freediver
Redding, CA
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Joined: 04/19/2004
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Hi all,
Haven't posted in a long time. I've learned much over the years from your posts and responses. I'm posting my mishap so others can learn from it.
I did a quick search for the hitch helper and learned many find it useless. I find it makes it easier to get my HA stinger lined up with the trailer.
I placed the hitch helper off the ground on about five wood blocks that are nailed together to raise it so I don't need to extend the jack as far. We were camped on a slight incline (it took 3 lynx levelers to get the low side level). When trying to get hitched, I moved the hitch helper/jack/trailer towards the downhill side. Suddenly, the whole jack and hitch helper slid off the blocks. Luckily, nobody was in the way. The post on the jack did not get bent. We fully extended the jack but couldn't get the receiver high enough to hitch up because it just buried itself in the ground. We used a separate jack to lift the trailer tongue slightly, then replaced the blocks under the trailer jack. Then we were able to raise the tongue up and hitch up. The only thing that got bent up was a stabilizer that wasn't fully lifted up--it couldn't support the weight of the trailer after the front end dropped off the blocks.
Lesson learned: either learn to go without the hitch helper, place the hitch helper on the ground so it can't slide, or devise a way to make sure the hitch helper can't slide off the blocks if you place it up on blocks.
Chris, Connie, 4 kids
'00 Coleman Cheyenne (keeping it!)
'05 Suburban K2500 8.1L
'06 Arctic Fox 26Z2
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NHguy
NH
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Joined: 04/01/2006
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I'm glad no one got hurt. I found that when needing the tongue raised way up (at home behind the house) that I need a really stable platform. This might not be the way to do it on a trip, but I use 2 cinder blocks next to each other then one on top of the both of them, then I put 2 or 3 2 X 10 blocks to my final platform level. But the really key thing is to get the trailer up against the chocks that are downhill before I raise things up. And I make sure the stabilizers are down on blocks or the ground once I have this set up. To do this away from home you probably want to make a bit of a pyramid with interlocking "Lego" blocks. The key item is make it very solid.
My first year with a TT I put my tongue jack on 2 or 3 2 X 10's on the ground without chocks. Someone moved in the camper and down went the stack. Let me tell you, I'll never let that happen again, bet you don't either.
Chocks are essential, but I bet you already know that.
Take care, I'm glad nothing was broken and no one got hurt.
05 F150 FX4 Supercrew, 5.4, 3.73 LS, Jordan Ultima 2020 Brake Controller,
04 TrailCruiser 30QBSS, Battery Disconnect,
Dual Cam HP, Ultra Fab Power Tongue Jack, Bal Lockarm Stabilizers
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freediver
Redding, CA
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Joined: 04/19/2004
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Thanks for the comment. I had chocks in on both sides AND BAL stabilizers between the tires on both sides. (How's that for overdoing it?) Despite that, it still moved!
After this, a hydraulic jack went on the shopping list for the trailer. Fortunately a friend had one in his truck.
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LAdams
Northern Illinois
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Joined: 10/06/2000
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Interesting comments... When I camp at my local SP, the site I usually reserve has a pretty good slope back to front... I use 3 pieces of 2 X 12 in a sandwich configuration and maybe 1 or 2 more pieces of 2 X 12 and then the hitch helper... I chock with homemade chocks... I have never had my TT move even a little bit... My TT is a 31' double slide and weighs about #9400...
Can you think of any other extenuating circumstances that might have contributed to it's movement... Did a chock pop out, stabilzer bend, etc, etc ...
Les
2000 Ford F-250SD, XLT, 4X4 Off Road, SuperCab
w/ 6.8L (415 C.I.) V-10/3:73LS/4R100
Banks Power Pack w/Trans Command & OttoMind
2006 Nomad 3150 Double Slide (Bunkhouse)
Hensley Arrow
Jordan Ultima 2020
HUNTER THERMOSTAT INSTALL
** NEW ** blog.rv.net
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RustySocket
SW Washington
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Joined: 03/02/2005
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Sounds like a lot of hassle for a 2K$ hitch to me.....
I'd sell it and get something safer that doesn't require anything more than backing the ball under the tounge and latching it on the ball.
Someone could have gotten really hurt.
The fackt that a "hitch helper" is needed to me indicates that there is much to be desired when hithing up with the hensley.. especially if unlevel.
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djgarcia95928
Northern, Ca. , USA
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Joined: 07/26/2002
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I placed the hitch helper off the ground on about five wood blocks that are nailed together to raise it so I don't need to extend the jack as far.
Lesson learned: either learn to go without the hitch helper, place the hitch helper on the ground so it can't slide, or devise a way to make sure the hitch helper can't slide off the blocks if you place it up on blocks.
I use a hitch helper with my TT for the same reasons. I went to my local lumber yard and had them cut me 2 short blocks(12" long) from an 8x8 beam of wood. I treated it with thompson water seal and painted it red. I then screwed a big metal handle on one end, put one round reflector on each side. Works for me and easy to set on the ground and it dosen't move
Dick
djgarcia@earthlink.net
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djgarcia95928
Northern, Ca. , USA
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Joined: 07/26/2002
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djgarcia95928 wrote:I placed the hitch helper off the ground on about five wood blocks that are nailed together to raise it so I don't need to extend the jack as far.
Lesson learned: either learn to go without the hitch helper, place the hitch helper on the ground so it can't slide, or devise a way to make sure the hitch helper can't slide off the blocks if you place it up on blocks.
I use a hitch helper with my TT for the same reasons. I went to my local lumber yard and had them cut me 2 short blocks(12" long) from an 8x8 beam of wood. I treated it with thompson water seal and painted it red. I then screwed a big metal handle on one end, put one round reflector on each side. Works for me and easy to set on the ground and it dosen't move
The extra block is just a spare for the future and I only carry one with me.
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lat471
Lebanon, PA
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Joined: 06/15/2007
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I always used a jack stand on the front and if I had to raise even more the stand went on top of blocking. The key to uneven or high front end is good chocking.
07 Cameo LXI F35FD3
R Taj-We-Haul
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DeutscheMan
Oregon Coast
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Joined: 08/17/2003
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This is a good topic for Hensley owners. I have been using the lynx blocks under mine, and have been a little nervous about it sliding off if I went too far. Almost lost it last week. Think I'll start using a heavy block under there. Thanks for the heads up!
Bill
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clarkely
Harleysville, Pa
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Joined: 05/08/2008
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freediver wrote:Thanks for the comment. I had chocks in on both sides AND BAL stabilizers between the tires on both sides. (How's that for overdoing it?) Despite that, it still moved!
After this, a hydraulic jack went on the shopping list for the trailer. Fortunately a friend had one in his truck.
Hydraulic jack is a good thing. I have a "Trailer Box" I take regardless whether its my TT, car Trailer or snowmobile Trailer........I never trailer with out it.......Inside is a hydraulic Bottle Jack....
This is a Must!!!
If you have ever had a flat.....with out one.....you will get one after the fact!!
I'd Rather be camping!
Sydney Outback 310BHS
2008 2500 Suburban(Diablo Programmer)ATX Black Chrome Wheels
AirLift WirelessAIR with Firestone RideRite Bags, Pressure Pro System, Tekonsha P3
ProPride 3P, Power Jack
1 Wife, 4 kids & a Dog...Bigger is Better!!
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