[goodellj]

Hooking up is a tedious process that must be done right to avoid disaster. My Reese hitch snaps shut when I hook up, but I still perform these redundant steps to make sure:
1. Pull test.
2. visual inspection. Are the jaws closed? Is the hitch plate in contact with the trailer and sitting evenly? On cloudy days I often use a flashlight to get a good look.
3. Safety pin: It won't go in unless the jaws are fully closed.

I have hooked and unhooked hundreds of times and I am paranoid that I am going to someday drop the trailer off the hitch and damage my truck. These redundant steps are unappreciated, tedious, and absolutely necessary. So far, so good.

However, I do have some scuff marks on the top of the tailgate!