Hitch lock - towing whilst fitted?

OnlyJen replied on 10/04/2018 21:45

OnlyJen

Posted on 10/04/2018 21:45

Hello

Some of you may remember me as "solo granny with camper" but now quite often "Granny with Camper accompanied by sister and towing her caravan"...

Not new to towing but it was so long ago now that time and my defective memory means that I might just as well put myself firmly in the "newbie" category

so newbie question number 1.

I have always felt uncomfortable towing with the hitch lock in place.

Until Sunday.

We found ourselves parked next to another Eriba at Gloucester services and getting into conversation he questioned why I was removing my hitch lock as we prepared to resume our travels. He then went on to say it's quite unnecessary, leave it on until you need to unhitch.

Should I or shouldn't I?

Eriba with winterhoff S3000 stabiliser and winterhoff hitch lock.

Thank you, Jen

1 person likes this

10 replies

OnlyJen replied on 10/04/2018 21:48

Member

OnlyJen

Motorhomer

Posted on 10/04/2018 21:48

Oh!

Good start!

Posted in the wrong section! Should be "New to touring" section. Can a mod please move for me, or at least tell me off in the nicest possible way

Tinwheeler replied on 10/04/2018 21:52

Tinwheeler

Campervanner

Posted on 10/04/2018 21:52

It’s not a technical thing, OJ, but a safety matter. In the event of the unthinkable happening, the emergency services could well need to separate the van from towing vehicle. They strongly recommend that you never lock the hitch when towing.

You were right.

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OnlyJen replied on 10/04/2018 22:02

Member

OnlyJen

Motorhomer

Posted on 10/04/2018 21:52 by Tinwheeler

It’s not a technical thing, OJ, but a safety matter. In the event of the unthinkable happening, the emergency services could well need to separate the van from towing vehicle. They strongly recommend that you never lock the hitch when towing.

You were right.

Posted on 10/04/2018 22:02

Thank you TW, that was my thinking. Why make life difficult for others when you may want them to move very quickly.