careyjs wrote: Anyone have any stories to share of problems they have had, experiences, minor break downs, etc.. I have run across a few and had a chuckle here and there, also a few things I have seen to watch out for.
Anything and everything can happen, at any time. Kinda like Murphy's law. That's the best thing about reading this forum. You'll see how a lot of people get into trouble and many possible recommendations. Take advantage of all the experience here.
While most every problem has been discussed somewhere, there are always new problems that creep up over time. Many caused by operator error. You simply cannot avoid all the things that can happen. All you can do is get as much info to prepare ahead of time. And be careful at all times.
But most things occur when hitching/unhitching, turning/backing, not maintaining systems correctly, faulty equipment (Overloaded truck/trailer, Trailer tires), etc. Always do a walk around when hitching up. To make sure all hoses/electric cords are stowed, stairs are up, assist handle is closed over the door, slides are closed, all hatches are latched and locked. Do the same check inside to make sure everything is stowed securely. Look out for low hanging branches, etc.
Even doing all of that something else will getcha. Usually late at night in torrential rains, when you are most tired, and don't have time for any of that.
Congrats on your new 5er, and enjoy the experience.
2006 F350 V10 4X4 SC SB SRW 4.30 22,500 GCWR
Keystone Sprinter 33'9" 12,500 GVWR
Pullrite Super Glide 18K
Super Duty, Super Cab, SuperGlide
I have two stories to relate and neither one was funny at the time.
During the PDI for our new 5er the tech at the dealership filled all of the tanks with water to test for leaks. When we were getting ready to leave he remembered he hadn't drained them so he pulled the handles and drained them in the parking lot. What I didn't know was that he didn't close the valves when he was done. We went ahead and used the trailer and when I removed the cap to hook up the septic hose I had a very unpleasant surprise waiting for me.
Also, we went straight from the dealership to my SIL's house. I stopped on the road and started backing into his driveway. Everything was going just fine until the trailer refused to move. I couldn't go backwards or forwards. Meanwhile, I'm blocking both lanes of traffic and several cars are now sitting there waiting for me. I finally realized the tech at the dealership had hooked the breakaway cable to the front of the hitch, so when I cut the wheels hard to back into the driveway it pulled the pin out of the breakaway switch and locked up the trailer brakes.
Now that I look back on it it still isn't all that funny.
I used to put my emergency pull break cable thing around my 5er pin when in storage. Then one day I hooked up to it and forgot pull the cable off the pin. After I got everything done and went to put the cable on the hitch handel I noticed where it was. Had to unhook everything and pull the truck forward. My cable happened to be cut in half. Didn't take much to fix but was a big PITA having to unhook and rehook just because I was stupid.
2005 2500CTD Quad Cab
2000 Prowler 325ls
2 honda 2000's If it dosen't fit force it, if it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway
Before your first trip, find a few places to dump your tanks when you get home. I dry camp all the time so I have to dump when back in town. I always use the same place but I know of others just in case. Most of the Giant Gas Stations here have free dump areas and water access. Make sure you have your own hose.
Pay close attention when pulling in to the dump station. My very first trip went off without a hitch, until I went to dump that is. I was not paying attention and went over a curb and struck a light pole next to the dump station. Tore a hole in the left front skirting all the way back to the slide and damaged the molding on the slide. I was just thankful it didnt get the fiberglass side. Over $900 to fix. If your not sure if you can park somewhere safely, or pull in, get out and look. And ALWAYS have a spotter.....
DW was ill so I told her not to bother watching as I pulled out of storage. The rear of the trailer caught the pole holding up the cover. Did some damage that I can repair myself but would be costly at a shop.
Watch the bedroom slide. Hit my head rather hard before we left on our first trip. We hooked up and everything was good. Started to pull away and a man started to yell. I guess I forgot to put up the one leg when getting ready to leave. Nice spark show and it got a bit hot, but no damage other then to my head and ego.
1998 Dodge 3500 dually turbo.
1999 Nu Wa Snowbird Legend 31 + 2 RLTGBW
1998 12' Porta-Bote with 5HP Nissan and Electric motors
2 X Honda 2000EU
Years and years of experience to gain!!!
rltorpey wrote: ...What I didn't know was that he didn't close the valves when he was done. We went ahead and used the trailer and when I removed the cap to hook up the septic hose I had a very unpleasant surprise waiting for me.
...I finally realized the tech at the dealership had hooked the breakaway cable to the front of the hitch, so when I cut the wheels hard to back into the driveway it pulled the pin out of the breakaway switch and locked up the trailer brakes.
Now that I look back on it it still isn't all that funny.
I disagree. Simple issues, nothing was damaged, no one got hurt, and one issue involved black water. I say it is funny.
On the other hand, be careful when you are in the storage area in the front under the master bed room / king pin. Dont stand up too quickly when you are under there.
rltorpey wrote: ...What I didn't know was that he didn't close the valves when he was done. We went ahead and used the trailer and when I removed the cap to hook up the septic hose I had a very unpleasant surprise waiting for me.
...I finally realized the tech at the dealership had hooked the breakaway cable to the front of the hitch, so when I cut the wheels hard to back into the driveway it pulled the pin out of the breakaway switch and locked up the trailer brakes.
Now that I look back on it it still isn't all that funny.
I disagree. Simple issues, nothing was damaged, no one got hurt, and one issue involved black water. I say it is funny.
On the other hand, be careful when you are in the storage area in the front under the master bed room / king pin. Dont stand up too quickly when you are under there.
That wasnt funny. Someone got hurt.
OK, I agree. Maybe it was funny. Now lets do it with your trailer.
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