Bent Coupler on 21RBS

[peislander]

I would think the vertical alignment would be a PITA, but maybe not.

Typically I temporarily drive the hitch until it is close to the coupler. Then using one of those telescopic alignment aids I mentioned, I compare the height of the ball to the height of the coupler -- and use the manual jack wheel thing-a-ma-jig to adjust the coupler height up or down as needed. Then its just a simple matter to pull the tow vehicle forward a wee bit and then if the alignment is right - back right into the coupler. It will clap shut with a very noticeable 'clunk'. At that moment you could in theory shift into forward and floor it. Peddle to the metal! The trailer would be securely coupled but the flying gravel might damage the beautiful orbit front of the Camplite. Other campers would likely be annoyed too (and who can blame them especially after a Tacoma with a cute but tiny trailer going 80mph runs over their first-born spawn on his tricycle). Rather than that I typically turn off the ignition, get out, stow the alignment aids, connect the 7-pin connector, stow the wheel chocks, engage the safety pin into the coupler, connect the safety chains, and double check that the fridge door is latched. And after the horrific Thetford incident of a few years ago when I drove a few hundred miles with the cassette toilet's bowl valve wide open and an almost full toilet tank (Don't try it kids!) --- now I ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS check the toilet before hitting the road. It is important to keep the shit from hitting the fan!!! (Good thing the wet bath walls are easy to clean     ). I wish I hadn't relived that experience. The nightmares might return tonight...

I also check my lights and do one last review of the campsite to make sure I'm not leaving something behind. I make sure my bride & the dog are in the tow vehicle too.

My plan for next season regarding the vertical alignment is to try marking the bubble position in the spirit level I have on the coupler. I'll mark the bubble position when I un-couple the coupler so that when I want to re-couple I'll use the jack thingie to return the coupler to its previous height by raising or lowering until the bubble is where it was when I un-coupled. If that works I'll be quicker to couple my QuickBite.      The back-up camera on my Tacoma makes it all much easier than my previous tow vehicle that had no camera.

[charliem]

[quote source="/post/17937/thread" timestamp="1453508028" author="@peislander"]
My plan for next season regarding the vertical alignment is to try marking the bubble position in the spirit level I have on the coupler. I'll mark the bubble position when I un-couple the coupler so that when I want to re-couple I'll use the jack thingie to return the coupler to its previous height by raising or lowering until the bubble is where it was when I un-coupled. If that works I'll be quicker to couple my QuickBite.       The back-up camera on my Tacoma makes it all much easier than my previous tow vehicle that had no camera.[/quote][font size="3"]I would think a calibrated stick, i.e. a yard stick or meter stick depending, to the ground might be more accurate than the level. You'd have to measure when the truck was just at the unloaded height. And yes, the Tacoma rear view camera is awesome. [/font]

[djmiller]

If you have a bent coupler on a 21 or 28 Camplite Travel Trailer please contact me with your VIN number.

[purdytj]

If you have a bent coupler on a 21 or 28 Camplite Travel Trailer please contact me with your VIN number.

I just sent you a private message.
T.J. Purdy

[bobbie56]

[quote timestamp="1472133012" author="@purdytj" source="/post/24140/thread"][quote source="/post/24139/thread" author="@djmiller" timestamp="1472131777"]If you have a bent coupler on a 21 or 28 Camplite Travel Trailer please contact me with your VIN number. [/quote]
I just sent you a private message.
T.J. Purdy[/quote]Same here, private message.