Learn From My Mistakes! Common Issues When Hauling a Travel Trailer with a Truck & How to Avoid Them

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In this video we discuss some of the mistakes we've made while towing our fifth wheel travel trailer to try andake sure you don't have those issues.
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[@jasonsamborski6963]

Not a towing problem, but the dumbest thing I've done with a trailer is lend it out.

[@johnvonvader7059]

That goes for almost anything unfortunately. No one treats your stuff as well as you.

[@BG-vq9fd]

I drove to the first stop light from my house and had a 24 foot big block powered boat jump off the ball. No damage but my pride. No way I was picking that tongue up by myself. I walked less than a city block to get my floor jack. You can bet I will be absolutely sure my trailer is all the way down on the ball.

[@markhavelka4924]

I know a family that were on their way to the lake one day and saw their boat & trailer pass them on the shoulder before it crashed into a telephone pole. They were rodeo people and farmers, so the dad was experienced with trailers.

[@mminniear984]

One of my favorite memes is “I’m sorry what I said while we were hooking up the camper” 😂 soooo many arguments have happened during that time. Makes for a quiet ride for a while though 😅

[@slmjake]

Excellent video sir. Pilots use a checklist for a reason

[@greyhawk5990]

We were up fishing in BC a few years ago. I launched my boat at the ramp and headed back to the lodge to stow the trailer. I found a nice grassy area, but I didn’t realize it had a slight slope that ended in a 12-foot drop-off into the neighbor's backyard. I got distracted unhooking the trailer and did not see it moving slowly away from the truck. Well, it didn’t go over the edge, but I came close to breaking a leg trying to stop the accelerating roll. 😮 Lesson learned: There is no need to rush through everything when tired or distracted. I convinced myself that everything needed to be done ASAP to get ready for the next day’s fishing. 🙄 Liked & Subscribed!

[@danoneil3438]

Before GPS, took a 30' Travel Trailer up a winding road at Mount Rushmore, SD. During Sturgis Bike Week. Got to the top of the road where there is a one lane tunnel with a height restriction lower than the camper height. No place to turn around. Stopped and trying to figure out what to do as hundreds of motor cycles piled up on either side of the tunnel. So, I decided that we were going to try to squeeze through the tunnel, probably loose the A.C. unit off the roof, and the awning off the side of the camper. There was barely enough room on the sides to make it through, and there was a notch in the top of the tunnel that JUST barely allowed the A.C. to slide through. Got off the mountain and dropped the camper and changed my shorts before venturing back out.

[@Wecouldusemorethinking]

Pulled my 5th wheel trailer out of storage, storage lot spots were angled at 45 degrees left, and didn’t leave a whole of room between rows. Pulling out I was so concerned about cutting too close to my left, that I forgot about the rear swing on the right. Hit an old man’s beautiful motorhome on the front because of the rear swing on the right. Fortunately insurance took care of everything but top 5 dumbest moments for me

[@davesauerzopf6980]

You are 100% correct about making sure you Dot the i and Cross the t when it comes to hooking up and making sure everything is correct. Spent 40 years dealing with tractor trailers and if you take short cuts you will get burned. A checklist would be the way to go. So sad to see the damage on the new truck.

[@charlestaylor8832]

Really, foot tall block under the landing gear. What were you thinking. A pad yes, blocks no. Even on stabilizers or levelers they should only have a pad. Unless, they don’t reach and even then you might want to rethink your trailer placement. Sorry to be critical, but it is worth pointing out.

[@mkennisebc]

Love your honesty and humility.

[@VineV-Dutch]

Repair the left rear panel damage. Truck is worth it, film it, let us know the costs and how it goes. And when trading in the truck: you'll get the money back.

[@davefisher6968]

Always make sure all windows are locked, had to pull over on an extremely busy freeway to lock the window(emergency exit one that opens up) before it flew off in a million pieces

[@leanbillydean]

Awesome honest review

[@JamesHolland-mo7ct]

Howard excellent points. It's happened to me hooking up by myself and having to jump up on a concrete slab just before contacting the FW pin. Thankfully the B&W companion jaws locked the pin as soon as I hit it, as I pushed the FW off the plastic blocks. Note to self - I had also only blocked the front area of the tires as the site slanted forward and I saw no need to block the back of the tires. I block both tire sides now regardless of the angel the pad maybe showing.

[@atvseatexchange2176]

Great job Howard.

[@enjoylife7030]

If you have time make sure to inspect the frame on that Grand Design trailer. Apparently they are having issues with the frames they get from Lippert. Most issues are not with the welds but with the steel itself. You can find some videos of the situation on youtube of course.

[@rustydusty1111]

It's with toyhaulers primarily.

[@tactical_potato81]

Pretty solid information man and it's also pretty good that you can admit any kind of faults along the way. Good video man

[@TruckKing]

Appreciate it!

[@geraldallen9379]

Thanks for sharing Howard! You know I almost did something like that and it didn't even cross my mind the trailer could have dropped on the truck with the legs down. I don't hold the brakes when I hitch, but I'll try to remember now.

[@JohnSmith-ev1sm]

I've come close to losing my trailer off the ball before, drove out with the latch up and the locking pin on top of my bumper. Of course I was in a hurry and rushing, as you said, familiar story!

[@nevv8581]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience. You may have helped someone experience less pain. Love the new truck by the way.

[@fritty9927]

😄😄😄. I’m just a little older than you but went the other direction. I got the big truck and camper to start and have downsized both dramatically. Down to 15 ft. 1800 pound camper and mid size pickup. I too hauled trailers my whole life and your spot on about things will eventually happen. Cheers buddy.

[@erniearruda8861]

Howard well said. It’s all part of the course of hauling and towing a big rig. I think a lot of people make the mistake of of not knowing and educating them selves on physics and geometry on this stuff and they get themselves in trouble when something happens. And the dent in the truck ,just look at it as a battle wound

[@mminniear984]

My step dad did the same thing to his brand new 2500 ram. Forgot to pin it and bam. New truck bed. lol. It was the second time he towed his 5th wheel with the truck. And it was only 5 mos old

[@TramaineleDay5655]

Just yesterday I forgot to flip from my 2" ball to my 2 5/16" ball and when backing my zero turn off the trailer popped up. Thankfully it's a heavy trailer and on grass. Crazy thing is I was driving on cappy Louisiana roads, and it never came off ball. 🙏🏽

[@icare7151]

Very well stated! New video: “How I fixed the dent.”

[@manuelguzmanjr6622]

Thank you so much for sharing this video! I live in San Antonio, if you ever passing through I'd like to see your truck and rv. I have a 35 ft rv also and I tow it with a 2018 3500 Ram. I mentioned to you before. Really good tips you sharing, thanks a bunch.!

[@jacqueshonore9608]

As a native Louisiana resident whose been following you guys for years… hope you enjoyed your time down here outside of the “hiccup”. Looks like you guys were at Sun Outdoors (Reunion Lake)?

[@TruckKing]

Yes indeed - enjoyed Hammond.

[@rustydusty1111]

Your hitch is not high enough. May also need to flip your trailer axles if it's sitting on a bad angle after raising the hitch.

[@dsmith2601]

Out here in BC just asking for trouble if you regularly tow more than 75% of max … no margin for error/miscalculation, grade and elevation in mountains, slippery boat launch, poor traction, etc, etc unnecessary risk to other motorists and yourself/family imho.

[@J_T_1]

Thanks for sharing. Great video that demonstrates the need for diligence even when you don't think you need it.

[@ramguy3685]

It’s a hard lesson, but this is why I won’t use blocks and or anything under my front jacks.

[@dannykrauskopf7404]

Bummer. I seen more mistakes done in the Military with backing up trailers. Very informative and educational episode! 😁

[@VineV-Dutch]

Completely empty parking lot, backed up in high reverse gear, full throttle, just before I wanted to brake, BAM! 🤯 Hit the only 12 light lightpost/lantern in the death smack middle of the parking lot. Pole went down, all lights broke, some spanking... They appreciated me writing a note to them (it was after hours) and after months of no lights, the lightpost I hit; was only 1 week old because of backorder. 🤦🏻 Oepsie.... By the way: don't hit lanterns, they are expensive as caviar... And no: no back up camera in those days.

[@gregferris9378]

Thank you for such honest reviews. Hopefully your mistakes keep us from making the same ones

[@TruckKing]

I hope so too!

[@dmc9791]

thats a nice pickup!

[@danmoore4795]

Thanks for your honest review. My dumbest mistake is not taking into consideration the angle of the truck with tailgate down while hooking up. Normally I have a couple inches from tailgate to front of fifthwheel body when backing in to hitch. Is particular time due to tight exit route I backed in slightly crooked to give me a slight advantage upon exiting. While I forgot the corner of tailgate extends further back when off straight. Ended up with that corner 2 inches into my storage compartment door before the fifthwheel latched. Had to straighten out truck anyway for proper latching. Didn’t damage the tailgate only the storage door. Of course the campground neighbors all so it happen.

[@vicpetrishak7705]

Item # 6 , set the tailgate down when uncoupling and pulling the truck away , one will only forget this one time !

[@tigerjeebs5048]

Oh man, that bed damage. I'd buy a whole new box. Lol

[@stevecrossland3681]

I remember way back in the day when I didn't set the parking brake on my tractor and the front end loader bucket rolled right into the front end of my dump truck big dent. Then I had to use the backhoe to pull the dent back out of the front end so the hood would close again...lol

[@lawdog516]

Thanks for your transparency

[@TruckKing]

Always!

[@djfitzgerald2193]

Good video keep the good work , but it highlights the reason why airplane pilots have a check list before every take off so they don't forget something

[@1tylerproud]

I'd love to see you test a dually pickup truck with that camper trailer and see what the difference is by adding the Dual rear axle

[@bobconner422]

Difference is 2 more tires to buy can't rotate front tire to the back and can't park it at the grocery store 😮

[@electricamish]

Very much the same setup, backing under the pin, trailer was slightly low, but plate was already under the pinbox, so I pushed, ....and pushed the trailer off the blocks it was on, which we normally are not on. Outcome was much better however, and we had the clearance to not contact anything. Since then I have purchased the level blocks , like the beech lane units, and will use them instead of the lego's, at least they cradle, and block the wheel so less chance of this happening again. Oh, and on the other side, don't forget the tug test to keep this from happening after you connect.

[@elizabethpayette9115]

Big trucks have spring brakes, the brakes don’t release until you supply air to the trailer.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

And at least one drive axle group on the tractor!

[@kipb2078]

You were shaking hands with danger

[@JeepCherokeeful]

8ft beds are awesome!

[@josephlau8476]

I like your channel very much.

[@TruckKing]

Glad to hear that

[@floydoharejr4477]

Semi trucks and trailers have springs in the brake chambers that provide parking brakes. Air pressure is required to release them. If the brakes are in proper condition you’re not likely going to push or pull it without dragging all of the brake axles. All other trailers should be chocked at all times. Thanks 😊

[@flamarlamb]

Great video! I needed the reminder and tips. I just didn’t know it until I watched this. Thanks for sharing!!

[@TruckKing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@northerntoyota7584]

PDR (paint less dent repair) guy will fix that so you’ll never know it happened. Maintain factory paint. Used them many times over the years.

[@jamesoldman3021]

My brother owned a trucking company and I started driving semi when I was 13. This was back in the 50's and being a small kid it seemed like a good idea to use blocks for the landing gear. Didn't have to crank as far. Biggest mistake I ever made got screamed at for what seemed like hours. Point of this long verbal diarrhoea post. Never use blocks. People have been seriously hurt when the trailer falls off the blocks. On soft ground use a plank or on ice a piece of carpet. But never blocks.

[@bradh7472]

OH NO! I'm sure there was some words spewed out you normally don't say. LOL YIKES

[@iana36s]

What’s your take on the Grand Design quality issues?

[@jaderhuff81]

Don’t pull away from a gooseneck with your tailgate up🤦🏻‍♂️

[@kerryrwac]

I see that the old Dodge is still hanging around.

[@mikebowes1275]

Have u had any problems with the 5 th wheeler frame etc .I see few videos with problems with them .I'm from New Zealand we get a few US made ones here mostly Australian and Englis h ones a lot smaller .Australian ones on heavy steel chassis

[@TruckKing]

I have not.

[@2151abell]

An HONEST man.... HOW REFRESHING in this day & age !!

[@diesel6916]

talking dumb, I unhooked my 5th wheel and drove out without lowering my tailgate. Know I have V shaded tailgate

[@stevenrogers2457]

They say we all learn from our mistakes.....I must be a genius

[@melodygrandinetti5016]

That's why we live our andersen hitch.

[@flyovercounty1427]

Ah yes the old Pay and Learn Method. 5th wheel coupled semi trailers of all shapes and sizes have a number of ways of rewarding lazy uncoupling habits and shortcuts.

[@DH-hp7nv]

How far south in Louisiana you went? If you didn’t make it south to I-10, you wadn’t in Louisiana lol

[@charlesb4267]

I've only been in Louisiana once and was going into New Orleans, the french quarter, crossed the river in the paddle boat etc by foot, and then carried on west on 10 to Texas. So I gather that makes it official I was in Louisiana ?

[@jamesglenn520]

Wheel Chocks would have prevented this. And commercial trailer brakes are locked solid without air hooked up. Air releases the brakes it doesn't activate them.

[@scottmercer4455]

I did the same thing with my montana dropped it on my bed of my 2016 Ram 2500

[@RonnN-gf8tm]

I would say damage is bound to happen at some point.I've seen couple trucks damage this way.. nobody's fault really.. I blame the hobby itself..its a great hobby travelling. But trucks get bit by trailers..trailers get damaged..id say it just comes with the hobby of traveling.. I call it..defect by hobby.. nobody's fault

[@marcoslopo7139]

There are people here in Brazil that can fix this without painting anything!!!

[@marcoslopo7139]

Believe me or not!! They are masters!!

[@tdub25]

Can we get the dash cam video of the misses dropping the trailer on the bed…… please

[@chrisharris9115]

So Friend A asked me to help her get her car that wasn’t working from her sister’s house to her’s. I borrowed Friend B’s bumper pull car trailer and Friend B’s husband helped hook it up. I didn’t double check what he did. I went and picked up Friend A and drove about 25 miles with the trailer to get her car. As soon as we got the car winched onto the dovetail we found out the hitched wasn’t latched. Thankfully the safety chains caught it on my hitch. We had to eventually back the car off to get the trailer back onto the ball. Now I always lower the trailer on the ball and extend the landing gear back up to make sure it latched.

[@chrisharris9115]

Now the good part of towing. My older sister is a RN and I’m a class A truck driver. She told me she was going to take her husband’s 2001 F-350 crew cab long bed and her father in-law’s 24’ car trailer to Kansas City one day to pick up kid’s furniture. I asked when she last towed. She told me not to worry about it. That she’d be fine. I’m all for woman power and anyone towing a trailer. I just didn’t think the Kansas City metro area would be an ideal place to knock off 20 plus years of towing rust especially since she had to drive by my house to get there. She stopped by my house and it was a good thing she did cause I had a tough time backing into the tight place she was going. She would’ve put the truck and surrounding people and their property in danger if she went without me.

[@rhod8201]

Where in Louisiana did you camp?

[@TruckKing]

Near Hammond.

[@rhod8201]

@@TruckKing cool. I live not far from Hammond 👍🏻

[@mveevers1350]

Trailering with our spouse is a form of Marriage counselling! Left I said Right. Oh the other way 🤦‍♂️

[@HayCO33]

If that would of been an alumna can ford it would of crushed to the ground😮

[@volvo09]

I wouldn't even bother fixing that dent. It's very minor.

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

👏👏

[@barneyrubble4563]

The first "boo boo" you do is the worst. If there's another one, it won't sting so bad.

[@auldschool]

You may have many years of expertise with rvs, but you don't know how tractor trailer brakes work.

[@SuperSnakePlissken]

Your mistake was putting your wife behind the wheel. Trust me....I've made that same mistake too. Something always goes wrong. 🤓

[@Thankyou_3]

🤦🏻‍♂️ why would get your wife to drive? Don’t you think that is mistake #1. You are the car guy! Would your wife ask you to bake a cake for thanksgiving? Wouldn’t it be cheaper to rent a truck and rent an RV instead of owning them with all these accidents?

[@Wellh0wrya]

Never let a women behind the wheel of ur new vehicle

[@VineV-Dutch]

🤦🏻 well: you set it off now... Ladies, how 'bout it?? 😜

[@Wellh0wrya]

Shouldn’t be allowed to vote either, too emotional

[@Wellh0wrya]

@@VineV-Dutchchange my mind

[@stevehoward3981]

Said the single guy

[@ranig2848]

Too many videos of do as I say not as I do. 🤦‍♂ You keep telling people to get a big enough truck, hook things up... but overload your trucks, don't hook up safely. That dent could have ended much worse - hurt you or your wife - or even worse, hurt/kill someone else. You're lucy it's only a dent. Also, blaming your wife for your mistake is not cool. At all. Better clean up and start listening to yourself.

[@AussieDazza]

Please dont call your RAM a Dodge, it is common knowledge that Dodge and RAM split into seperate brands way back in 2010 and they actual production for the HD ‘s is in Saltillo which was technically a FCA plant now Stellantis plant. Zero to do with Dodge.

[@2003evodave]

Biggest mistake,,,ya bought a chebby. As for your lame excuses about the smash. No one in their right mind uses such tall and narrow chunks of wood for blocking up a RV especially when on level ground.

[@lombasto]

Ooooh daaaayum

[@nathanbeaner928]

Us down here don’t know the metric system so when ya say 400 meters maybe on the screen put the feet or just say it :)

[@VineV-Dutch]

Or: learn to adapt to the rest of the world as American. You're not the centre of the universe anymore. Canada, Australia, Europe, Africa, South America , everybody is metric. No foot, feet, pounds, quarters, gallons. It's all liters, kilograms, centimeters, meters, kilometers. No stupid SAE with 5/8, 1/4, 1/2. Just 10mm socket, same for Australia, Japan, Europe, Africa, South America, Asia. So, I think the one who needs to change... Is the US of A. But hey, with an elderly candidate for president and another who is an orange criminal who interfered with the votes calling the boss of elections in Carolina (or was it Virginia?) and who can't handle his loses like a 4 year old toddler, and who can't handle his own administration correctly, we'll give you some time to focus on that first. Man o man; an orange criminal and an other who forgets what he wanted to say... No easy vote this time. Because Trump will fuck you up deliberately, and Biden wil do so without even knowing it.😅

[@udisivilya6474]

about 1300 feet