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Open Roads Forum  >  Travel Trailers

 > Is it okay to keep trailer hitched?

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SoFlaNewbie

Boca Raton, FL

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Posted: 05/04/12 07:21pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I tried to search this topic, but I was unsuccessful - so I apologize if this subject has been covered before. I plan to get a 13 foot CampLite/Livin' Lite travel trailer, but I don't have it yet, and I've never owned a travel trailer.

I was daydreaming about using my yet-to-be-purchased small travel trailer and I was wondering ... Is it okay to keep the travel trailer hitched to your trucked while you are at a campground over the weekend? In other words, if I don't plan to use my truck while I'm at the campground for a couple of days - is it okay to not unhitch it?

I know I most likely wouldn't be able to level it perfectly at the campsite, but if that doesn't bother me - is that a problem with something I'm not thinking about?

BTW - I think the tongue weight of the trailer I'm thinking about getting is about 180 lbs, and I have a 2002 Toyota Tundra - if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

anaro

Mebane, NC

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Posted: 05/04/12 07:25pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Lots of people leave their trailer hitched overnight (but you will want to unplug the umbilical so it doesn't put a drain on the TV battery). For a whole weekend, I would unhitch so you can level properly as being out of level can affect your fridge (doesn't work right out of level).


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KD4UPL

Swoope, VA

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Posted: 05/04/12 07:37pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

It's fine to leave it hitched.
Your trailer does need to be level so the refrigerator will work and so the sink and shower will drain properly.

beemerphile1

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Posted: 05/04/12 07:38pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Leave it hitched if you want. The RV needs to be mostly level to prevent damage to the refrigerator.


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chevor

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Posted: 05/04/12 07:40pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I cant believe the people who unhitch at Walmart. They must live there


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fla-gypsy

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Posted: 05/04/12 07:50pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Leave it hooked up and the level thing is way over rated. I have never had my refrig not work and I generally just do eyeball level.


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skipnchar

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Posted: 05/04/12 08:07pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Leveling is actually pretty important if you want your fridge to continue working for a long time. If you're level AND are reasonably sure you won't be using the truck there is no reason to unhitch. If the tow vehicle is a Dodge or GM product you DO need to disconnect the cable from the 7 pin however because the line is hot all the time and you can easily discharge the truck battery. Toyota and Ford isolate the truck from the trailer except when the key is turned on.


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Terryallan

Foothills NC

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Posted: 05/04/12 08:31pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

anaro wrote:

Lots of people leave their trailer hitched overnight (but you will want to unplug the umbilical so it doesn't put a drain on the TV battery). For a whole weekend, I would unhitch so you can level properly as being out of level can affect your fridge (doesn't work right out of level).


You do know, your Ford battery won't discharge while the truck is turned off. It sends no power to the trailer, when the switch is off.

I often leave mine hooked up over night.


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mockturtle

WA

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Posted: 05/04/12 09:19pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Yes. We never unhitched our TT traveling from WA to AZ or back again.


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jjjandrbaker

San Antonio, TX

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Posted: 05/04/12 09:19pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

SoFlaNewbie wrote:

Is it okay to keep the travel trailer hitched to your trucked while you are at a campground over the weekend?


This is a great question SoFlaNewbie. I have wondered the same thing. In the winter, when it is dark within an few hours of leaving work, I would like to be able to arrive at a park and just plug in for power, and wait until the next morning to do my unhitching, etc.

The refrigerator in my trailer cools down in under two hours. It can wait to come on the next morning. I usually don't buy my groceries until I am set up at the camp, if I bother with food. I like to rush from work straight to the storage lot and hit the road. Everything I need is in the trailer ready to go, including a supply of meal replacement bars, instant microwave meals, and plenty of bottle water.


Jim Baker
San Antonio, TX
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