Being "hitched up" for three days

[TboneMan]

This is probably a stupid question, but, can I cause any damage to my truck, hitch, or trailer if I am hooked up for three days? Or should I crank down on overnights to relieve the stress?



Particulars:



Trailer weight 5700#

Reese 10,000 # hitch with dual cam anti sway

Reese 1,200# Wt Dist. Bars



Tongue wt. 650#

 

[msimmons]

Stay hooked up, you won't hurt a thing!



Mike

 

[Dieselnerd]

I leave my fiver hitched for a week or more when traveling and also leave my pickup camper in the bed most of the summer. Doesn't hurt a thing. My camper is a lot heavier than the weight you are applying to your hitch so don't be concerned.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

lots of hot shotters stay hitched up for three years or more!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

When sitting hitched up overnite or longer, we always drop the support legs to raise the hitch somewhat and provide stability we would want anyway inside the 5er... For that matter, I don't like leaving the rear of my truck heavily loaded with ANYTHING for significant periods of time - it's bound to be better for springs and suspension components to minimize extended periods of heavy loading. But then, we keep our vehicles longer than most, so tend to be more sensitive to long term issues and potential problems that don't particularly concern folks who trade every few years...

 

[TboneMan]

Thanks guys.



My wife still wonders why I ask these questions online!



I've got to tow about 1,300 miles tomorrow and Wednesday. My plan was to keep the beast hood up. It looks like I'm "ok" with that plan.



I hope I don't need to contact any of you for the next two weeks (vacation). BUT I will have my TDR companion book just in case.



Happy trails!!





BTW. This is my first 1,300 mile tow. I'm at 97,000 mile on a 2001. I have change every fuid and belts, brakes, bought new tires, been over the CAT scales twice with this load, added a 4" exhaust, and planned my fuel stops down to the mile.



Thanks TDR. You're the greatest!



Mark





BTW, my travel will take me from Syracuse to Tampa (area) Floriada.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

JEEZE - have a great trip - but I sure DON'T envy you in Florida THIS time of year!

 

[Radshooter]

Hey... . he could be heading to Yuma. We are supposed to be 110+ all week:{

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

T'aint the heat - it's the HUMIDITY!

 

[Briman]

It's a dry heat... kind of like a kiln.

 

[rblomquist]

Originally posted by Gary - KJ6Q

When sitting hitched up overnite or longer, we always drop the support legs to raise the hitch somewhat and provide stability we would want anyway inside the 5er... For that matter, I don't like leaving the rear of my truck heavily loaded with ANYTHING for significant periods of time - it's bound to be better for springs and suspension components to minimize extended periods of heavy loading. But then, we keep our vehicles longer than most, so tend to be more sensitive to long term issues and potential problems that don't particularly concern folks who trade every few years...

Same here, it certainly can't help the truck any.