Towing 5.0 vs Trailer

[iamunique127]

Originally Posted by occer

Not only do I get out of the truck several times, I stop after pulling away a few blocks and check everything again.

... and again further down the road to check the hubs, do a walk around. Then again when I need a pee in another 100km, ad nauseum.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by occer

... I have CDO. It's like OCD but the letters are arranged alphabetically, like they should be.

That's priceless, it's gonna get repeated , thanks for the belly-laugh!

[MoreQuestionsThanAnswers]

Originally Posted by Centex

In fairness / full disclosure the OP should be aware that depending on truck dimensions and / or angle of approach, when hitching it may be necessary to 'stop' when the pinbox is part-way into the bed and raise the tailgate lest the tailgate conflict with the front of the 5.0, then proceed to back the rest of the way to connect with the hitch (and the same in reverse sequence when un-hitching).

Some trucks offer clearance to avoid that 'mid-way stop' to close / open the tailgate when aligned perfectly straight, but some (many ?) do not. Some trucks offer a powered open and close tailgate, some do not (I don't believe that the Tundra offers tailgate power-close).

While it's 'easy' I just don't want to leave the impression that the hitching / unhitching the 5.0 is 'too' easy and carefree - one must be very attentive to tailgate clearance issues, and absent a partner to operate the tailgate at critical junctures it may be necessary to 'leave the cab' multiple times in the process.

Thanks Centex. That is absolutely understood

[emers382]

Originally Posted by iamunique127

I agree.

Although I imagine Adrian was speaking hypothetically,I couldn't imagine not getting out to check multiple times during the hitching/unhitching process, even with an assistant. I want to know for myself that everything is aligned properly, the pinbox is the proper height, the hitch is closed properly, the lock bar is across and engaged, etc., etc.

The last thing I want to do is damage the truck or trailer. There are many posts on the forum about hitching procedure checklists and they are invaluable. I have yet to read one that says you stay in the truck.

Yes Lyle guess you could say it's hypothetical The number of times I've actually done what I described in not having to get out is likely one or two. Alan is correct in saying that in order to fully lock into a standard fifth wheel hitch before raising the tailgate you must be pretty well dead on straight to the trailer. I have had a few times the tailgate up tight to the mostly vertical frame under the loft, had to get back in, move forward, before closing tailgate. The number of times I actually have the kingpin at the correct height the first time is limited as well.

My B&W Patriot has a very positive locking system, when the handle moves into the locked position I can easily see that, not from the driver's seat mind you, but once I step out it's easy, just climb up one step on our very handy two step aluminium ladder we always carry (handy to clean the loft windows too!) and insert the breakaway cable and locking pin together.

[Perry Butler]

Once Terry made me a ball cozy I could hit the Anderson ball the first time every time. 5.0TA Ball Cozy to Help Backup to the Andersen Ball

Enjoy,

Perry

[MrLynn]

Originally Posted by Perry Butler

Once Terry made me a ball cozy I could hit the Anderson ball the first time every time. 5.0TA Ball Cozy to Help Backup to the Andersen Ball

I missed that thread, but have to wonder: don't you grease the ball?

[sofmerc]

Originally Posted by Perry Butler

Once Terry made me a ball cozy I could hit the Anderson ball the first time every time. 5.0TA Ball Cozy to Help Backup to the Andersen Ball

Enjoy,

Perry

I have something similar...but the ghetto fabulous version... a piece of pvc pipe with 4 slits that I slide over the ball...its taller than needed, just haven't cut it down yet.. its about an 18" piece I had in my shed that works...And I can't knit....lol

[Perry Butler]

Originally Posted by MrLynn

I missed that thread, but have to wonder: don't you grease the ball?

You don't have to grease the ball on the Andersen 5th wheel hitch. It's a red, plastic receiver. OTOH, aside from a few times in the early 90's, I've never greased a ball since. Never! Now I use the Andersen greaseless ball. I hate grease and it's overrated on a camper ball. Have you ever seen how much dust and dirt are attracted to that grease, allowing it to accumulate and slowly destroy the hitch anyway. I prefer clean.

Enjoy,

Perry

[Centex]

My rig barely clears the tailgate when perfectly straight, too close for my comfort. Being a solo traveler (no trusted 'spotter') I always raise the tailgate mid-way when hitching (and vice-versa when unhitching).

Fortunately, the 'bed-view' cam on the F150 makes assured hitch alignment / clearance-checking much easier, and the power open/close tailgate helps reduce the 'leave the cab' steps in the process.

Slow and easy is my mantra during all of this

[BritCanuck]

Originally Posted by MrLynn

I missed that thread, but have to wonder: don't you grease the ball?

No, if you read the Anderson manual it mentions several times in large text that you do not need to grease the ball!

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by Centex

That's priceless, it's gonna get repeated , thanks for the belly-laugh!

I saw that on a T-shirt in a Halifax, NS, store a few years back. I wish I had purchased it. And another one I passed up in Helen, GA that read “ I have ADD. Attention defi - hey look, a butterfly.”

Anyway, I never lower my tailgate to hook up my 5.0 because I found it to be a PITA. My solution:

[Ian and Sue]

Originally Posted by Perry Butler

Once Terry made me a ball cozy I could hit the Anderson ball the first time every time. 5.0TA Ball Cozy to Help Backup to the Andersen Ball

Enjoy,

Perry

Similar idea but I use this kit. https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Magneti...iABEgKhWvD_BwE

[iamunique127]

I can't see the fifth wheel hitch head over the rolled up tonneau cover on our truck so the guy who gave us our orientation at ETI sat a water bottle on top of our hitch plate to mark the centre of it, making it easy to aim for the pin when hitching up. I guess my hitch head has loosened up over the years because, with the movement of backing up it won't sit flat and hold a bottle anymore.

We have a conventional Reese hitch and I use this magnetic pick up tool on the plate just forward of the hole: https://www.princessauto.com/en/15-l...t/PA0009018656 When the hitch pin goes into the hole, the tool is pushed forward, out of the way. It's bright, inexpensive, the magnet is strong and the head doesn't have to be level for it to work. Plus, it stores on the inside wall of the pin box, ready for next time.