Scary incident - and questions

RTWCTS

As a final check for proper connection/engagement for the coupler on the ball I have been raising the jack after everything is connected to the point that the TV is being pulled up too. Hope that is sufficient.

Mickerly

Taking a picture with your phone works too..

Binghi

I visually verify that the coupler jaw is properly fitted underneath the hitch ball when I scooch under the tow vehicle to attach the safety chains and emergency brake cable. Might as well do everything you can while you’re down there…

AnOldUR

Binghi said:

... when I scooch under the tow vehicle to attach the safety chains and emergency brake cable ...

Do you have a picture of your setup? I'm having trouble visualizing the need for scooching.

Binghi

No, sorry, don’t have a picture of the current set-up, but it’s the classic cross-chain configuration. I guess I don’t have to get on the ground to hook things up, but I just find it’s easier that way. I throw a yoga mat on the ground, crawl under there, hook up the chains and the emergency cable, and check the coupler jaw. I don’t crawl all the way under the vehicle – just my upper body. My current tow vehicle is a Ford F150, but I’ve always done it this way. Maybe it dates back to my shade-tree mechanic youth.