Community Forums

dog lover · 08-19-2014, 01:47 PM

I expect to take delivery of my custom-ordered Camplite 21-BHS around this time next month. This is my first RV, and I want it to be as comfy and safe as possible.

The sales info for the Quickbite coupler paints a grim picture of what happens when the coupler separates from the ball. The Quickbite supposedly is a safer option.

Do you folks have any experience with this?

Skip426 · 08-19-2014, 05:55 PM

Any coupler system , be it on a TT, 5er, utility trailer, boat trailer, they all require maintenance , inspection and adjustments if necessary; to keep them in good working order.
JMHO: 30+ years of towing , I've never needed a back up to a standard ball coupler, but it's your piece of mind.

jesilvas · 08-19-2014, 06:05 PM

I've used one, and it's pretty cool. Not sure what "grim" picture you're talking about.

dog lover · 08-19-2014, 06:16 PM

Hmmm... Manufacturer discusses major liability when multiple vehicles are hit by runaway trailer, and about how some owners can be sent to prison.

Skip426 · 08-19-2014, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dog lover

how some owners can be sent to prison.

Again, JMHO: If they are not using the safety chains properly and don't have a trailer brake controller, or liability insurance , they deserve to go.

jesilvas · 08-19-2014, 06:26 PM

I'm still confused, are you not going to lock the coupler or use safety chains?

ahicks · 08-19-2014, 06:32 PM

dog lover, nobody wants a trailer on the loose, and it's a pretty rare occurrence, but it does happen. Usually because somebody didn't latch the coupler properly, or the wrong size ball is in use.

Just pay attention when you're hooking it up, understand it's proper operation, and you'll be fine!

dnhill · 08-19-2014, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Again, JMHO: If they are not using the safety chains properly and don't have a trailer brake controller, or liability insurance , they deserve to go.

First post here. I purchased a motorhome the past month. It took 18 years after purchasing a travel trailer that I owned for about 24 hours to get back into RVing.

I picked up a travel trailer from a dealer and the dealer installed the entire hitch system for me and he attached the TT. We (wife and three children) took the TT home, loaded it, and the next morning we took off from Texas to Colorado where we had tent camped for many summers. About 100 miles into the trip, the hitch failed and came uncoupled. The chains did their job of keeping us somewhat attached to the TT. After a few moments, the swaying of the trailer became too much for the tow vehicle (or my driving ability) to handle and we flipped several times. The chains broke off the tow vehicle. After ambulance trips, and a helicopter ride to the trauma center, my family was put back together. We only had one child with serious injuries and he recovered.

While hitch failures may be rare, i believe it is a valid concern. We did have safety chains, a trailer brake controller, and liability insurance. So while we seemed to be prepared, equipment did fail us. I have towed trailers of all kinds and weights for many years prior to the accident, and since. We were lucky that no other vehicles were involved in our mishap. I was issued a citation for failing to control the vehicle.

If the OP finds a product that reduces his concerns, then I say go for it. (Sorry for a downer first post)

Good news is that we now love our motorhome. We took it to Colorado and everything was great. So much nicer than sleeping in the tent.

Skip426 · 08-20-2014, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnhill

First post here. I purchased a motorhome the past month. It took 18 years after purchasing a travel trailer that I owned for about 24 hours to get back into RVing.
While hitch failures may be rare, i believe it is a valid concern.
If the OP finds a product that reduces his concerns, then I say go for it. (Sorry for a downer first post)

Good news is that we now love our motorhome. We took it to Colorado and everything was great. So much nicer than sleeping in the tent.

dnhill.

I hope that none of your future RV trips are anything like your first.
I do agree that operator piece of mind is paramount; but take issue when a manufacturer plays up the negatives; almost to the point of scare tactics; of a proven system to promote it's own , instead of focusing on the way it adds to the safety factor.
Opinions , ideas and helping fellow RVers, are what the forums are all about. Thanks for sharing yours.

Skip426 · 08-20-2014, 12:14 AM

On an aside , after looking online , I found info on the coupler, and one site saying the were no longer distributing the product, and a link to Lippert , don't know if this is the original producer, saying it was no longer in production.

http://www.pointswestmarketing.com/quickbite.htm

http://store.lci1.com/quickbite-coup...5000-p281.aspx

Chuck 1935 · 08-20-2014, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dog lover

Hmmm... Manufacturer discusses major liability when multiple vehicles are hit by runaway trailer, and about how some owners can be sent to prison.

Isn' that a charming way to coerce a future customer . He should be hung by his nasty bits for advertising this way !!

jesilvas · 08-20-2014, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnhill

After a few moments, the swaying of the trailer became too much for the tow vehicle (or my driving ability) to handle and we flipped several times.

Glad it's all good now, but you kept driving after a few minutes and didn't immediately stop?

ahicks · 08-20-2014, 06:50 AM

Having had this experience with both a TT and 5'er, my experience has been that you just take your foot off the gas and smoothly head for the side of the road...

I've never had one start swaying though...

wa8yxm · 08-20-2014, 07:43 AM

I too have had a hitch coupler break,, Major pain in the operating system but no other damage.. There are 3 or 4 different size balls. If the hitch is properly attached and locked down and pinned, there is no way it can come off the proper ball.

That said the ball, or the coupler, can break.. This can happen. (As noted above) which is why you cross your safety chains under the hitch.

It is why you use the break-a-way cable (Attached to some part of the tow vehicle OTHER than the hitch receiver)

IF a several thousand pound trailer takes off on it's own and slams into other cars.... The odds of the owner being negligent VERY VERY high. as the safety gear I just mentioned is clearly not there... An example:

We get many threads here "Do I Need A Battery".. Guess what stops your trailer if it disconnects from the tow vehicle.. .Yup, you DO need a battery.