Need advice (20 questions)

[BFC]

Thank you, thanks you, thank you

Found the pigtail, found the plug and bought a brake controller. Thanks for educating my dumd a$$. Did I mention best 35$ I EVER spent(TDR). Don't even whant to think about the first downhill grade I would have hit



Rattlinram I owe you one,(my truck driver buddy that mentioned it last night already told me that I'm buying the beer this weekend!)



Thanx again,



Glenn

 

[merryman]

BFC

Gotta add one othe thing;

Try to be sure the cable to your break-a-way brake switch can't get hung up on anything in the bed of the truck.



Mine did once while I was turning around. Pulled the pin and---it stopped my while my truck was cross ways blocking one lane of a busy two lane highway. The trucks rear wheels were still in the gravel; suddenly I am sitting there with the rear wheels spinning and I am not moving---and traffic is bearing down on me. Its a real weird and not fun feeling. Some guys in front of the business I was leaving thought it real funny.



Vaughn

 

[MCampbell]

One thing I learned the hard way is make sure you have your brake controler properly adjusted. I was pulling a car hauler with a chevy 1/2 x-cab 4x4 and had to make a fairly hard stop for a unexpected traffic light. Shortly after hitting the brakes I discovered that I didn't have near enough resistence dialed in to the controller. Fortunately I was able to stop but it made me realize how critical the trailors brakes are for stopping. Hopefully someone else can give you advice on how to properly adjust the controller as I don't feel that I have enough experience to tell you how to correctly.

 

[Big K]

good advice

Lots of good info. here. I'll add a personal habit that I have gotten into. Everytime I stop, I feel all tires on the truck and trailer, and hubs on the trailer, for excess heat. This can be an indicator of a problem in the making. I'm mainly looking for one that may be different from the rest. Keep in mind that the trailer hubs may run from warm to mildly hot from the transfer of heat from the brakes. Over time, you'll come to learn how they should feel, depending upon how much brake you have used in stopping that particular time.

 

[Ron Bissett]

Keep it safe

Guess every one has seen the Pic of the white ford jack knifed down in Texas with the fifth wheel hitch still on the trailer pin . The thing is that the pins on the rails in the truck must have ben pulled or not put in to start with story said that they had just come from a local camp ground . So check the pins that hold down the hitch and the pins that keep the cross pivot (fore and aft} . I drilled holes in some pins two for the rails and two for the cross pivot and use pad locks and also the lock lever has a pad lock . The cord and plug should be cleaned and checked and a rubber band put around the plug and cover to insure it stays in place ,also make sure the brake a way works pull it and see if brakes on trailer work ,Caution make this test when the trailer cord is not attached to the truck as it could fry the controler , also check and adjust the controler . Carry only the water you will need on the road between stops saves $ Buy charmen toilet paper as it self destructs. Empty holding tanks before hitting the road and make sure the valves are closed and covers on tight . Read all the post on www.Irv2.com for first trip LOL Ron in Louisville KY

 

[CGoyette]

ok the must master driving (braking) move!

OK one more thing learn this before you need it



go to a parking lot (early in the morning) and master this



1st drive about 25 mph and slam the brakes feel what it takes to stop the rig. Now for the real trick



Learn to stomp the GAS with your foot and hand apply your trailer brake (reach down and slap the lever till the brakes apply)



WHY simple when your trailer gets sideways from a narrow miss of bambi you will know how to regain control of the beast!



again full throttle and hand brake the trailer that will straingten you out then let off the gas and gentle apply your truck brakes.



THIS MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE!



From one who has experienced near death due to the big rabbits with horns

Curt

 

[Bob Cochran]

Hitting the fuel peddle and hand applying trailer brakes also can help if trailer for some reason decide to race yoiu down a hill and winning the race. Doing this will put it in its place!!!!

 

[BFC]

Thanks for all the advice guys

Installed the brake contoller today, doest it hurt anything to leave it pluged in on a permanent basis? Or should I disconnect it when not in use?



Gracias,



Glenn

 

[Bob Cochran]

Glenn ~ I have had them on allot of different vehicles and never unplug. So from my experiance I say no problem leaving plugged in. Come to think of it I don't think I know anyone who does unplug it.

 

[MLee]

these guys are all right, but i have developed my own way of hooking up, and unhooking, just like putting on your clothes, just so i don't gooff up something when going, through these procedures, to go or set up, i'm so stonch, i tell those that want to help, to find some thing to do, "i've got it handled. " i didn't notice in all this help,- make sure you block your "trailer wheels" before you unhook. its not a good thing when your outfit goes for a free ride. i endorce trailer life mag. they have a webb site and list the stuff that you are asking. "ask questions" and then put it to use. but, there is alot of free advice out there, and alot of B. S.

you must be the judge.



happy motoring welcome to the RV scene

marv

 

[Bob Cochran]

Your right I don't know how many times I have forgot stuff because of people well meaning help. Some make a check list but I just make it a habit.