We get into habits while working, sometimes taking shortcuts to save time and effort. I get it. And working more efficiently is acceptable, provided that the result is the same or better than doing the same work before.
One place where I see techs take a shortcut often is towing RVs without batteries.
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RV dealers and shops often have heavy-duty trucks and hitch equipment that don’t require weight distribution and sway equipment. With empty RVs, that’s fine. But, towing on the road without a properly charged battery can lead to disaster, especially for us.
The electric or electric over hydraulic brakes we see on RVs, including the emergency breakaway, depend on having a charged and operable 12-volt DC power source, which they have while connected to the tow vehicle. But, as you know, without the trailer battery, there is no safety if the trailer should become disconnected. In this case, the loose trailer can fly into the oncoming traffic with disastrous results. I have seen new trailers with the hitch coupler out of adjustment and loose while locked. This, too, can be a problem.
It is more common for us because we most commonly use 2-inch and 2-5/16-inch balls and have adjustable drawbars with multiple balls on one device. It’s easy to mistakenly tow a trailer that uses a 2-5/16 with a 2-inch ball. I saw this happen recently. In addition, the tech didn’t put a battery on the trailer and towed it to another location more than 2 hours away. While nothing happened, fortunately, it could have been awful.
You must take the time to hitch correctly when going on the road. Consider having a dedicated battery and box with a ratchet strap (for quick attachment) for each tow vehicle at the shop, as well as hitch locks, spare hitch pins, and license plate attachment hardware. Always do a walk around before hauling, check brakes, tires, and lights, as well as doors, compartments, hatches, and sewer caps, and for any broken parts sticking up, down, or out of the RV.
Is it really worth the extra couple of minutes to endanger someone’s life?
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