I learned a Lesson

[Tim denkers]

I was through camping for the labor day weekend. Closed everything up and backed the truck up to the king pin and latched it in place. Some small kid came up and wanted to check out the rig, so I showed him a few things about the 3700RL and finished pulling chocks. Well got into the Truck and pulled off when I heard a LOUD CRUNCH!!!! The pin wasn't completely in and although it still locked it was not attached to the truck. Needless to say it was A VERY EXPENSIVE LESSON TO LEARN. The tail gate in buckled and the last foot of the bed rails are smashed. Felt like getting sick.
One suggestion to all is paint the latching mechanizm white so you can tell itis locked and properly secured.

Very Sad day!!!!!!! One good thing no damage to the Montana! good news.

[1retired06]

Aside from kids, that is why there is an unspoken RV tradition of oldtime rv'ers of not interfering with folks when they are doing their hitching and unhitching. We all have our routines, and interruptions that impact focus can be expensive. Sorry about your mishap.

[Tim denkers]

Yes, I agree I had a process and steps to be followed in the process and it was interupted however, very innocent. I will infact improve my process and apply some lean six sigma principles so it will no happen again.
Thanks for your thoughts

[DQDick]

If you remember the thread from last spring about bed savers and folks saying they didn't need them. Only takes once and whatever you paid for Butch's or Blue Ox was very well worth the money.

[richfaa]

we all can make mistakes and we all do.The bedsaver is what that kind of mistake is for.

[BB_TX]

quote:Originally posted by Tim denkers

...............
One suggestion to all is paint the latching mechanizm white so you can tell itis locked and properly secured.
.................

My Pullrite Super 5th hitch on my previous truck seemed as near foolproof as you could get. But the Reese Elite on my new truck is even better.
When you back into the hitch, the handle slams in (like the Super 5th) with a loud noise you can easily hear. The latch is the wrap around kind that encircles the king pin. The large lower part of the king pin pushes a metal tab at the front of the hitch that in turn pushes a silver colored "flag" out at the base of the handle that shows the king pin is properly seated to the front of the hitch. And only after that "flag" is showing can you put in the locking pin to secure the pull handle. The locking pin has a firm spring catch that must be released to pull the pin, so it can't fall or bounce out.
If you somehow got it high hitched, the flag would not appear and you could not get the locking pin in the handle.
Time will tell.

[BusyCarol]

Oh Tim_Denkers I just wanted to cry when I read your post! We haven't had any damage (yet?) but definitely moments when we wished we could just take back the last 20 minutes and get her done correctly!

Maybe it is a sign that it is time for a new truck!

[Rondo]

Tim, Bill, Carol and Keith-- All is well UNTIL that big thing comes down on the bed of your truck and tailgate! As Dick stated that is why we have the Blue Ox Bedsaver and Butch's Bedsaver. They are totally two different designs and two different prices. I've had the Blue Ox model now for three plus years and so far have not had the "drop problem" (knock on wood)!
Bill-- I've seen the new Reese hitch and it sure looks foolproof but I will never say never. Like Tim there is always the first time when someone distracts you and down it will go!
If you come to the Fall Rally in Goshen, Blue Ox will be there and giving a discount on their model and will even install it for FREE!

[Montana3800RE]

Ouch , sorry that happened, but I bet it never happens again. So far for us so good, but you never know what will happen someday. I alway's do a walk around double checking everything. but I do know how easialy you can get distracted by something. We keep our montana in a building at our place and have an extra shore cord plugged in to it and keep another one on the truck and I alway's worry someday I am going to forget to unplug the darn thing before pulling it out. Ron

[Flymutt]

Tim, A black belt in Six Sigma can do no better than one having a complete and accurate checklist and an unbroken routine IMHO Of course, I once left the drain plug out of my boat but that only happened ONCE. Experience is a cruel teacher...sorry to hear about your accident.

[seahunter]

So sorry to hear about that happening Tim. Appreciate you sharing as a reminder to us all.

[Bill-N-Donna]

I learned the hard way too but fortunately for us it did minimal damage. Nothing had to be repaired. I bought a bed saver after that incident and haven’t been sorry. Even if I don’t have a problem and need it, it’s a good feeling knowing that extra catch is back there while going down the road.

[HamRad]

Tim,
So sorry to hear of the mishap and want to thank you for sharing. Good luck and maybe it is time for a new truck. Dennis

[Hooker]

Old aviator habit, if you get interrupted in the middle of the check list, go back to the beginning and start again.

[Neil.M]

Thanks for sharing your story. I know it must be hard to even talk about it much less type it out. But what a great lesson to share with us newbees. Sorry it happened but thanks for the lesson.