What do you check on your Tab before resuming towing after an unattended break?

Sharon_is_SAM

We all do thorough initial pre-tow checks including making sure everything is closed, locked and secure.  Do you repeat your entire drill or limit it to specific items on your list?  

dragonsdofly

@SAM, we have never had an unattended break. With 4 of us, while on the road, someone is always with our tv and trailer. That being said we do a walk around looking at chains, 7 pin, tires, rc connection, coupler, door, windows and do a lights check whenever we stop while accumulating serious miles. If we tow into a town and make multiple stops, we do the walk around once before we begin the long haul.

broderius

What happens to everyone after an unattended break that this question comes up? 

Sharon_is_SAM

@broderius, depending on where you park your TV/Tab, passersby may mess with your Tab and/or hitch connections.  

Sharon_is_SAM

We do a walk around, but we do not check for our trailer light operation.  

Verna

Checking the lights is easily done. Just throw the flashers and headlights on and check everything as you walk around. I have a habit of touching, or at least pointing to, whatever I’m checking so that I’m not just going through the motions. No one is allowed to interrupt me—zombies, well-wishers, passengers, dogs, etc.

ScottG

I do a quick check the hitch and its associated components. Trailer separation = not cool.

Sometimes I feel the hubs right after stopping. I had some issues my first season when I think my brakes were a little out of adjustment. No issues since then.

ericnliz

A walk-around is a MUST if you leave your trailer unattended for ANY period of time. A few moments of your time could save you HOURS, or a trailer gone. Just safety & common sense, in my most humble opinion.

Marceline

ScottG said:

I do a quick check the hitch and its associated components. Trailer separation = not cool.

Sometimes I feel the hubs right after stopping. I had some issues my first season when I think my brakes were a little out of adjustment. No issues since then.

I check the hubs every time I stop. 

BrianZ

I do a second walk around & hitch check at the dump station before leaving the campground, and once I found my wife had inadvertently removed the coupler clip that I had put on when we hitched up to leave the camp site.  After that incident, I replaced the clip with a padlock which now stays on all the time, whether hitched or unhitched.
I also replaced the receiver pin with a locking one, so that should minimize tampering with the two most vulnerable & critical hitch components. 

I believe "operator error" is a far greater risk than any mischievous tampering while parked at a restaurant for 30 minutes, or even overnight at a hotel (but I'd probably do another walk around then).  For that matter, we only check lug nuts before each trip, but they could be tampered with while unattended.  But like any travel situation, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings & act appropriately.

jkjenn

BrianZ said:

I do a second walk around & hitch check at the dump station before leaving the campground, and once I found my wife had inadvertently removed the coupler clip that I had put on when we hitched up to leave the camp site.  After that incident, I replaced the clip with a padlock which now stays on all the time, whether hitched or unhitched.
I also replaced the receiver pin with a locking one, so that should minimize tampering with the two most vulnerable & critical hitch components. 

I believe "operator error" is a far greater risk than any mischievous tampering while parked at a restaurant for 30 minutes, or even overnight at a hotel (but I'd probably do another walk around then).  For that matter, we only check lug nuts before each trip, but they could be tampered with while unattended.  But like any travel situation, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings & act appropriately.

I using a locking receiver and a locking coupler pin, as well.

Ratkity

My unintended breaks come from an obnoxiously loud whine from the backseat. It gets louder and louder until I stop. Usually means da pup has ta tinkle.

Sharon_is_SAM

@Ratkity, LOL - unattended not unintended!  Ha ha! Although, if Popper has to pee, trailer would be unattended.

Homebodyatheart

Add Check battery switch, and Check that the fridge vent covers are properly hooked in and knobs in the locked position. Somewhere in the middle of the great State of Washington is my top vent cover... along with a couple of odds and ends in the tub that never budged-until that trip, like my fly swatter.