworker at the time was a former semi-driver who also had a 5th wheel and gave me this advice.)
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Old 09-15-2015, 04:16 PM   #23
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Model: Chateau 35SF
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THOR #2020
What is a pull test? I no longer have a 5th wheel but curious. I used to apply the trailer brakes and move slowly forward with the truck. Is that what you meant by pull test?
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Old 09-15-2015, 05:23 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pstandiford
What is a pull test? I no longer have a 5th wheel but curious. I used to apply the trailer brakes and move slowly forward with the truck. Is that what you meant by pull test?
Correct: before retracting the landing gear, after hitching up the 5er, pull the truck forward slightly to ensure that the hitch is latched and locked. Only then do you retract the landing gear.
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Old 09-15-2015, 05:38 PM   #25
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Brand: DRV
Model: 39TKSB3 "Modified"
State: South Dakota
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THOR #1661
If you have one of these there is NO reason to do a "PULL" test. All that is needed is to do a "VISUAL" test. No box saver required!

B&W RVK3600 6,250# pin 25K towing.

Kingpin and hitch plates touching, handle is closed and LOCKED a "VISUAL" that the two 1" thick jaws are wrapped around the kingpin there is no way it's not hitched.

Any other brand with these silly color code systems and the like I sure would do a pull test. I used to do one with my RBW. With a B&W it's a waste of time!

All JMHO!

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Old 09-15-2015, 06:33 PM   #26
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
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THOR #2366
The pull test not only tells you the 5th wheel is hitched properly, it also tells you the 7 way connector is functioning. You are also testing the brakes on the 5th wheel when you do the pull test. It takes 2 minutes to do, and if you incorporate it in your hitching routine, you can avoid problems. I would also put my 4 way flashers on when doing the pull test. After I confirmed that the hitch was secured, the trailer brakes were working, I would exit the truck and verify that the tail lights were flashing. It was an easy way to spot a burned out bulb. The last thing you want on a 5th wheel is a burned out signal bulb, particularly when you are swinging wide to make a tight turn.

Fred
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Old 09-15-2015, 06:44 PM   #27
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THOR #1661
I hit my flasher button also then turn them off and hit parking lights that will tell if all the lights are working.

After verifying my hitch haws are around the kingpin I hit auto retract on the 6 point leveling system.

Once you understand the simple solid design of the B&W you will understand the pull test is not needed.

I am a firm believer of a pull test with the other hitches tho.

Ask those with an Andersen if they do a "pull" test. They could but a visual is all they need.

BTW I hit my brake controllers manual brake control before heading out.
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