"Eric Greenwell" wrote in message
...
Tom Serkowski wrote:
Has anyone had a trailer come off the ball while hooked up like Tom
describes, and how did it work out?
I have had two trailers come off the ball over the years. The first was
with a trailer with NO brakes. After hooking up, the trailer was driven at
least a half mile over a very rough dirt road leaving the airport (the old
Marfa airport). And then it did not come off until 30 - 40 miles. The
second was with a trailer that had a cable actuated brake. Again, a rough
dirt road was used to exit the airport. After about 10 miles the trailer
came loose. The brake did get set, but not strongly (lack of adjustment for
previous wear).
The solution for both cases was the same. I was able to feel that the
trailer had come loose. In a motor home this might not be possible. I then
slowed the car until the trailer came into contact with the rear bumper.
The car was then slowly braked to a safe stop. The trailer stayed stable
while trying to "push" the car (both cases).
This procedure may scratch the rear of the car, but, that is much better
than scratching the sides and top in a roll over. And is much preferable to
having the trailer break away and possible go into another car.
Duane
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