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I drove an 18 wheeler for 10yrs and they always recommended a tug test. Hard to break those habits. I usually have my hitch hight set a little low and let the slope of the hitch lift the landing gear off soni know they're level and tug using the trailer brakes
CDL-A driver here .. always do a tug test.. I had a buddy that didn't and when his trailer fell off the truck going down the road it tore a lot of stuff up... don't forget to get out and look at the jaws to make sure they are closed all the way
As a truck driver with over 35 years experience and having towed alk kinds of rvs it is always about safety also fifth wheel couplings are designed for a flush fit same as a gooseneck or bumper pull and a little advice some states dot will inspect you and make you do a pre trip inspection and Will fail you for not doing a secure hook up connection California being one of the worst because you are not in a quote unquote tempory tow sorry so long love ur channel safe travels!!!!
As a rule of thumb, i have driven 5th wheels for years b4 a class a, and when i was a truck driver i was taught always do tug test, and all tractor trailer drivers do the tug test its required by dot too to assure your hooked in just a fyi
Yes! Always do a tug test. I was a safety manager for the last 10 years of my 43 years in transportation always, always do a tug test and a visual look as well. You can either be safe or sorry. For what it takes be safe.
Congratulations on the new truck. I just bought a 2020 Silverado 3500 and installed a B&W Champion slider hitch. It is so easy to use. I am a retired truck driver, so I will probably never quit doing pull-tests, but if nothing else, take a look at the jaws after you hook up and make sure they are closed. The B&W makes it easy to see them. Have fun and enjoy your travels!
We shopped for 5th wheels for months and all along planned to buy the B&W Companion hitch for my 2018 Ram 2500 w/ the 5th wheel prep. when we settled on a rig. We eventually found a barely used a 2019 Grand Design Reflection 28bh that fit all of our needs and wants. It had only been slept in 6 nights, had several upgrades done and included a brand new Anderson hitch. I was a little concerned because I hadn’t seen one before. After researching them and towing with it I have to say I absolutely love it. No tug test required, just verify retaining pin is engaged, brake cable attached, chains hooked up and 7 pin is plugged in. I check all of this twice and the wife checks it once. Anal??? Yep!
Thank you for your service, as a fellow vet, I have a problem with your and the guy he talked to on the audio, routine will save a lot of mistakes, almost fourth years watching guys drop trailers, why because of their routine. This guy does not go to the back of his truck, ever, it’s called the EYE test. That pin can lock before it closes, you put the safety in and drive away, leaving the trailer behind . Just a fact.
I do a tug test when I hook up and any time after having been away from my truck. People will tamper with your vehicle. A tug test ensures you don't drop your expensive trailer and cause damage or suffer a tow bill. I'm one of those truckers that says better safe than sorry and a high hook or improper hook can and will occur. Be well, so exciting that you guys got a new truck. :)
Tom, I have a similar setup (F350, Momentum, B&W Companion) and another thing that really helped was replacing the solid pin box with a MORryde rubber pin box. They are not expensive (about $600) and it really reduces the towing shock over rough roads. I had the Lippert Trailair pin box (with air bag/shock) on my previous trailer and the air bag was always losing air, etc. With the MORryde, you don't have to touch it until it's time to replace the rubber shear spring. The difference between the rubber pin box and stock solid pin box is substantial.
Love this video. My knees are shaking watching! I KNOW how scary it is, long story short, we dropped our 376 on our F450. Sick. The only word that can describe it. To see you guys jump back in helps, we just need to rebuild our confidence as well. I may watch this video like 78 more times to desensitize myself against the fear lol
I had the same hitch on my last truck. Loved it but hated how much room it took up in the box. I didn't always do tug tests but always did a visual check that the jaws where closed. I bought a new truck and switched the camper over to a Reese goose box. I will never own anouther fifth wheel without one. Absolutely love it. Has a built-in air bag to smooth out the ride and I don't have anything in the box when I unhook.
Looks like your new truck and hitch is just what you need to tow your Momentum. Maybe it is both the Truck and the hitch which is making for a smoother ride. I think you all are all set. Happy Trails and safe travels.
I have been a truck driver for 10 years. I do a visual and tug test everytime. But that is done on commercial equipment. I do raise the legs up a little so not to bend the landing gear, also if it drops a few inches it wont hurt the trailer or tractor. The fifth wheel hitches on semi-trucks are spring loaded. Your b&w hitch isnt. When it is locked in, you put the locking pin in to the handle to secure the king pin in the the fifth wheel jaws. Then do the visual check. By doing a tug test your stressing the landing gear for no reason.
The fuel mileage will get better. I have had four chevy duramaxs. In the middle of the four I traded and bought a 16 f350 with the power stroke. Loved the the engine and transmission. Pulled like a freight train. It is much newer than you old chevy, stronger springs and more horse power. You will love how it pulls. My f350 had a terrible shake and vibration at times known as the death wobble. Didn't matter loaded or empty. Ford told me it was acceptable and wouldn't/couldn't fix it. Went back to the chevy. It pulls just as good and no shake equals better ride and more comfortable
I have the F-350 dually and they do tow nice. Love that you like it so far, can't wait to here your pros and cons on your truck and setup. Be safe, happy camping 😎
It's good your enjoying your new F450! I knew you would be extremely happy with that truck! Your mileage will improve as time goes on and you get the beast broke in... congrats to you!
I did toug tests with the old school hitch that had the bar across the pin. I have gone to just a sight inspection with my new hitch with the jaws that close around the pin. The important part to the inspection is making sure the bottom of the pin is locked into the Jaws. If for some reason the Jaws don't close around the groove in the pin it can pop up and out of the Locking Jaws. We have a Solitude about the same size as your momentum, the only thing I think our F-450 really needed, and it helped immensely, was airbags in the back. I didn't think it would matter that much but it has stopped almost all bucking when going over rough roads.
I had that same hitch great set up I did tug test every time but that might just be the truck driver in me let that 6.7 get broke in a little you’re mileage will get better.
Always do a tug test with the configuration in a safe mode in case of failure. We do one with a bumper tow to make sure the ball is set into the hitch. It only takes a few minutes and can save you from making a major mistake.
Most all vehicles and even more a tow set will have a sweet spot for their maximum performance, and you may be there at 60 but I suggest you give it a decent test at other speeds around that, and you may find that you can do better at even alittle faster. Be safe.
You are much more confident and safe towing with that new F450. The new hitch is great. Safety First ! Thanks for demonstrating the right stuff for the job at hand ! I appreciate all of the information. I will go with the B&W hitch when I get my new 5th wheel.
Great truck and 5th. I always do a tug test, visually any 5th wheel hitch can look like it is locked in. I know you are FT and appreciate your unit is great for living in, however I absolutely have a great appreciation for our 27ft unit for maneuver. Safe travels!
So happy for you and very happy you went with the Ford F-450 it shows like a beast tow haul mode combined with the exhaust brake going down Hills you are not going to believe how it performs. Stay safe out there!
ou always do a "tug test" I dorve a 10 ton truck in the army and we always do what we called a "Jerk" test. keep the 5th wheel brakes fully enguaged and the chocks in place. Have the landing gear about 1" - 2" off the ground.
Hey Tom I'm not telling you what you need to do. But this is what I do with my commercial vehicle and my F450 and RV. I raise the landing gear or the leveling gear up enough to slide my fingers between the ground and foot. Then I do my tug . Because if it's not hitch right then it wouldn't have far to drop down. Let you in on a secret. My 450 is a five speed transmission. I played with the speed and found out that my best fuel economy was at 65 to 67 mph. Because of the fifth speed running it less than 65 mph was bogging my engine and working it harder so I started raising my speed up to 65. It was much better. But I found that honey spot was right at 67mph. I was getting my best fuel mileage at that speed. Of course it was not a windy day either. But as your engine starts breaking in because it's new. You will notice you fuel mileage coming up. Usually its after you get your first oil and filter change. In averaging about nine and a half to ten miles a gallon. Be safe and I enjoy watch your videos. It wont take you long before you will start trucking like the pro's
My hitch is spring loaded ,when it closes you can hear it . Brake the truck , and shut it off , I can drop the pin in the handle. I can see it"s locked . I have a Hijacker hitch .
Just got our 22 F450 and towed our 44ft 5th wheel with it this weekend and it's like butter, very smooth and solid. We averaged right around 10mpg but she's brand new so with time it might squeak out another mile or two per gallon with break in. Our F450 came with a "Ford factory" 5th wheel hitch and it's a Reese 32,500lb rated (I think it's a M class hitch) but every Reese M-5 video I see is not 100% like this hitch is so I do a tug test with wheels chocked and front landing gear just a hair off the ground (maybe just enough to see daylight under the pads). I figure with the chocks in place and the landing gear just touching the ground in the event it's not latched it would be like the truck is just pulling away rather than dropping the rig an inch which I would think would be a major shock to the rv.
Have your same hitch and have years (decades) of experience. Last year we had a false hitch that caused 10k of combined damage to the camper and truck. One of the only problems with that hitch is that there is about an 1 1/2 of potential error between the jaws closing (on their own) and the actual alignment with the safety pin hole. You will see what I mean as you get familiar with that hitch. My error occurred when I tried to set the safety pin from standing on that ground at the side of the truck. The arm went back and jaws closed and I reached up an set the safety pin. Unfortunately, I missed the hole on the hitch and it went falling when I pulled out. Tig test from now on! Landing gear up 3 inches. Overall it's a great hitch.
Of course you do a tug test. It’s on our hitching up list. We should send our checklist 🤣 We have a Ram 3500 long bed dually that pulls our 35’ Grand Design Solitude. We have the same BMW hitch. We’ve done the same thing with our blue boy with the backup camera in the truck. Larry has done it on his own too. We feel the same way about our truck. It handles the fifth wheel well. Yes. The weight of the RV does make the truck smoother for us. Stay safe. Alice
Hey Guys. Yes, we do the tug test. Have the B&W hitch and check the "jaws" visually several times and now get my wife to do the tug test while I watch and direct. Appreciate the info
I have the same hitch, but I still tug test. Why? Hell, why not. Only takes a second, and by that stage of our hitch up, the wife is doing to final inspection. I just give 'er a tug before she pulls the chocks. But honestly, with the B&W companion, as long as you've engaged the lever, you are golden.
You should be able to use the Cab camera instead of straining to look back to hitch-up. I have a dotted line on the F350 that help me line up the same Hitch! Also recommend to get a pray-in bed liner, will help protect from scratches and rust. The liner does not have any impact on the hitch. My better half will ride in the truck now since it feel to have more stability and a security. We will go on long trips together riding in the same vehicle. I also enjoy the adaptive cruise control on the freeways. Really helps with the spacing from the cars in front of me and those drivers that will cut you off!
Yes you are going to love that 450 with that 5th wheel!! You did a great job getting out of that site. I was a little worried about the tote pull thou. Ha.
Also, you have a b&w hitch. You don’t have to do a test. Just look at the hitch. You can see the jaws when closed and once you lock it, it’s there. I use one myself
Big Truck Big RV the tug test not only would confirm that your latched together but also that your trailer brakes are operational. I love your videos and know that you wouldn’t want to be unsafe.
Tom, do a tug test, hitches can fail. I rather for a landing gear fail than having a fifth wheel on the bed of my truck. Just raise your landing gear enough to clear the ground, apply the trailer brakes, and do a tug test, for your safety and safety of others. Wow is he going to pay for repairs to your truck if the hitch fails? Happy travels.
I've always loved my f250, until the anti thief security system has started locking down the motor for no reason. Never know when it will happen. They are beautiful trucks, but this problem is still ongoing. Love the video. You have the most self confidence of any man I have ever seen.
Yo! I love following you guys! But man TRUST ME. Install a Reece Airborne Kingpin on your 5th wheel!! It will pull behind your truck like it's not even there. I pulled my 42 footer for 2.5 years before I installed one. If I had realized what a difference it made, I would have done it day 2!! Check it out! Safe travels guys!!
Amazing, the turning radius of that F450! Makes for getting out of tight spots much easier no doubt! One thing I found with trucks in the past that are 4X4 is that if crawling out of a site slowly, I'd put the truck in 'low' range, and let the truck slowly get me out of the site onto the roadway, especially if the site happened to be a little on the soft side. You can always put it in low range...in 2 wheel drive, unless the truck of course automatically puts it in 4X4! In any case, it's just a little easier on the truck driveline until you're ready to really get going on the road! One time I was going on a long steep upgrade for many miles, and I just left the truck in low range and let it go up through the gears, and it keep the transmission oil cooler, and again, easier on the engine and drivetrain.
I have the b&w. I do a visual check to see that the jaws are around the pin and that the handle is pinned. Then just drive away. Best hitch money can buy.
G,day you 2,good to see you on the road again, not sure if you were or not but I always go into 4x4 low range when reversing trailer, makes a big difference. Cheers from Digby in Perth. Stay safe 😎
Your MPG should get better. I I have 2019 F350 dually and I get 10.5 to 12.5 towing my 5th wheel which is 16500 loaded. I just towed thru the mountains in VA and WV and got 10.7 according to the trip computer. Going down 95 to FL I got just over 12. Like you I try to keep it at 60..never more than 65.
Was Sherri with you or not? You said you were pulling out without her, but then showed video from a second vehicle. Please explain or make up your mind.
I think you did it right. 1 inch off the ground. Set trailer brakes. Wheel chalks personal preference. I always thought better safe than sorry. I know you know. That is one thing that makes me very nervous. Distractions worry me too like neighbors and cell phones.
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Tom, Safety tugs are always good and then after that as use should be doing is a visual check a long with a pre trip. It is always better rely on yourself than others because You are in control and the only one to Blame. I have been driving a semi truck with doubles and 53’ trailers since 1989. JD is right but safety tugs are good. I have seen many trucks where trailers have come off the the fifth wheel going down the road that is not a good thing. I too have caught myself before by doing a tug test and many times found that I was not hooked up properly before driving away. ALWAYS BE SAFE THAN SORRY AS YOU WELL KNOW not to rub salt I and wound but we all learn my then hard way some time or another but then more knowledge up absorb the more confidence we will. As us truckers say it is always to keep the rubber down. BE SAFE AND ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY...
There are TWO types of "tug tests", both of which I believe should be mandatory. First is a dead tug test with trailer brakes engaged where you gently pull forward to verify your kingpin is locked and engaged. Second is the rolling tug where you roll forward about several mph and engage the trailer brakes. On two occasions during my years as a trucker, my trailer slipped off the fifth wheel after the rolling tug test, but not after the dead tug. When this happened, it just dropped onto the frame of the truck, and no harm was done. The most likely contributor was the heavy weight of the trailer which made it seem like it was fully connected. I have seen trailers on the side of the interstate without the attached truck because the rolling tug was not done. Please, always do both tugs. It will give you peace of mind.
I don't do a tug test with my Andersen hitch but if I had a standard hitch I would do a tug test every time. The new cameras are awesome and wish I had them on my truck but my 2015 2500HD doesn't have that option.
The more miles you get on the new truck,the better it drives and the MPG will increase, I get (. 9.5 mpg ) with our 381... if I'm not in any big pulls ,I've seen the computer do 11-12 mpg-- the Conti tires are sensitive to Air Pressure, I run PSI loaded Front 90 psi/ Rear 80 psi , reduce by 10 psi unloaded ..
You definitely have a nice setup. One thing you didn't do is get a closeup of the new hitch. I have looked at the F450 but there are a couple of things that concern me. One is the F450 has rear end gears of 4.88. I've heard that at 70 mph the motor is turning about 3,000 rpms. Another is what the gvwr ia on the F450. My 2008 F350 has a gvwr of 13,000. A newer F350 gvwr is 14,000. My concern is if you also use your truck to pull a trailer (not an rv) over 10,000 gvwr, this will put you over that magic number of 26,001. This will require that you have a cdl license. We have a 2008 F350 that we use to pull a 36 foot fifth wheel. It does a very good job. Thank you for doing these videos. I have commented on a couple...especially about tires on your camper.
I prefer to do things myself ( sure it’s nice to have help when available ) then I have no one to blame if I didn’t check something. But we are not cut from the same cloth. I would not be talking on my phone, worrying about cameras or not doing a tug test. I know this is a dumb question but is your wife going to travel with you now since you have a new truck or is she still going to follow and drive a bunch of us crazy.
The better gears, higher GVW and loads of power make quite a difference, doesn't it? :D Glad you got that one Tom.. You won't regret it.. I couldn't tell exactly from the video, so I don't know if you remembered to extend your mirrors or not, but make sure you remember to do so - otherwise the cops will give you a ticket... Best wishes..
Yes, for me always a tug test with the landing gear all the way down and trailer brakes engaged. I'm a "A" hazmat driver. Your choice though. I'm of the opinion if you visually check the gate is all the way closed then you are good to go.
I'm one of the guys that recommended the B&W when you were researching hitches. I tow a 40' Pinnacle with an F350 using the B&W for 2 1/2 years and I'm with JD. I don't find that the tug test is necessary with this hitch. I did start doing it at first but am now confident enough without it. I too drove semi's and was trained to do so and would still do it in a semi. However the fifth wheel hitches on class 8 trucks is a different beast. But you need to do what you feel comfortable doing and it matters not what I do or think, you are the one who is responsible for your towing safety.
I don't even own a trailer or the f450 truck. Or in the market to even buy one. But some reason or another I'm hook. It maybe your personality. Thanks for sharing your knowledge
I probably missed a previous video explaining this but wondering why you got such a huge rv for just the two of you. Most people are going in the opposite direction. Appreciate you sharing your thought process.
B Bright62 have you seen the inside? Their momentum is basically just a couples camper. Sure they can turn the garage into extra sleeping space, but with this fifth wheel they didn’t give up living room or kitchen space for a garage like most fifth wheels where the living space is the garage as well. I think it’s pretty awesome. Oh, and that patio is a nice thing to have. Especially if you have a water view camp site.
Maybe you could show the jaws on the hitch before and after locking? Then people could understand why a tug test isn’t necessary. If you still have an urge to do the test, you could always tug open a beer when you get to your next site.
Do don’t do your toys to brake. But 15 yrs 28’ 48’ 53’ trailers full of propane. Always let the 5th wheel left gooseneck up slide in lock. Then hook up , Lift up legs then turn on all lights walk around then get in. 2 checks in to one. Put in drive put trailer brakes on then have your eyes on 5th wheel then lightly tug. Your done. Pull out. The one time I was doing a drop and hook. No tug test I drop a 53’ full of MT 20lb propane cylinders. Not good. Your toys to brake have fun be safe. Seeing them 2 together again looks really nice. Dot forget the tailgate no turning straight back when down.
A tug test is cheap insurance, if for some inexplicable reason you lose your rig whilst on the road, you’ll have confidence when you lodge an insurance claim.
Tom, another very enjoyable video! Thank you. My '17 F-350 mpg got better over time ( up to about 25K miles). I installed a TransFlow 60 gallon tank, what a pease of mind. Safe travels. "No where to go and ALL day to get there".
I would tug test until I I gained faith in and learned the characteristics of my new fifth wheel.. I've seen many people ease their truck back gently as if they don't want to damage their fifth wheel. you will not damage your pin or fifth wheel [[do it like you mean it and listen for the latch to snap locked] also utilize the ramp at the rear of the fifth wheel so it can guide the pin into the proper position to latch.. even if you use a wear pad to avoid the grease mess, you should still make sure and lubricate the locking mechanisms [latch and release often]
I have a 2017 350 4×4 crewcab long bed dually 410 rear end with the 6.7. And a 42 foot fifth wheel I get 11 mph at 62 mph try that speed on the road and see what you get good luck
This is why Keep Your Daydream ditched their 43' toyhauler and new F450 to go back to a 30' Airstream and F250. That huge rig limits the campsites available and maneuvarability is a big issue. That mansion is great when you are sitting in a campground but not when you have to get it around.
It's a portable waste tank. A portable waste tank lets you camp longer, but it's also useful if you're not parked near a dump station. When you camp in the same spot for weeks at a time, an expansion tank allows you to dump your waste and transport it to the dump station without having to pack up the whole RV.
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I drove an 18 wheeler for 10yrs and they always recommended a tug test. Hard to break those habits. I usually have my hitch hight set a little low and let the slope of the hitch lift the landing gear off soni know they're level and tug using the trailer brakes
CDL-A driver here .. always do a tug test.. I had a buddy that didn't and when his trailer fell off the truck going down the road it tore a lot of stuff up... don't forget to get out and look at the jaws to make sure they are closed all the way
As a truck driver with over 35 years experience and having towed alk kinds of rvs it is always about safety also fifth wheel couplings are designed for a flush fit same as a gooseneck or bumper pull and a little advice some states dot will inspect you and make you do a pre trip inspection and Will fail you for not doing a secure hook up connection California being one of the worst because you are not in a quote unquote tempory tow sorry so long love ur channel safe travels!!!!
@@holydaman6952 YESSSSSSSSS always do the pull test .....
Oh, one other thing.. Consider investing in a camera for the back of the trailer so you can watch when you back into a spot...
As a rule of thumb, i have driven 5th wheels for years b4 a class a, and when i was a truck driver i was taught always do tug test, and all tractor trailer drivers do the tug test its required by dot too to assure your hooked in just a fyi
James Rossi that’s true
Yes! Always do a tug test. I was a safety manager for the last 10 years of my 43 years in transportation always, always do a tug test and a visual look as well. You can either be safe or sorry. For what it takes be safe.
Congratulations on the new truck. I just bought a 2020 Silverado 3500 and installed a B&W Champion slider hitch. It is so easy to use. I am a retired truck driver, so I will probably never quit doing pull-tests, but if nothing else, take a look at the jaws after you hook up and make sure they are closed. The B&W makes it easy to see them. Have fun and enjoy your travels!
We shopped for 5th wheels for months and all along planned to buy the B&W Companion hitch for my 2018 Ram 2500 w/ the 5th wheel prep. when we settled on a rig.
We eventually found a barely used a 2019 Grand Design Reflection 28bh that fit all of our needs and wants. It had only been slept in 6 nights, had several upgrades done and included a brand new Anderson hitch. I was a little concerned because I hadn’t seen one before. After researching them and towing with it I have to say I absolutely love it.
No tug test required, just verify retaining pin is engaged, brake cable attached, chains hooked up and 7 pin is plugged in. I check all of this twice and the wife checks it once. Anal??? Yep!
We truly enjoy our Andersen Hitch as well. Our first 5th Wheel, 381M and upgraded to a F350 Dually. Both of us do several checks just like you.
Thank you for your service, as a fellow vet, I have a problem with your and the guy he talked to on the audio, routine will save a lot of mistakes, almost fourth years watching guys drop trailers, why because of their routine. This guy does not go to the back of his truck, ever, it’s called the EYE test. That pin can lock before it closes, you put the safety in and drive away, leaving the trailer behind . Just a fact.
I do a tug test when I hook up and any time after having been away from my truck. People will tamper with your vehicle. A tug test ensures you don't drop your expensive trailer and cause damage or suffer a tow bill. I'm one of those truckers that says better safe than sorry and a high hook or improper hook can and will occur. Be well, so exciting that you guys got a new truck. :)
Tom, I have a similar setup (F350, Momentum, B&W Companion) and another thing that really helped was replacing the solid pin box with a MORryde rubber pin box. They are not expensive (about $600) and it really reduces the towing shock over rough roads. I had the Lippert Trailair pin box (with air bag/shock) on my previous trailer and the air bag was always losing air, etc. With the MORryde, you don't have to touch it until it's time to replace the rubber shear spring. The difference between the rubber pin box and stock solid pin box is substantial.
Love this video. My knees are shaking watching! I KNOW how scary it is, long story short, we dropped our 376 on our F450. Sick. The only word that can describe it. To see you guys jump back in helps, we just need to rebuild our confidence as well. I may watch this video like 78 more times to desensitize myself against the fear lol
I had the same hitch on my last truck. Loved it but hated how much room it took up in the box. I didn't always do tug tests but always did a visual check that the jaws where closed. I bought a new truck and switched the camper over to a Reese goose box. I will never own anouther fifth wheel without one. Absolutely love it. Has a built-in air bag to smooth out the ride and I don't have anything in the box when I unhook.
Looks like your new truck and hitch is just what you need to tow your Momentum. Maybe it is both the Truck and the hitch which is making for a smoother ride. I think you all are all set. Happy Trails and safe travels.
I have been a truck driver for 10 years. I do a visual and tug test everytime. But that is done on commercial equipment. I do raise the legs up a little so not to bend the landing gear, also if it drops a few inches it wont hurt the trailer or tractor. The fifth wheel hitches on semi-trucks are spring loaded. Your b&w hitch isnt. When it is locked in, you put the locking pin in to the handle to secure the king pin in the the fifth wheel jaws. Then do the visual check. By doing a tug test your stressing the landing gear for no reason.
The fuel mileage will get better. I have had four chevy duramaxs. In the middle of the four I traded and bought a 16 f350 with the power stroke. Loved the the engine and transmission. Pulled like a freight train. It is much newer than you old chevy, stronger springs and more horse power. You will love how it pulls. My f350 had a terrible shake and vibration at times known as the death wobble. Didn't matter loaded or empty. Ford told me it was acceptable and wouldn't/couldn't fix it. Went back to the chevy. It pulls just as good and no shake equals better ride and more comfortable
I have the F-350 dually and they do tow nice. Love that you like it so far, can't wait to here your pros and cons on your truck and setup. Be safe, happy camping 😎
It's good your enjoying your new F450! I knew you would be extremely happy with that truck! Your mileage will improve as time goes on and you get the beast broke in... congrats to you!
I did toug tests with the old school hitch that had the bar across the pin. I have gone to just a sight inspection with my new hitch with the jaws that close around the pin. The important part to the inspection is making sure the bottom of the pin is locked into the Jaws. If for some reason the Jaws don't close around the groove in the pin it can pop up and out of the Locking Jaws. We have a Solitude about the same size as your momentum, the only thing I think our F-450 really needed, and it helped immensely, was airbags in the back. I didn't think it would matter that much but it has stopped almost all bucking when going over rough roads.
Right on, glad your new Ford handles it fine 👍
You made it look easy. Stay safe, stay healthy 👍♥️🇺🇲
I had that same hitch great set up I did tug test every time but that might just be the truck driver in me let that 6.7 get broke in a little you’re mileage will get better.
Thanks Tim! Yes, it's already improving...
Always do a tug test with the configuration in a safe mode in case of failure. We do one with a bumper tow to make sure the ball is set into the hitch. It only takes a few minutes and can save you from making a major mistake.
Great thing about that truck is once you get familiar with cameras you’ll never turn your head again the box camera is so helpful
Most all vehicles and even more a tow set will have a sweet spot for their maximum performance, and you may be there at 60 but I suggest you give it a decent test at other speeds around that, and you may find that you can do better at even alittle faster. Be safe.
You are much more confident and safe towing with that new F450. The new hitch is great. Safety First ! Thanks for demonstrating the right stuff for the job at hand ! I appreciate all of the information. I will go with the B&W hitch when I get my new 5th wheel.
Great truck and 5th. I always do a tug test, visually any 5th wheel hitch can look like it is locked in. I know you are FT and appreciate your unit is great for living in, however I absolutely have a great appreciation for our 27ft unit for maneuver. Safe travels!
So happy for you and very happy you went with the Ford F-450 it shows like a beast tow haul mode combined with the exhaust brake going down Hills you are not going to believe how it performs. Stay safe out there!
ou always do a "tug test" I dorve a 10 ton truck in the army and we always do what we called a "Jerk" test. keep the 5th wheel brakes fully enguaged and the chocks in place. Have the landing gear about 1" - 2" off the ground.
Hey Tom I'm not telling you what you need to do. But this is what I do with my commercial vehicle and my F450 and RV. I raise the landing gear or the leveling gear up enough to slide my fingers between the ground and foot. Then I do my tug . Because if it's not hitch right then it wouldn't have far to drop down. Let you in on a secret. My 450 is a five speed transmission. I played with the speed and found out that my best fuel economy was at 65 to 67 mph. Because of the fifth speed running it less than 65 mph was bogging my engine and working it harder so I started raising my speed up to 65. It was much better. But I found that honey spot was right at 67mph. I was getting my best fuel mileage at that speed. Of course it was not a windy day either. But as your engine starts breaking in because it's new. You will notice you fuel mileage coming up. Usually its after you get your first oil and filter change. In averaging about nine and a half to ten miles a gallon. Be safe and I enjoy watch your videos. It wont take you long before you will start trucking like the pro's
My hitch is spring loaded ,when it closes you can hear it . Brake the truck , and shut it off , I can drop the pin in the handle. I can see it"s locked . I have a Hijacker hitch .
You guys are the best. You convinced us to move up to a 5th wheel. Just came back from a great weekend getaway. Finally!
Just got our 22 F450 and towed our 44ft 5th wheel with it this weekend and it's like butter, very smooth and solid. We averaged right around 10mpg but she's brand new so with time it might squeak out another mile or two per gallon with break in. Our F450 came with a "Ford factory" 5th wheel hitch and it's a Reese 32,500lb rated (I think it's a M class hitch) but every Reese M-5 video I see is not 100% like this hitch is so I do a tug test with wheels chocked and front landing gear just a hair off the ground (maybe just enough to see daylight under the pads). I figure with the chocks in place and the landing gear just touching the ground in the event it's not latched it would be like the truck is just pulling away rather than dropping the rig an inch which I would think would be a major shock to the rv.
Have your same hitch and have years (decades) of experience. Last year we had a false hitch that caused 10k of combined damage to the camper and truck. One of the only problems with that hitch is that there is about an 1 1/2 of potential error between the jaws closing (on their own) and the actual alignment with the safety pin hole. You will see what I mean as you get familiar with that hitch. My error occurred when I tried to set the safety pin from standing on that ground at the side of the truck. The arm went back and jaws closed and I reached up an set the safety pin. Unfortunately, I missed the hole on the hitch and it went falling when I pulled out. Tig test from now on! Landing gear up 3 inches. Overall it's a great hitch.
You pulled it out by your self great job. Good job of getting out and checking if your not sure.
Nice job maneuvering out of the camp spot. That park is due for some chain saw work.
Of course you do a tug test. It’s on our hitching up list. We should send our checklist 🤣 We have a Ram 3500 long bed dually that pulls our 35’ Grand Design Solitude. We have the same BMW hitch. We’ve done the same thing with our blue boy with the backup camera in the truck. Larry has done it on his own too. We feel the same way about our truck. It handles the fifth wheel well. Yes. The weight of the RV does make the truck smoother for us. Stay safe. Alice
I have had my b&w 5 wheel hitch for two years and I have never had any problems
Hey Guys. Yes, we do the tug test. Have the B&W hitch and check the "jaws" visually several times and now get my wife to do the tug test while I watch and direct. Appreciate the info
Your rig is complete. Can just hear the power in that power stroke revving at low speed!
I have the same hitch, but I still tug test. Why? Hell, why not. Only takes a second, and by that stage of our hitch up, the wife is doing to final inspection. I just give 'er a tug before she pulls the chocks. But honestly, with the B&W companion, as long as you've engaged the lever, you are golden.
You should be able to use the Cab camera instead of straining to look back to hitch-up. I have a dotted line on the F350 that help me line up the same Hitch! Also recommend to get a pray-in bed liner, will help protect from scratches and rust. The liner does not have any impact on the hitch. My better half will ride in the truck now since it feel to have more stability and a security. We will go on long trips together riding in the same vehicle. I also enjoy the adaptive cruise control on the freeways. Really helps with the spacing from the cars in front of me and those drivers that will cut you off!
Yes you are going to love that 450 with that 5th wheel!! You did a great job getting out of that site. I was a little worried about the tote pull thou. Ha.
Nice setup, you'll like that Ford with turbo diesel. I'm glad I have a motorhome, seems simpler and quicker to camp and go.
Also, you have a b&w hitch. You don’t have to do a test. Just look at the hitch. You can see the jaws when closed and once you lock it, it’s there. I use one myself
Daniel Warren had a B&W since day 1, its legit!!!
Been driving big rigs for 38 years, I look at jaws and always do a tug test! JD is lost on this one.
L Crawford only been driving 7, but 100% agree...JD is absolutely wrong on this one and giving you terrible advice.
@@admorris11 keep in mind that I've been using the Reese Goosebox for years and it serves no purpose to do a tug test.
@Big Truck Big RV btw JD, it’s a pickup NOT a truck! A truck is a KW or a Pete 🤣
I agree, tug test is mandatory
Big Truck Big RV the tug test not only would confirm that your latched together but also that your trailer brakes are operational. I love your videos and know that you wouldn’t want to be unsafe.
Tom, do a tug test, hitches can fail. I rather for a landing gear fail than having a fifth wheel on the bed of my truck. Just raise your landing gear enough to clear the ground, apply the trailer brakes, and do a tug test, for your safety and safety of others. Wow is he going to pay for repairs to your truck if the hitch fails? Happy travels.
He knows.
He dropped his trailer on his other truck.
He knows He dropped his trailer on his other truck.
I've always loved my f250, until the anti thief security system has started locking down the motor for no reason. Never know when it will happen. They are beautiful trucks, but this problem is still ongoing. Love the video. You have the most self confidence of any man I have ever seen.
As with any new diesel engine, the fuel mileage will get better over time when engine is broke in properly.
At least 100000 miles, had a 95 7.3. Got good around 120000 miles.. Have a 99 7.3. 89000 miles. Milage still sucks 13 15 towing 10000 lbs.
My armadillo sticker on my Jeep says true Texan. I'm born Texan.62 years old.
@@robertmcdonald5277 Another person that can't figure Fuel Mileage >>13 to 15 Oh sure and Empty 25 to 35 LOL
I believe you made all the right decisions on your new set up. Exact same rig I have. Enjoy.
Yo! I love following you guys! But man TRUST ME. Install a Reece Airborne Kingpin on your 5th wheel!! It will pull behind your truck like it's not even there. I pulled my 42 footer for 2.5 years before I installed one. If I had realized what a difference it made, I would have done it day 2!! Check it out! Safe travels guys!!
I was nervously confident for you pulling out of that site by yourself. :-)
Tom, you handled your truck and trailer like a pro pulling out of that site! We were cheering you on. LOL Also, glad you still did the tug test.
Do your tug test with your landing gear down, and your trailer brake on. ALWAYS do a tug test.
Always a tug test.
In the 90's I caught my 5th wheel hitch didn't close even though the arm swung to the closed position.
You’ve got the truck and the GD we want to get when we leave Japan and retire to our full time Rv travels in the USA this summer. Great video.
I sit on the tailgate and watch the tote as my husband drives. People look at you all the time so I started parade waving on dumping day. Lol
Amazing, the turning radius of that F450! Makes for getting out of tight spots much easier no doubt! One thing I found with trucks in the past that are 4X4 is that if crawling out of a site slowly, I'd put the truck in 'low' range, and let the truck slowly get me out of the site onto the roadway, especially if the site happened to be a little on the soft side. You can always put it in low range...in 2 wheel drive, unless the truck of course automatically puts it in 4X4! In any case, it's just a little easier on the truck driveline until you're ready to really get going on the road! One time I was going on a long steep upgrade for many miles, and I just left the truck in low range and let it go up through the gears, and it keep the transmission oil cooler, and again, easier on the engine and drivetrain.
Do the tag test. Every time for safety better safe than sorry it cost a lot when you drop your trailer where you don’t want it to be.
I have the b&w. I do a visual check to see that the jaws are around the pin and that the handle is pinned. Then just drive away. Best hitch money can buy.
Every time you start your truck our dog Molly runs outside because she thinks it is her truck. LOL
G,day you 2,good to see you on the road again, not sure if you were or not but I always go into 4x4 low range when reversing trailer, makes a big difference. Cheers from Digby in Perth. Stay safe 😎
Have Pullrite Superglide hitch. The way the latch wraps around the kingpin if you check to see that it is wrapped around no need for a tug test.
You could build a platform for the blue poop bucket and make axle for platform use wheel barrel wheels then you'll have no worries about leaks
As a Ford man. Welcome. Thank goodness nobody dropped the trailer on your shiny new rig. ;)
Your MPG should get better. I I have 2019 F350 dually and I get 10.5 to 12.5 towing my 5th wheel which is 16500 loaded. I just towed thru the mountains in VA and WV and got 10.7 according to the trip computer. Going down 95 to FL I got just over 12. Like you I try to keep it at 60..never more than 65.
Was Sherri with you or not? You said you were pulling out without her, but then showed video from a second vehicle. Please explain or make up your mind.
Awwww.....driving will be more of a relaxing action.....having the correct truck should really help!
Nice job getting out of the camp site also, glad the Ford is working out.
I think you did it right. 1 inch off the ground. Set trailer brakes. Wheel chalks personal preference. I always thought better safe than sorry. I know you know. That is one thing that makes me very nervous. Distractions worry me too like neighbors and cell phones.
Great job, Tom! And very nice upgrade on the truck.
I kinda seems like all these channels get a new RV and/or truck right around the same time
Paid for by the viewers (RUclips ad revenue), donations on Patreon ($2--$30 donation for every video posted. Get 1000 subscribers donating $2 a week......do the math), clothing lines, product placement (companies sending free stuff just so it'll be shown on a video), How-To videos, podcasts, books, webinars......I'm not saying people aren't working hard to promote themselves, but I'm not going to help fund someone's endless vacation.
I have thought the same thing.
Awesome truck. Looks great together. Enjoy your journey's.
I have a 36ft. Haven't been out in awhile, medical issues. Love you two. Diane
Beautiful TV and rig, Tom and Cheri!!! Congrats!!!
Tom, Safety tugs are always good and then after that as use should be doing is a visual check a long with a pre trip. It is always better rely on yourself than others because You are in control and the only one to Blame. I have been driving a semi truck with doubles and 53’ trailers since 1989. JD is right but safety tugs are good. I have seen many trucks where trailers have come off the the fifth wheel going down the road that is not a good thing. I too have caught myself before by doing a tug test and many times found that I was not hooked up properly before driving away. ALWAYS BE SAFE THAN SORRY AS YOU WELL KNOW not to rub salt I and wound but we all learn my then hard way some time or another but then more knowledge up absorb the more confidence we will. As us truckers say it is always to keep the rubber down. BE SAFE AND ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY...
If for no other reason that truck looks great with your rig!
There are TWO types of "tug tests", both of which I believe should be mandatory. First is a dead tug test with trailer brakes engaged where you gently pull forward to verify your kingpin is locked and engaged. Second is the rolling tug where you roll forward about several mph and engage the trailer brakes. On two occasions during my years as a trucker, my trailer slipped off the fifth wheel after the rolling tug test, but not after the dead tug. When this happened, it just dropped onto the frame of the truck, and no harm was done. The most likely contributor was the heavy weight of the trailer which made it seem like it was fully connected. I have seen trailers on the side of the interstate without the attached truck because the rolling tug was not done. Please, always do both tugs. It will give you peace of mind.
I don't do a tug test with my Andersen hitch but if I had a standard hitch I would do a tug test every time. The new cameras are awesome and wish I had them on my truck but my 2015 2500HD doesn't have that option.
The more miles you get on the new truck,the better it drives and the MPG will increase, I get (. 9.5 mpg ) with our 381... if I'm not in any big pulls ,I've seen the computer do 11-12 mpg-- the Conti tires are sensitive to Air Pressure, I run PSI loaded Front 90 psi/ Rear 80 psi , reduce by 10 psi unloaded ..
You definitely have a nice setup. One thing you didn't do is get a closeup of the new hitch. I have looked at the F450 but there are a couple of things that concern me. One is the F450 has rear end gears of 4.88. I've heard that at 70 mph the motor is turning about 3,000 rpms. Another is what the gvwr ia on the F450. My 2008 F350 has a gvwr of 13,000. A newer F350 gvwr is 14,000. My concern is if you also use your truck to pull a trailer (not an rv) over 10,000 gvwr, this will put you over that magic number of 26,001. This will require that you have a cdl license. We have a 2008 F350 that we use to pull a 36 foot fifth wheel. It does a very good job. Thank you for doing these videos. I have commented on a couple...especially about tires on your camper.
I prefer to do things myself ( sure it’s nice to have help when available ) then I have no one to blame if I didn’t check something. But we are not cut from the same cloth. I would not be talking on my phone, worrying about cameras or not doing a tug test.
I know this is a dumb question but is your wife going to travel with you now since you have a new truck or is she still going to follow and drive a bunch of us crazy.
The better gears, higher GVW and loads of power make quite a difference, doesn't it? :D Glad you got that one Tom.. You won't regret it.. I couldn't tell exactly from the video, so I don't know if you remembered to extend your mirrors or not, but make sure you remember to do so - otherwise the cops will give you a ticket... Best wishes..
You can do a tug test without worrying about landing gear by just chalking the trailer tires and using the manual trailer brake lever in the cab.
Happy Mother's day!
Yes, for me always a tug test with the landing gear all the way down and trailer brakes engaged. I'm a "A" hazmat driver. Your choice though. I'm of the opinion if you visually check the gate is all the way closed then you are good to go.
That is one sweet truck. Love the cameras
Love the 450 such a great truck. Thoroughly enjoy your channel.
I'm one of the guys that recommended the B&W when you were researching hitches. I tow a 40' Pinnacle with an F350 using the B&W for 2 1/2 years and I'm with JD. I don't find that the tug test is necessary with this hitch. I did start doing it at first but am now confident enough without it. I too drove semi's and was trained to do so and would still do it in a semi. However the fifth wheel hitches on class 8 trucks is a different beast. But you need to do what you feel comfortable doing and it matters not what I do or think, you are the one who is responsible for your towing safety.
I don't even own a trailer or the f450 truck. Or in the market to even buy one. But some reason or another I'm hook. It maybe your personality. Thanks for sharing your knowledge
The only problem with a tug test if done right is it takes time to do. If you hook up wrong what cost less to repair landing gear or the truck?
You did good with-out help .
I probably missed a previous video explaining this but wondering why you got such a huge rv for just the two of you. Most people are going in the opposite direction. Appreciate you sharing your thought process.
B Bright62 have you seen the inside? Their momentum is basically just a couples camper. Sure they can turn the garage into extra sleeping space, but with this fifth wheel they didn’t give up living room or kitchen space for a garage like most fifth wheels where the living space is the garage as well. I think it’s pretty awesome. Oh, and that patio is a nice thing to have. Especially if you have a water view camp site.
So glad your new truck is working out for you.❤😊
I bought my mirror extenders there, very happy.
Maybe you could show the jaws on the hitch before and after locking? Then people could understand why a tug test isn’t necessary. If you still have an urge to do the test, you could always tug open a beer when you get to your next site.
That’s why I went with a Reese goosebox and hitch ball.
Do don’t do your toys to brake. But 15 yrs 28’ 48’ 53’ trailers full of propane. Always let the 5th wheel left gooseneck up slide in lock. Then hook up , Lift up legs then turn on all lights walk around then get in. 2 checks in to one. Put in drive put trailer brakes on then have your eyes on 5th wheel then lightly tug. Your done. Pull out. The one time I was doing a drop and hook. No tug test I drop a 53’ full of MT 20lb propane cylinders. Not good. Your toys to brake have fun be safe. Seeing them 2 together again looks really nice. Dot forget the tailgate no turning straight back when down.
A tug test is cheap insurance, if for some inexplicable reason you lose your rig whilst on the road, you’ll have confidence when you lodge an insurance claim.
Tom, another very enjoyable video! Thank you. My '17 F-350 mpg got better over time ( up to about 25K miles). I installed a TransFlow 60 gallon tank, what a pease of mind. Safe travels.
"No where to go and ALL day to get there".
Thanks Thom! That's what I am hearing from others as well. We have about a 1000 miles on the 450 now and it seems like the mileage is improving. 👍
I would tug test until I I gained faith in and learned the characteristics of my new fifth wheel.. I've seen many people ease their truck back gently as if they don't want to damage their fifth wheel.
you will not damage your pin or fifth wheel [[do it like you mean it and listen for the latch to snap locked] also utilize the ramp at the rear of the fifth wheel so it can guide the pin into the proper position to latch.. even if you use a wear pad to avoid the grease mess, you should still make sure and lubricate the locking mechanisms [latch and release often]
I have a 2017 350 4×4 crewcab long bed dually 410 rear end with the 6.7. And a 42 foot fifth wheel I get 11 mph at 62 mph try that speed on the road and see what you get good luck
This is why Keep Your Daydream ditched their 43' toyhauler and new F450 to go back to a 30' Airstream and F250. That huge rig limits the campsites available and maneuvarability is a big issue. That mansion is great when you are sitting in a campground but not when you have to get it around.
In Canada, you have to have a class 1 to drive that rig. 3 axles is min. class 3 w/heavy trailer, maybe.
Every time I watch your videos I think something bad is going to happen.
Me also 😂
Tom, I am soooo confused. Why do you need the blue tote? Just curious.
It's a portable waste tank. A portable waste tank lets you camp longer, but it's also useful if you're not parked near a dump station. When you camp in the same spot for weeks at a time, an expansion tank allows you to dump your waste and transport it to the dump station without having to pack up the whole RV.