5th wheel popped out of hitch

Me Again wrote:
Seems like a common Reese problem!!!!!!

If one took the time to compile the numbers from this site, Reese would come out of top for dropped 5th wheels.

Guess people that do not know how to hitch then to by Reese hitches, OR REESE HAS A PROBLEM!

Chris

If 80% of the hitches are Reese, hardly suprising if 80% of the issues are with Reese and in no way implies a problem with the hitch. If it was a real problem, they would have changed the design by now.
Walking around campgrounds, I would say they dominate the market by a wide margin.

Also, you do get some self selection. Most new users buy Reese because it's a well known brand. New users are more likely to make a mistake. On the other hand, users who've made a mistake, often try to buy a "better" gadget to solve the issue but follow up with more care as they've made a mistake already. They don't repeat the problem...not because of the better gadget but because they are more careful avoiding mistakes.

Every time this comes up, it almost always traces back to operator error.

I am not sure I understand about the washers.

How about a picture of the washers in question.

Funny, I've had the same Reese 15k for almost 20 years and never a problem.

If the latch isn't down and secured, a turn "can" walk the jaws open and release the trailer.

Folks who hitch up with the handle held in the open position are more likely to get distracted and drive off with the handle in the open position. Then the trailer drops onto the bed rails.

High hitched is a possibility as well.

The Reese two jaw hitch is one of the best and most popular on the market. Probably why there are more reports of user error than other heavy, over priced, bulky, downright ugly, less popular gimmick hitches.

There is a problem with this type of hitch. Seen many damaged beds over the years and the VAST majority are REESE or this type. YES, my unscientific study for those that say I am just bashing.

Me Again wrote:



Guess people that do not know how to hitch then to by Reese hitches.....

Chris

Understandable up to and including....
"Guess people that do not know how to hitch...."

"then to by Reese hitches" = :h..:?

.

Pholman90 wrote:
No. We double checked it and the pin was in the hitch

Then hitch was NOT latched!

Didn't do a 'pull test' did you??

On Edit:

Found a statement in Reese Installation Sheet


WARNING:
Do Not use this hitch for towing a trailer with a pin box that could come into contact with or interfere with the latch for the hitch handle when turning! (See Fig. 6)
If the pin box contacts the hitch handle or its latch when turning, the trailer may become unhitched

When turning truck to right does front left area of your pin box make any contact with hitch latch/handle????

Reese Instructions

Pg. 4

Also check out Warning on PG. 5

Have had a Reece 16K since 2004. No washers and have never had a problem or dropped the fiver.

No. We double checked it and the pin was in the hitch

Did this happen shortly after you hooked up? If so, my guess is you high hitched, and the pin was never in the jaws of the hitch.

New tow vehicle new hitch 16 k. I think the washers might have been the problem. Dealer installed.