Towing Service Bakersfield CA
Fifth-Wheel Hitches | Towing Companies in Bakersfield CA
Not a lot of information are available on topics devoted to " tow truck Bakersfield ", " towing Bakersfield CA ", or " Tow truck Bakersfield CA " when searches are made online. This is the reason why we have scoured a number of different sources in order to provide reliable and relevant information. Still, Woodall's RV Owner's Handbook written by Gary Bunzer in the updated 4th edition has been helpful. We continue our review here. Below is an informative excerpt:
Air Hitches
Some fifth-wheel hitches even allow the trailer to float on air such as the E-Z Floater by Hitch Crafters, (www.hitchcrafter.com). Crossbar/side And the TS3 Trailer Saver by Hensley Mfg., (www.trailersaver.com). The TS3 fits into most of the standard bed rails as produced by many platform hitch suppliers.
Here's the Easy Rider Air Hitch by Reese, And the Air Ride by Trailair® (www.trailair.com). And this is a sampling of the products available today!
Comfort is obviously the new operative word when it comes to fifth-wheel towing. With the vast majority of long-haul trucks employing ride suspensions, it stands to reason that many aftermarket air products are now designed for the active fifth-wheel RVer. The above brands are just a sampling of what you'll find in the marketplace.
A relatively new towing concept for fifth-wheel travel trailers has been developed by American Automation Technologies, Inc. Called the Automated Safety Hitch, (www.safetyhitch.com), this new design is centered around a heavy duty truck axle housed in its own chassis. When connected it literally becomes an integral portion of the towed fifth-wheel trailer. Hitching up is simplified by the use of a handheld controller and winch. No longer is brawn and strength necessary to make the coupling. The trailer basically connects itself.
Tow vehicles are no longer limited to pickup trucks and custom haulers. Using a Putnam frame extension, this hitch can even enable a SUV to haul a fifth-wheel travel trailer. The Automated Safety Hitch is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, (actuated by any dash mounted brake controller), which boost the factory braking ability of the tow vehicle by 50% or more. Furthermore, the weight of the trailer is fully supported by the all-welded steel unit. At speeds below 25 mph the hitch is automatically steerable; above 25 mph the axle remains parallel to the rear axle of the tow vehicle for true tracking. During turns, the Automated Safety Hitch automatically steers proportionately in the direction of the turn.
Appropriate to both fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitch assemblies under 6,300 pounds pin weight, this new concept deserves further due diligence by the serious fifth-wheel enthusiast.
Typical Hitching and Unhitching
Crossbar/side rail and pedestal/platform mount designs allow hitching from a range of angles. The only requirement is that the truck be maneuverable beneath the trailer overhang. Hitching involves lowering or removing the truck tailgate (a costly mistake should one forget to do so), opening the "jaws" of the plate by pulling the lever, backing up the truck until the pin is caught by the plate and seated (a loud snap will be heard), and locking the jaws by releasing the spring-loaded lever, then inserting the lever lock pin.
The trailer jacks and landing pads are raised by cracking a simple hand crank. This can be done manually or, on many fifth-wheels, automatically, by simply flipping a switch. The heavy fifth-wheel trailers almost always are equipped with electric or hydraulic landing jacks. Other details are hitching up include attaching the breakaway switch cable to the truck frame and plugging in the electrical connector.
Unhitching is the opposite procedure. The first step is cranking down the landing gear jacks until they are firmly planted on the ground. All renowned RVers carry wood planks to aid in this step, invoking a larger footprint. This is followed by disconnecting the electrical connector and breakaway cable, lowering the tailgate, pulling the release lever and driving the truck out from under the trailer. The trailer can then be leveled and stabilized normally for day-to-day living.
Special hitching and unhitching instructions will accompany all fifth-wheel hitches, especially air hitches, so be sure to carefully read the user's guide.
Tow Wiring
Wiring between the fifth-wheel trailer and the tow vehicle will follow the same logic as for conventional travel trailers. Simply refer to that section above.
Hitch Maintenance
Fifth-wheel hitch equipment requires little attention other than keeping the hitch plate and locking mechanism clean and well lubricated. Maintenance chores center on the peripheral items that all trailerists should include in pre-trip checks:
- Lubricating the plate: Any good quality high-temperature automotive grease will do this. Keep a generous amount on the plate. If it gets thin, replenish as necessary.
- Electrical connector: Electrical plugs and receptacles are generally well designed to keep grime and moisture out when they are connected. However, during period of nonuse, they may corrode. Make sure the contacts are clean and dry.
- Breakaway switch: Examine the cable on the breakaway switch and make sure that it is firmly attached to the truck. The cord must have enough slack to allow full turning in both directions.
- Tire pressure: Check all tires for proper pressure and correct if necessary.
- Trailer battery: Make sure the battery is fully charged prior to departing on an extended excursion."