Transmission oil cooling
 

On 5/25/2014 6:08 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
On Sun, 25 May 2014 17:36:22 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 5/25/2014 3:17 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
On Sun, 25 May 2014 15:04:31 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 5/25/2014 8:25 AM, Poquito Loco wrote:
On Sat, 24 May 2014 18:13:59 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 5/24/2014 4:03 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
I'm thinking of putting one of these on the Silverado. Anyone had any experience with the concept of
increasing the oil supply to keep it cooler?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PPE-Allison-Deep-Tranmission-Pan-Duramax-Allison-1000-2000-2400-Series-128051000/121345886743?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkpa rms=aid%3D222008%26algo%3DSIC.MOTORS%26ao%3D1%26as c%3D22855%26meid%3D7132067336503725629%26pid%3D100 011%26prg%3D9833%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D121335 643997



Followup to my last ...

I assume your Silverado has a transmission fluid temp gauge as well as
an engine temp gauge. My Ford F-250 Super Duty does, I know. If I were
noticing higher than normal transmission temps while towing I'd be more
inclined to add an axillary transmission fluid cooler rather than just
increase the capacity of the transmission pan.

If I am not mistaken your truck has the Allison transmission. From what
I've heard, it is a superb transmission for towing ... probably the best
thing GM has going for it in their trucks. Unless it's getting hotter
than normal, I'd leave it alone. Just my humble opinion.


Here's an interesting and informative piece about Allison transmissions. I'll probably just leave
mine alone for a while. I've never seen the temp get much over 200.

http://dmaxstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=16_363&prod ucts_id=668&zenid=2euu9fpbqf4tmumt6ecj7kbu74



The Pace Arrow Class A motorhome we had for a while had an Allison
transmission. It was the only thing I liked about the whole rig.

Ford sorta copied some of the operating characteristics of the Allison
in the "TorqueShift" transmission used in the Super Duty Series. It
operates similarly to the Allison, including different gear ratios on
the downshifts than the upshifts.

One thing common to both that I assume you do ... always use the
"Tow/Haul" mode when towing. Otherwise, it *may* get hotter than normal.


That is on my checklist. This sits on my dash:

DEPARTURE

" TOW/HAUL MODE
" JACKS 'OFF'
" HITCH FORWARD
" HITCH LOCKED
" TRAILER BRAKE
" REGRIGERATOR GAS
" TAIL LIGHTS
" WALK AROUND
" GET WIFE

Except for the last, I've forgotten all of them at least once!



It has been awhile but I remember always doing another hitch check on
the 5th wheel we had. Manually engage the trailer brakes only and,
while holding them on, try to pull way with the truck. If the hitch
isn't engaged and locked properly, you'll find out in a hurry. This is
done before fully retracting the landing gear.


If mine isn't fully engaged I can't lock it. But, thanks for the tip.


ummmmm... Just because your lever indicates it is in the "locked"
position doesn't guarantee 100% that it *is* locked. Not trying to
nit-pic but the place that sold you the 5th wheel should have gone over
the test I described during your inspection and pickup. It's a pretty
standard test that ensures the pin is securely positioned and locked in
the hitch.

Kinda embarrassing (and potentially costly) to retract the landing gear,
put the truck in drive thinking everything is locked only to have the
pin crash through the bed of your truck or worse.

Transmission oil cooling
 

On Sun, 25 May 2014 18:50:26 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 5/25/2014 6:08 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
On Sun, 25 May 2014 17:36:22 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 5/25/2014 3:17 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
On Sun, 25 May 2014 15:04:31 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 5/25/2014 8:25 AM, Poquito Loco wrote:
On Sat, 24 May 2014 18:13:59 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 5/24/2014 4:03 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
I'm thinking of putting one of these on the Silverado. Anyone had any experience with the concept of
increasing the oil supply to keep it cooler?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PPE-Allison-Deep-Tranmission-Pan-Duramax-Allison-1000-2000-2400-Series-128051000/121345886743?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkpa rms=aid%3D222008%26algo%3DSIC.MOTORS%26ao%3D1%26as c%3D22855%26meid%3D7132067336503725629%26pid%3D100 011%26prg%3D9833%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D121335 643997



Followup to my last ...

I assume your Silverado has a transmission fluid temp gauge as well as
an engine temp gauge. My Ford F-250 Super Duty does, I know. If I were
noticing higher than normal transmission temps while towing I'd be more
inclined to add an axillary transmission fluid cooler rather than just
increase the capacity of the transmission pan.

If I am not mistaken your truck has the Allison transmission. From what
I've heard, it is a superb transmission for towing ... probably the best
thing GM has going for it in their trucks. Unless it's getting hotter
than normal, I'd leave it alone. Just my humble opinion.


Here's an interesting and informative piece about Allison transmissions. I'll probably just leave
mine alone for a while. I've never seen the temp get much over 200.

http://dmaxstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=16_363&prod ucts_id=668&zenid=2euu9fpbqf4tmumt6ecj7kbu74



The Pace Arrow Class A motorhome we had for a while had an Allison
transmission. It was the only thing I liked about the whole rig.

Ford sorta copied some of the operating characteristics of the Allison
in the "TorqueShift" transmission used in the Super Duty Series. It
operates similarly to the Allison, including different gear ratios on
the downshifts than the upshifts.

One thing common to both that I assume you do ... always use the
"Tow/Haul" mode when towing. Otherwise, it *may* get hotter than normal.


That is on my checklist. This sits on my dash:

DEPARTURE

" TOW/HAUL MODE
" JACKS 'OFF'
" HITCH FORWARD
" HITCH LOCKED
" TRAILER BRAKE
" REGRIGERATOR GAS
" TAIL LIGHTS
" WALK AROUND
" GET WIFE

Except for the last, I've forgotten all of them at least once!



It has been awhile but I remember always doing another hitch check on
the 5th wheel we had. Manually engage the trailer brakes only and,
while holding them on, try to pull way with the truck. If the hitch
isn't engaged and locked properly, you'll find out in a hurry. This is
done before fully retracting the landing gear.


If mine isn't fully engaged I can't lock it. But, thanks for the tip.


ummmmm... Just because your lever indicates it is in the "locked"
position doesn't guarantee 100% that it *is* locked. Not trying to
nit-pic but the place that sold you the 5th wheel should have gone over
the test I described during your inspection and pickup. It's a pretty
standard test that ensures the pin is securely positioned and locked in
the hitch.

Kinda embarrassing (and potentially costly) to retract the landing gear,
put the truck in drive thinking everything is locked only to have the
pin crash through the bed of your truck or worse.


I'm talking about the locking pin. Unless the latch is closed, the locking pin won't go into it's
hole. Oh, and I've also go a 'bed protector' in case I get really stupid! It catches the pin if it's
not latched properly. On my hitch, it's pretty easy to see if the jaw is closed.

No, no one suggested holding the trailer brake and trying to pull forward. If the jaw wasn't closed,
sounds like a good way to do some damage.

Transmission oil cooling
 

On 5/25/2014 5:36 PM, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 5/25/2014 3:17 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
On Sun, 25 May 2014 15:04:31 -0400, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 5/25/2014 8:25 AM, Poquito Loco wrote:
On Sat, 24 May 2014 18:13:59 -0400, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

On 5/24/2014 4:03 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
I'm thinking of putting one of these on the Silverado. Anyone had
any experience with the concept of
increasing the oil supply to keep it cooler?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PPE-Allison-Deep-Tranmission-Pan-Duramax-Allison-1000-2000-2400-Series-128051000/121345886743?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkpa rms=aid%3D222008%26algo%3DSIC.MOTORS%26ao%3D1%26as c%3D22855%26meid%3D7132067336503725629%26pid%3D100 011%26prg%3D9833%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D121335 643997




Followup to my last ...

I assume your Silverado has a transmission fluid temp gauge as well as
an engine temp gauge. My Ford F-250 Super Duty does, I know. If I
were
noticing higher than normal transmission temps while towing I'd be
more
inclined to add an axillary transmission fluid cooler rather than just
increase the capacity of the transmission pan.

If I am not mistaken your truck has the Allison transmission. From
what
I've heard, it is a superb transmission for towing ... probably the
best
thing GM has going for it in their trucks. Unless it's getting hotter
than normal, I'd leave it alone. Just my humble opinion.


Here's an interesting and informative piece about Allison
transmissions. I'll probably just leave
mine alone for a while. I've never seen the temp get much over 200.

http://dmaxstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=16_363&prod ucts_id=668&zenid=2euu9fpbqf4tmumt6ecj7kbu74




The Pace Arrow Class A motorhome we had for a while had an Allison
transmission. It was the only thing I liked about the whole rig.

Ford sorta copied some of the operating characteristics of the Allison
in the "TorqueShift" transmission used in the Super Duty Series. It
operates similarly to the Allison, including different gear ratios on
the downshifts than the upshifts.

One thing common to both that I assume you do ... always use the
"Tow/Haul" mode when towing. Otherwise, it *may* get hotter than
normal.


That is on my checklist. This sits on my dash:

DEPARTURE

" TOW/HAUL MODE
" JACKS 'OFF'
" HITCH FORWARD
" HITCH LOCKED
" TRAILER BRAKE
" REGRIGERATOR GAS
" TAIL LIGHTS
" WALK AROUND
" GET WIFE

Except for the last, I've forgotten all of them at least once!



It has been awhile but I remember always doing another hitch check on
the 5th wheel we had. Manually engage the trailer brakes only and,
while holding them on, try to pull way with the truck. If the hitch
isn't engaged and locked properly, you'll find out in a hurry. This is
done before fully retracting the landing gear.



I always do a walk around before putting the key in the thing... I am
somewhat superstitious about it, ****es off my kids cause I have to
touch the driver seat then do a walk around. Sometimes I forget to close
the door:)

Transmission oil cooling
 

On 5/25/2014 8:14 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
On Sun, 25 May 2014 18:50:26 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 5/25/2014 6:08 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
On Sun, 25 May 2014 17:36:22 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 5/25/2014 3:17 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
On Sun, 25 May 2014 15:04:31 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 5/25/2014 8:25 AM, Poquito Loco wrote:
On Sat, 24 May 2014 18:13:59 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 5/24/2014 4:03 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
I'm thinking of putting one of these on the Silverado. Anyone had any experience with the concept of
increasing the oil supply to keep it cooler?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PPE-Allison-Deep-Tranmission-Pan-Duramax-Allison-1000-2000-2400-Series-128051000/121345886743?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkpa rms=aid%3D222008%26algo%3DSIC.MOTORS%26ao%3D1%26as c%3D22855%26meid%3D7132067336503725629%26pid%3D100 011%26prg%3D9833%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D121335 643997



Followup to my last ...

I assume your Silverado has a transmission fluid temp gauge as well as
an engine temp gauge. My Ford F-250 Super Duty does, I know. If I were
noticing higher than normal transmission temps while towing I'd be more
inclined to add an axillary transmission fluid cooler rather than just
increase the capacity of the transmission pan.

If I am not mistaken your truck has the Allison transmission. From what
I've heard, it is a superb transmission for towing ... probably the best
thing GM has going for it in their trucks. Unless it's getting hotter
than normal, I'd leave it alone. Just my humble opinion.


Here's an interesting and informative piece about Allison transmissions. I'll probably just leave
mine alone for a while. I've never seen the temp get much over 200.

http://dmaxstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=16_363&prod ucts_id=668&zenid=2euu9fpbqf4tmumt6ecj7kbu74



The Pace Arrow Class A motorhome we had for a while had an Allison
transmission. It was the only thing I liked about the whole rig.

Ford sorta copied some of the operating characteristics of the Allison
in the "TorqueShift" transmission used in the Super Duty Series. It
operates similarly to the Allison, including different gear ratios on
the downshifts than the upshifts.

One thing common to both that I assume you do ... always use the
"Tow/Haul" mode when towing. Otherwise, it *may* get hotter than normal.


That is on my checklist. This sits on my dash:

DEPARTURE

" TOW/HAUL MODE
" JACKS 'OFF'
" HITCH FORWARD
" HITCH LOCKED
" TRAILER BRAKE
" REGRIGERATOR GAS
" TAIL LIGHTS
" WALK AROUND
" GET WIFE

Except for the last, I've forgotten all of them at least once!



It has been awhile but I remember always doing another hitch check on
the 5th wheel we had. Manually engage the trailer brakes only and,
while holding them on, try to pull way with the truck. If the hitch
isn't engaged and locked properly, you'll find out in a hurry. This is
done before fully retracting the landing gear.


If mine isn't fully engaged I can't lock it. But, thanks for the tip.


ummmmm... Just because your lever indicates it is in the "locked"
position doesn't guarantee 100% that it *is* locked. Not trying to
nit-pic but the place that sold you the 5th wheel should have gone over
the test I described during your inspection and pickup. It's a pretty
standard test that ensures the pin is securely positioned and locked in
the hitch.

Kinda embarrassing (and potentially costly) to retract the landing gear,
put the truck in drive thinking everything is locked only to have the
pin crash through the bed of your truck or worse.


I'm talking about the locking pin. Unless the latch is closed, the locking pin won't go into it's
hole. Oh, and I've also go a 'bed protector' in case I get really stupid! It catches the pin if it's
not latched properly. On my hitch, it's pretty easy to see if the jaw is closed.

No, no one suggested holding the trailer brake and trying to pull forward. If the jaw wasn't closed,
sounds like a good way to do some damage.


Look up "tug test".

Transmission oil cooling
 

On Mon, 26 May 2014 03:54:34 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 5/25/2014 8:14 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
On Sun, 25 May 2014 18:50:26 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 5/25/2014 6:08 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
On Sun, 25 May 2014 17:36:22 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 5/25/2014 3:17 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
On Sun, 25 May 2014 15:04:31 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 5/25/2014 8:25 AM, Poquito Loco wrote:
On Sat, 24 May 2014 18:13:59 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 5/24/2014 4:03 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:
I'm thinking of putting one of these on the Silverado. Anyone had any experience with the concept of
increasing the oil supply to keep it cooler?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PPE-Allison-Deep-Tranmission-Pan-Duramax-Allison-1000-2000-2400-Series-128051000/121345886743?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkpa rms=aid%3D222008%26algo%3DSIC.MOTORS%26ao%3D1%26as c%3D22855%26meid%3D7132067336503725629%26pid%3D100 011%26prg%3D9833%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D121335 643997



Followup to my last ...

I assume your Silverado has a transmission fluid temp gauge as well as
an engine temp gauge. My Ford F-250 Super Duty does, I know. If I were
noticing higher than normal transmission temps while towing I'd be more
inclined to add an axillary transmission fluid cooler rather than just
increase the capacity of the transmission pan.

If I am not mistaken your truck has the Allison transmission. From what
I've heard, it is a superb transmission for towing ... probably the best
thing GM has going for it in their trucks. Unless it's getting hotter
than normal, I'd leave it alone. Just my humble opinion.


Here's an interesting and informative piece about Allison transmissions. I'll probably just leave
mine alone for a while. I've never seen the temp get much over 200.

http://dmaxstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=16_363&prod ucts_id=668&zenid=2euu9fpbqf4tmumt6ecj7kbu74



The Pace Arrow Class A motorhome we had for a while had an Allison
transmission. It was the only thing I liked about the whole rig.

Ford sorta copied some of the operating characteristics of the Allison
in the "TorqueShift" transmission used in the Super Duty Series. It
operates similarly to the Allison, including different gear ratios on
the downshifts than the upshifts.

One thing common to both that I assume you do ... always use the
"Tow/Haul" mode when towing. Otherwise, it *may* get hotter than normal.


That is on my checklist. This sits on my dash:

DEPARTURE

" TOW/HAUL MODE
" JACKS 'OFF'
" HITCH FORWARD
" HITCH LOCKED
" TRAILER BRAKE
" REGRIGERATOR GAS
" TAIL LIGHTS
" WALK AROUND
" GET WIFE

Except for the last, I've forgotten all of them at least once!



It has been awhile but I remember always doing another hitch check on
the 5th wheel we had. Manually engage the trailer brakes only and,
while holding them on, try to pull way with the truck. If the hitch
isn't engaged and locked properly, you'll find out in a hurry. This is
done before fully retracting the landing gear.


If mine isn't fully engaged I can't lock it. But, thanks for the tip.


ummmmm... Just because your lever indicates it is in the "locked"
position doesn't guarantee 100% that it *is* locked. Not trying to
nit-pic but the place that sold you the 5th wheel should have gone over
the test I described during your inspection and pickup. It's a pretty
standard test that ensures the pin is securely positioned and locked in
the hitch.

Kinda embarrassing (and potentially costly) to retract the landing gear,
put the truck in drive thinking everything is locked only to have the
pin crash through the bed of your truck or worse.


I'm talking about the locking pin. Unless the latch is closed, the locking pin won't go into it's
hole. Oh, and I've also go a 'bed protector' in case I get really stupid! It catches the pin if it's
not latched properly. On my hitch, it's pretty easy to see if the jaw is closed.

No, no one suggested holding the trailer brake and trying to pull forward. If the jaw wasn't closed,
sounds like a good way to do some damage.


Look up "tug test".

I did, and I understand what you're saying.

I've just not heard it before - even from all the other 5th wheel guys we hang with. I use the
trailer break to put the hitch back and forth for maneuvering, but have never used it to check
whether the pin is locked. I get a decent jolt when I back into the pin, and it's easy to see if the
pin is in all the way or not. Lastly, I put the locking pin in. If it goes, then the latch is
closed. It works well.

Transmission oil cooling
 

On Monday, May 26, 2014 6:54:37 AM UTC-7, John H. wrote:


....

John for $300.00 it may or it may not help. But it's not much money so...

Transmission oil cooling
 

Tim wrote:
On Monday, May 26, 2014 6:54:37 AM UTC-7, John H. wrote:


...

John for $300.00 it may or it may not help. But it's not much money so...

My problem on my motor home in the 80's was a defective tranny cooler. Had
a piece of aluminum loose in the cooler and blocked fluid flow. Cost a
tranny in the end.

Transmission oil cooling
 

On Saturday, May 24, 2014 4:03:33 PM UTC-4, John H. wrote:
I'm thinking of putting one of these on the Silverado. Anyone had any experience with the concept of

increasing the oil supply to keep it cooler?

Its the best thing you could do for your Truck. It routes the Oil to a cooler usually placed in FRONT of the Rad. Better to have this, than to have your tranny fluid trying to cool off in a 170 degree Rad Tank !!! Transmissions work far better when cool. Also its good to wrap metal or plastic (not my choice)window screen around the front, to keep out bugs.You COULD put it right across the front of your Rad to keep out everything but air.

My Brother works at a Commercial AC/ Heat recovery business. He makes mine for free, with larger tubing (1/2 inch) as well. He makes extruded Fin-Tubes there. they can make a cooler in about 30 minutes start to finish.

Transmission oil cooling
 

On Saturday, May 24, 2014 6:04:06 PM UTC-4, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 5/24/2014 4:03 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:

I'm thinking of putting one of these on the Silverado. Anyone had any experience with the concept of

increasing the oil supply to keep it cooler?



http://www.ebay.com/itm/PPE-Allison-Deep-Tranmission-Pan-Duramax-Allison-1000-2000-2400-Series-128051000/121345886743?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkpa rms=aid%3D222008%26algo%3DSIC.MOTORS%26ao%3D1%26as c%3D22855%26meid%3D7132067336503725629%26pid%3D100 011%26prg%3D9833%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D121335 643997







I looked at them out of idle curiosity a few years ago. Consensus is

they are a waste of money and don't reduce transmission fluid temp at

all once it is up to operating temp. All they do is cause it to take a

little longer to get up to temp (which is not necessarily a good thing)

and a little longer to cool off when the truck is shut off.

They don't add that much more capacity over what your stock pan holds.

You are a fool. A cool tranny works far better, and last longer. Ask a Transmission Repair Man.

Your statement shows you know little.

Transmission oil cooling
 

On Sunday, May 25, 2014 5:36:22 PM UTC-4, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 5/25/2014 3:17 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:

On Sun, 25 May 2014 15:04:31 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:



On 5/25/2014 8:25 AM, Poquito Loco wrote:

On Sat, 24 May 2014 18:13:59 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:



On 5/24/2014 4:03 PM, Poquito Loco wrote:

I'm thinking of putting one of these on the Silverado. Anyone had any experience with the concept of

increasing the oil supply to keep it cooler?



http://www.ebay.com/itm/PPE-Allison-Deep-Tranmission-Pan-Duramax-Allison-1000-2000-2400-Series-128051000/121345886743?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkpa rms=aid%3D222008%26algo%3DSIC.MOTORS%26ao%3D1%26as c%3D22855%26meid%3D7132067336503725629%26pid%3D100 011%26prg%3D9833%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D121335 643997







Followup to my last ...



I assume your Silverado has a transmission fluid temp gauge as well as

an engine temp gauge. My Ford F-250 Super Duty does, I know. If I were

noticing higher than normal transmission temps while towing I'd be more

inclined to add an axillary transmission fluid cooler rather than just

increase the capacity of the transmission pan.



If I am not mistaken your truck has the Allison transmission. From what

I've heard, it is a superb transmission for towing ... probably the best

thing GM has going for it in their trucks. Unless it's getting hotter

than normal, I'd leave it alone. Just my humble opinion.





Here's an interesting and informative piece about Allison transmissions. I'll probably just leave

mine alone for a while. I've never seen the temp get much over 200.



http://dmaxstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=16_363&prod ucts_id=668&zenid=2euu9fpbqf4tmumt6ecj7kbu74







The Pace Arrow Class A motorhome we had for a while had an Allison

transmission. It was the only thing I liked about the whole rig.



Ford sorta copied some of the operating characteristics of the Allison

in the "TorqueShift" transmission used in the Super Duty Series. It

operates similarly to the Allison, including different gear ratios on

the downshifts than the upshifts.



One thing common to both that I assume you do ... always use the

"Tow/Haul" mode when towing. Otherwise, it *may* get hotter than normal.





That is on my checklist. This sits on my dash:



DEPARTURE



" TOW/HAUL MODE

" JACKS 'OFF'

" HITCH FORWARD

" HITCH LOCKED

" TRAILER BRAKE

" REGRIGERATOR GAS

" TAIL LIGHTS

" WALK AROUND

" GET WIFE



Except for the last, I've forgotten all of them at least once!







It has been awhile but I remember always doing another hitch check on

the 5th wheel we had. Manually engage the trailer brakes only and,

while holding them on, try to pull way with the truck. If the hitch

isn't engaged and locked properly, you'll find out in a hurry. This is

done before fully retracting the landing gear.

Its called a " Tug Test". We used to do it a lot while driving Transports, switching trailers frequently.