Single dad says setup by yourself w /kids?

[ScoobyDoo]

I grabbed the tongue of the trailer with both hands planted my feet on the ground and it still managed to pull my 240lb body along with it

   If you grabed the cable on the break-away switch the trailer shoud stop. Better get the wheels chocked and the pin back in quick or the batt will die. I would rather have a dead battery than think of what a runaway trailer could do.

[Used 2B PopUPTimes]

I had a Jayco Eagle 10 that got away from me in a campsite. The camper was unhitched and I was pushing it into the right spot when it rolled off the site and down a small embankment. I hooked  a 10' chain to it and pulled it back up onto the site. The only damage was my pride and luckily nobody saw it happen.

I've had enough practice now that I can usually get it where I want it with the TV. If I have to make manual adjustments I make sure there's a stopping place with chock lined up with each wheel. A bigger tongue jack wheel would sure help sometimes.

d.

[pwong5]

thanks for the info.  Yeah I think I'll have to practice the backing up thing.  I'm gonna go to a closer park for the first trip when I pick up the sun valley.  probably one where the sites  are a little more open than at algonquin.  

[fallsrider]

I made a mistake one time of unhooking my Santa Fe from the back of my SUV before checking out the site. Well the site was not level and as soon as I unhooked, the camper started to roll backwards. I grabbed the tongue of the trailer with both hands planted my feet on the ground and it still managed to pull my 240lb body along with it. Fortunatly, my wife and kids were near and were able to grab a rock and a branch and put them behind the tires and things came to a stand still.

I would hate to see that happen to you by your self. Block the wheels with something before you unhook, or at least check out the site to make sure its level.

Never made that mistake again.

CajunCamper

After having that happen to me with a work trailer once, I changed my unhook procedure. I now uncouple from the ball hitch before disconnecting the safety chains. That way, if your trailer does start rolling, it won't go far at all. I consider that a lesson learned the hard way!

[AustinBoston]

After having that happen to me with a work trailer once, I changed my unhook procedure. I now uncouple from the ball hitch before disconnecting the safety chains. That way, if your trailer does start rolling, it won't go far at all. I consider that a lesson learned the hard way!

But depending on the slope, the "not far" that it may go is into the bumper of the tow vehicle...OUCH!

I had an unhook incident where the trailer started to rotate (one wheel was not moving, but the other sure was :yikes: ).  I had the presence of mind to yank the breakaway cable to activate the electronic brakes.  That stopped it dead in about 4 inches.  This site looked level.

Now I make sure she's chocked before unhooking, no matter how level the site is.

Austin

[flyfisherman]

I always thought (and was taught) that chocking the trailer wheels was the first order of business prior to un-hitching.




Fly