Trailer tongue failure

Jim.. we've been flying the last two weekends in low thermals and connecting
to upper level wave..
Bill

"JS" wrote in message
...
A good point to raise before the (northern) season gets going.
Heard of someone loosing a bumper hitch on a brand new pickup. The
dealer claimed that it wasn't their responsibility, as it wasn't a
factory- or dealer- installed ball on the hitch!
Personally had a similar failure, but on the trailer. One of the
front bolts holding the tongue to the trailer failed, the other
loosened. Of course, on a drive from Ely back home along some of the
"loneliest roads". Fortunately the loose front and both rear bolts
held and the trailer had only sagged about an inch or so (25 - 30mm)
when it was discovered. Replaced the bolts and it was back in
business. Yes, the safety chain is attached to this part that could
have fallen off, too!
We probably don't preflight our trailers enough. There's more to
them than checking lights and greasing the bearings. It takes very
little time to check the hitch on the car, too. It helps to have a
mechanic's creeper. (a dolly you lie on to get under the vehicle)
Jim