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Post by bob52 on May 7, 2018 12:20:21 GMT -5
Hello All, as we get closer to our State to state move.]. I keep coming up with questions I never thought to ask. So, can you keep the truck connected and still put the slides out without the legs, or putting the legs down without the need to disconnect the 5th wheel hitch. I never ever gave it a thought but was wondering if it is advised and what might be the considerations when doing this. I do know in this situation to not use the auto level system. Not sure in the front compartment where the level controller is if I can lower each set of legs independently. maybe on the indoor panel. Not sure.
Thanks
Bob
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Post by RdRmr on May 7, 2018 14:36:05 GMT -5
Bob,
We have done this a few times. The one thing I do is unplug from the tow vehicle just to make sure I don't drain its batteries. Only put out one slide (bedroom) and no landing gear or auto level. You will get a bit of wobble but no big deal, after all you're just going to get some sack time. Works for a nights stop over. I try and pull over to the side of the lot to stay out of everyone's way. Biggest thing is remembering to plug the cord back in to the truck. Haven't had any issues. Be safe. Happy Campin....
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Post by bob52 on May 7, 2018 14:41:52 GMT -5
Bob, We have done this a few times. The one thing I do is unplug from the tow vehicle just to make sure I don't drain its batteries. Only put out one slide (bedroom) and no landing gear or auto level. You will get a bit of wobble but no big deal, after all you're just going to get some sack time. Works for a nights stop over. I try and pull over to the side of the lot to stay out of everyone's way. Biggest thing is remembering to plug the cord back in to the truck. Haven't had any issues. Be safe. Happy Campin.... Thanks Bud! We got 2 big dogs that do not fit in the bedroom, so I will have to get the living room slides out. Bob |
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Post by johnr on May 7, 2018 15:12:13 GMT -5
x2 on RdRmr... definitely don't use auto level because that camper could pick up your truck and cause damage to the hitch and camper frame. If you try to find a spot that's relatively level to park, you should be ok.
I would probably extend the front legs down to get some side to side stability. Basically like you are getting ready to unhook, but don't go any further.
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Post by lynnmor on May 7, 2018 16:49:34 GMT -5
I made up a toe tag to attach to the steering wheel when the trailer plug is pulled. Too much risk to depend on memory.
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Post by bob52 on May 7, 2018 16:54:54 GMT -5
I made up a toe tag to attach to the steering wheel when the trailer plug is pulled. Too much risk to depend on memory. Hey Lynnmor, a toe tag is what you get while staying at the morgue  I know what you meant. Just a little humor. Bob |
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Post by bob52 on May 7, 2018 17:00:19 GMT -5
x2 on RdRmr... definitely don't use auto level because that camper could pick up your truck and cause damage to the hitch and camper frame. If you try to find a spot that's relatively level to park, you should be ok. I would probably extend the front legs down to get some side to side stability. Basically like you are getting ready to unhook, but don't go any further. Hi, yes 10-4 on the auto level. I think I have the idea. No middle or rear feet? Thanks Bob |
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Post by lynnmor on May 7, 2018 17:58:54 GMT -5
I made up a toe tag to attach to the steering wheel when the trailer plug is pulled. Too much risk to depend on memory. Hey Lynnmor, a toe tag is what you get while staying at the morgue I know what you meant. Just a little humor. Bob That’s the idea, later on I can recycle it. |
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Post by ronc on May 7, 2018 18:05:23 GMT -5
I would be cautious about extending your slides when the rig is "on the hook". Can something be done is often different from should it be done. When you are hooked up and the weight of your rig is on the trailer tires and pin box ... it should be almost level (almost). However, I was taught to level the rig first, them put the slides out ... this keeps everything "square" so there is no side bind. I was also taught to withdraw the slides before the rig is taken out of level when hooking up. If done differently (some will say they do it all the time) there is a possibility, however slight, of damaging or tweaking something.
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Post by bob52 on May 7, 2018 19:45:04 GMT -5
I would be cautious about extending your slides when the rig is "on the hook". Can something be done is often different from should it be done. When you are hooked up and the weight of your rig is on the trailer tires and pin box ... it should be almost level (almost). However, I was taught to level the rig first, them put the slides out ... this keeps everything "square" so there is no side bind. I was also taught to withdraw the slides before the rig is taken out of level when hooking up. If done differently (some will say they do it all the time) there is a possibility, however slight, of damaging or tweaking something. Yes, I must have just been getting lazy. With the auto-leveling system, it just takes a couple of minutes and you can be sitting down enjoying your favorite beverage. So for me, I am just going to disconnect and level. Thanks for your input! Plus if someone takes your truck that's all they get  Bob |
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Post by Edd505 on May 7, 2018 21:38:26 GMT -5
I have over nighted, hooked, slides out, w/o issues. The 5W is supported on the tires not legs, why would it matter other than you lose stabilization. Quick unhook; pull hitch move forward 6-8 inches, auto level and sleep,morning back into hitch and your on your way.
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Post by johnr on May 8, 2018 7:28:40 GMT -5
x2 on RdRmr... definitely don't use auto level because that camper could pick up your truck and cause damage to the hitch and camper frame. If you try to find a spot that's relatively level to park, you should be ok. I would probably extend the front legs down to get some side to side stability. Basically like you are getting ready to unhook, but don't go any further. Hi, yes 10-4 on the auto level. I think I have the idea. No middle or rear feet? Thanks Bob I personally wouldn't mess with the middle or rear feet.  |
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Post by bob52 on May 8, 2018 9:07:34 GMT -5
Hi, yes 10-4 on the auto level. I think I have the idea. No middle or rear feet? Thanks Bob I personally wouldn't mess with the middle or rear feet. Thank you! |
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Post by bob52 on May 8, 2018 9:09:19 GMT -5
Hi, yes 10-4 on the auto level. I think I have the idea. No middle or rear feet? Thanks Bob I personally wouldn't mess with the middle or rear feet. Thank you. Hope all is well! |
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Post by capemayal on May 8, 2018 9:30:58 GMT -5
We have stayed in lots many times. Walmarts, rest stops, casinos, etc. Check www.allstays.com for free and low cost parking. Good resource. I unhook and move far enough forward to ground the legs and level. On our coach the bedroom and kitchen slides act as 1, while the living rooms are independent. We open whichever we need to use. Do not assume you can park where you'd like and where you'll be safe. |
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Post by bob52 on May 8, 2018 10:43:51 GMT -5
We have stayed in lots many times. Walmarts, rest stops, casinos, etc. Check www.allstays.com for free and low cost parking. Good resource. I unhook and move far enough forward to ground the legs and level. On our coach the bedroom and kitchen slides act as 1, while the living rooms are independent. We open whichever we need to use. Do not assume you can park where you'd like and where you'll be safe. Thank you I will check it out. Bob |
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Post by capemayal on May 8, 2018 11:05:31 GMT -5
Bob, the Allstay site also has listings of Walmarts, etc, that will tell you, based on reporting by RV'rs.
Safe travels.
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Post by Chuck on May 8, 2018 11:41:02 GMT -5
I have over nighted, hooked, slides out, w/o issues. The 5W is supported on the tires not legs, why would it matter other than you lose stabilization. Quick unhook; pull hitch move forward 6-8 inches, auto level and sleep,morning back into hitch and your on your way. I would be careful on the on the auto level, My trailer dips in front 1st when auto leveling an if the truck is to close it will push down on the back of the pickup bed Ugh !!! I pull my truck out from under trailer the auto level ... Like Ronc I have at least put down my legs manually for stability but not auto leveled .... Be very careful, not a good idea to extend slides in truck stops or rest area's or Wally World, I am not a fan of truck stops unless fueling, truckers need at place to sleep an there are fewer an fewer place for them to do such, I know I use to have to hunt for such while do so ... I also always lock my 5th wheel hitch with a pad lock so it will not come unhooked or no one can unhook such except me ... Believe it or not there are people who would an will do such Ugh !!!! I have a step stool so I can reach into the bed of my truck since I have a dually to unlock the padlock Safe Travels Chuck |
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Post by ronc on May 9, 2018 14:56:18 GMT -5
I have over nighted, hooked, slides out, w/o issues. The 5W is supported on the tires not legs, why would it matter other than you lose stabilization. Quick unhook; pull hitch move forward 6-8 inches, auto level and sleep,morning back into hitch and your on your way. It matters because I beams flex ... if only a little. There is a reason your dealer and manufacturer will tell you to have your rig level before you extend the slides and before retracting them. It's not a catastrophe ... but if it causes a bind and the slide gets just a bit out of square it's going to cost a lot to fix. Better to do it right than be sorry later. I did say that people will say "I do it all the time" ... they say the same thing about a SRW truck ... it pulls it just fine. I wouldn't have mentioned any of this ... but you said "why would it matter", so I answered. |
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I know what you meant. Just a little humor.
