Advertisement |
|
|
|
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above.
You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed.
To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
|
Towing and Hauling Towing, hauling, hitches, and trailer discussion can be found here |
12-29-2016, 08:57 AM
|
#1
|
Name: dangerous06
Title: diesel tech
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Escondido CA
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 3,564
|
Lost trailer
Well for the second time in a month I dropped a trailer! First one I thought I did something wrong the latch was still latched and the hooks closed??
I'm running a 20k Reese 5th wheel hitch.
I was making an up hill left turn and the trailer popped off crushed the bed but the tailgate caught the trailer from going down the hill! Nothing apparent like a ghost pulled the handle release! That cost 7000 to repair!
Well yesterday I hooked up to a brand new trailer checked everything made sure the clip was locked and pinned checked the hooks they were closed did a pull test trailer brakes on all was good until.......
Was backing down a driveway had to cut it hard right over uneven driveway and POP Trailer released smashed the bed ripped thru my new 5th wheel tailgate and proceeded to slide down the driveway and into a tree with emergency brakes applied! that ones gonna cost 20k to repair!
My question is WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!?
Again the hooks were closed the latch was engaged and still pinned!
Is there a defect Reese isn't talking about? Found a dozen other such stories online! Would think there would be a recall if it was so frequent. Has anybody had experience with Reese or know someone that dealt with this situation?
Do I have any recourse?
I've been towing professionally for 20 years so yes I know what I'm doing!
Throwing this hitch in the trash only two years old!
__________________
E.D. 66-74-091, T-4 exhaust, 2 Micron filter pre CP3, EFI, S&B intake, ARP 625 head studs, 182-214 Hamilton Cam,springs and push rods,40% injectors, Banks Intercooler, T&C CP-3 & PRV, Built
48RE, 5" exhaust,Carrillo rods, Pacbrake!
|
|
|
12-29-2016, 09:03 AM
|
#2
|
Name: wideopen
Title: Slum Lord
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Kowloon
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 20,815
|
Damn man, time to trash the Reese. Never heard of anything like this.
Sorry about your bad luck.
__________________
____________________________________________
COMPETITIONDIESEL.COM
Born on Date: April 3 2006
TS Performance ~ Diesel Performance Converters~ Fleece Performance ~ Suncoast ~ Fast Layne ~ Pro Street Diesel
Hellmann Performance ~ Keating Machine ~ Engineered Diesel ~ Mumau Diesel ~ GoGo Diesel ~ Hamilton Cams ~ Diesel Innovations ~ Grand Rock Exhaust ~ Smarty
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
Molon labe
#FTCS
|
|
|
12-29-2016, 09:24 AM
|
#3
|
Name: PRINCETON_JAKE
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Princeton Minnesota
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 1,125
|
I sure like my cheap hitch with the slide bar. No way it could come open. I've always been scared of those clam lock jaws
__________________
silver 2006 ram 2500 4x4, crew cab short box, 48RE auto with "stuff" done, 5.9 with more "stuff" done
|
|
|
12-29-2016, 09:26 AM
|
#4
|
Name: DirtyMaxx03
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,862
|
using the proper sized ball?
__________________
Sean
Stock 2005 LLY
|
|
|
12-29-2016, 09:54 AM
|
#5
|
Name: Highwayman
Title: bored.
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Wacko
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,087
|
Have a "professional" look at it, make a written statement that says you aren't at fault, and send take it to court if you have to. I damn sure wouldn't be paying for something like that.
__________________
97 Dodge 2500 RCLB ( scrapped)
1973 F250 crew (soon to receive new power train)
COMPD:
Quote:
Originally Posted by rcfreak24
Lolzzzzzz fakin haters
|
|
|
|
12-29-2016, 09:55 AM
|
#6
|
Name: zfaylor
Title: Comp Diesel Sponsor
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: P-TOWN!, Indiana
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 5,024
|
To be clear are we talking actual 5th wheel or goosneck ball in bed?
__________________
2015 half ton heavy chevy
81 Fairmont LS project
Many yard ornament projects...
North American Turbo
|
|
|
12-29-2016, 10:45 AM
|
#7
|
Name: Chris Tobin
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Dayton, TN
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,662
|
No safety chains???
__________________
Chris Tobin
Editor--Ultimate Diesel Builder's Guide
Freelance Editor and Photographer
Working with DIESEL WORLD, DIRT SPORTS, MUSCLE CAR POWER & STREET TRUCKS magazines
tobinemail@aol.com
I might be able to help get you in a mag.
Custom poster size photos available. PM or email for info.
|
|
|
12-29-2016, 11:08 AM
|
#8
|
Name: JL Builders
Title: On a quest for more power
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Moseley Virginia
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 1,267
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Tobin
No safety chains???
|
That's what I was going to ask.
I've had one pop off at my house(bent the pipe when it did).But safety chains caught it. This was my fault though truck and trailer went for a ride and trailer hit a tree.
__________________
6.7 sled puller, cracked motor in half.... Nothing to show for it. But ready to try again.
|
|
|
12-29-2016, 12:00 PM
|
#9
|
Name: 06 DIESEL
Title: Dead Eye Firearms LLC
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Airville, PA
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 5,115
|
A few things that come to mind.
Safety chains?
Have you checked the ball to see if it is worn or out of round?
How many miles has the ball been used for towing?
Towing balls have a lifespan, they get worn and need to be replaced, especially if you are towing professionally.
I have had to replace the hitch part of one of my trailers because it was worn and would pop out without releasing the safety catch. I am sure that if you take a brand new ball and the old worn one you will find that they do not measure the same.
I had a gooseneck pop off once, safety chains caught the trailer an inch from taking out the tailgate. I got in a hurry and forgot to latch the safety, 100% my fault.
__________________
Travis
My rig - 2021 Mega 3500 SRW
My Classic - 79 Chevy Silverado
Quote:
Originally Posted by RonA
Trucks are like women. Sometimes you just need to spend money on them to keep them happy.
|
Last edited by 06 DIESEL; 12-29-2016 at 12:01 PM.
|
|
|
12-29-2016, 12:06 PM
|
#10
|
Name: Big Boy Toys
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Mar 2010
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 1,133
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by PRINCETON_JAKE
I sure like my cheap hitch with the slide bar. No way it could come open. I've always been scared of those clam lock jaws
|
x2! Although it sounds more like the op's is "popping up" out of the hitch.
Last edited by Big Boy Toys; 12-29-2016 at 12:08 PM.
|
|
|
12-29-2016, 01:01 PM
|
#11
|
Name: PSUCE
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Southwest PA
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 465
|
You say the latch is closed on the release lever correct? You sure you're not high hitching? If you use a lube plate, they have different thicknesses, possibly using one too thick and high hitching without knowing? I have heard many stories of Reese's dropping 5th wheels, but never heard a first hand reason "why".
|
|
|
12-29-2016, 06:00 PM
|
#12
|
Name: dangerous06
Title: diesel tech
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Escondido CA
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 3,564
|
Not a goose neck! I wish 5th wheels had chains! Just bought a bed saver Blue Ox BedSaver - YouTube and new 5th wheel assembly!
No lube plate or was it high hitched! Only turned and front tire on embankment twisting frame a bit.
__________________
E.D. 66-74-091, T-4 exhaust, 2 Micron filter pre CP3, EFI, S&B intake, ARP 625 head studs, 182-214 Hamilton Cam,springs and push rods,40% injectors, Banks Intercooler, T&C CP-3 & PRV, Built
48RE, 5" exhaust,Carrillo rods, Pacbrake!
|
|
|
12-29-2016, 07:19 PM
|
#13
|
Name: jasonc
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Nov 2009
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 4,396
|
I bet a gooseneck setup would allow for alot more misalignment, do you stay with fifth wheel for weight?
|
|
|
12-29-2016, 08:42 PM
|
#14
|
Name: dangerous06
Title: diesel tech
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Escondido CA
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 3,564
|
To Clarify I transport 5th wheels mostly but do everything as needed! Goose neck bumper pull if it has wheels I've moved it!
__________________
E.D. 66-74-091, T-4 exhaust, 2 Micron filter pre CP3, EFI, S&B intake, ARP 625 head studs, 182-214 Hamilton Cam,springs and push rods,40% injectors, Banks Intercooler, T&C CP-3 & PRV, Built
48RE, 5" exhaust,Carrillo rods, Pacbrake!
|
|
|
12-29-2016, 09:18 PM
|
#15
|
Name: Mark Nixon
Title: No Savior among the flesh
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Brownville, Nebraska
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 8,676
|
Most cheap 5th wheel hitch plates are only designed to pivot fore to aft, not side to side.
The nice, expensive, (read: heavy duty) ones are fully articulating.
Beware of some cheaper 5th wheel hitches!
ALWAYS check the weight ratings on them, I've seen a few with only a 12k rating, which aren't really designed for much more than a light RV trailer.
Now, most of the cheaper (even Reese) 5th wheel hitches I see use a locking, spring loaded latch/pawl, which can be either worn or ripped out by a simple incline move like you described.
These are not designed to be used repeatedly for heavy side inclines, as they will bind the kingpin against the lock bar, which causes the bar to bend and rip the latch/pawl assembly.
IMO, if you're hauling a multi-car trailer, or an equipment trailer, using the 5th wheel style hitch, no matter if it's fully articulating, or not, would be my absolute last choice.
BTW, per DOT regs, ANY trailer is REQUIRED to manufactured with safety chains, 5th, wheel, gooseneck, tagger, pintle, ALL are supposed to have safety chains.
If they don't and DOT snags you, it sits until you put approved ones on it.
If a trailer manufacturer is "making you" move these with no safety chains, they are not in compliance and you should refuse the job.
Mark.
__________________
If you or I did business like the PEOPLE in government do business, we'd be put in jail. Government is coercive.
Anarchy: The state of existence where there are no masters & no slaves. Therefore, Anarchy means the ABSENCE OF SLAVERY, or, in other words, FREEDOM.
Last edited by Mark Nixon; 12-29-2016 at 09:27 PM.
Reason: Safety chains.
|
|
|
12-30-2016, 07:08 AM
|
#16
|
Name: jasonc
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Nov 2009
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 4,396
|
What is the reason the tandom axle equipment trailers which weigh more use gooseneck and the campers use fifth wheel?
|
|
|
12-30-2016, 07:42 AM
|
#17
|
Name: PRINCETON_JAKE
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Princeton Minnesota
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 1,125
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Nixon
Most cheap 5th wheel hitch plates are only designed to pivot fore to aft, not side to side.
The nice, expensive, (read: heavy duty) ones are fully articulating.
Beware of some cheaper 5th wheel hitches!
ALWAYS check the weight ratings on them, I've seen a few with only a 12k rating, which aren't really designed for much more than a light RV trailer.
Now, most of the cheaper (even Reese) 5th wheel hitches I see use a locking, spring loaded latch/pawl, which can be either worn or ripped out by a simple incline move like you described.
These are not designed to be used repeatedly for heavy side inclines, as they will bind the kingpin against the lock bar, which causes the bar to bend and rip the latch/pawl assembly.
IMO, if you're hauling a multi-car trailer, or an equipment trailer, using the 5th wheel style hitch, no matter if it's fully articulating, or not, would be my absolute last choice.
BTW, per DOT regs, ANY trailer is REQUIRED to manufactured with safety chains, 5th, wheel, gooseneck, tagger, pintle, ALL are supposed to have safety chains.
If they don't and DOT snags you, it sits until you put approved ones on it.
If a trailer manufacturer is "making you" move these with no safety chains, they are not in compliance and you should refuse the job.
Mark.
|
Huh, none of our fleet of semis ever had or came with safety chains and dot has never said anything
__________________
silver 2006 ram 2500 4x4, crew cab short box, 48RE auto with "stuff" done, 5.9 with more "stuff" done
|
|
|
12-30-2016, 07:46 AM
|
#18
|
Name: Ram12vcummins
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Mar 2015
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 1,659
|
Lost trailer
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Nixon
Most cheap 5th wheel hitch plates are only designed to pivot fore to aft, not side to side.
The nice, expensive, (read: heavy duty) ones are fully articulating.
Beware of some cheaper 5th wheel hitches!
ALWAYS check the weight ratings on them, I've seen a few with only a 12k rating, which aren't really designed for much more than a light RV trailer.
Now, most of the cheaper (even Reese) 5th wheel hitches I see use a locking, spring loaded latch/pawl, which can be either worn or ripped out by a simple incline move like you described.
These are not designed to be used repeatedly for heavy side inclines, as they will bind the kingpin against the lock bar, which causes the bar to bend and rip the latch/pawl assembly.
IMO, if you're hauling a multi-car trailer, or an equipment trailer, using the 5th wheel style hitch, no matter if it's fully articulating, or not, would be my absolute last choice.
BTW, per DOT regs, ANY trailer is REQUIRED to manufactured with safety chains, 5th, wheel, gooseneck, tagger, pintle, ALL are supposed to have safety chains.
If they don't and DOT snags you, it sits until you put approved ones on it.
If a trailer manufacturer is "making you" move these with no safety chains, they are not in compliance and you should refuse the job.
Mark.
|
I'd trust 5th wheel over gooseneck. Our semis see to do fine with the "forward and aft" only motion. No safety chains either an the pin locks by a spring which only holds the gates from spreading, doesn't slide behind the 5th wheel pin to lock it in place. I'm gonna take a guess and say something is worn out an op doesn't know it and it caused issues or wasn't fully locked in place.
|
|
|
12-30-2016, 08:11 AM
|
#19
|
Name: CorneliusRox
Title: Seasoned Rookie
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Detroit, MI
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 4,154
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by PRINCETON_JAKE
Huh, none of our fleet of semis ever had or came with safety chains and dot has never said anything
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ram12vcummins
I'd trust 5th wheel over gooseneck. Our semis see to do fine with the "forward and aft" only motion. No safety chains either an the pin locks by a spring which only holds the gates from spreading, doesn't slide behind the 5th wheel pin to lock it in place. I'm gonna take a guess and say something is worn out an op doesn't know it and it caused issues or wasn't fully locked in place.
|
X3, I used to work out of a Navistar/International Chassis Test Facility and we had fore-aft articulating plates and no safety chains. Maybe Class 5 to Class 8 are different than the light duty stuff? The only times we had failures were either with user error, worn parts, or in Alaska with frozen parts.
My experience with light duty 5th wheel towing is a single RV 5th wheel 20-30 times, so I'm sure they're different and i'm just not familiar enough with them.
Also, that Bed Saver is pretty sweet.
__________________
Corey - BSME '21 Tesla Model 3 Perf
'22 DMax AT4 2500
Last edited by CorneliusRox; 12-30-2016 at 08:13 AM.
|
|
|
12-30-2016, 08:32 AM
|
#20
|
Name: PSUCE
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Southwest PA
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 465
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Nixon
BTW, per DOT regs, ANY trailer is REQUIRED to manufactured with safety chains, 5th, wheel, gooseneck, tagger, pintle, ALL are supposed to have safety chains.
If they don't and DOT snags you, it sits until you put approved ones on it.
If a trailer manufacturer is "making you" move these with no safety chains, they are not in compliance and you should refuse the job.
Mark.
|
Is there somewhere that says this for ALL fifth wheel trailers? I have never heard of this, and have never seen a fifth wheel camper with safety chains, other than one with a gooseneck adapter.
Last edited by PSUCE; 12-30-2016 at 08:33 AM.
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:43 PM.
|