Another 5th Wheel hitch will not disconnect
To begin I got it disconnected and know the issue just not the resolution. Reese Pro 15k hitch. Yeah the cheap model. The release bar although locking into the set indents is still leaving the r...
Forum Discussion
SDcampowneroperator wrote:
Jaw style 5 er hitches require back pressure from the tow to the towed to release pressure on the jaws to open. When you've parked your unit, simply put your tow into reverse a bit to back into the rig to the hitch to relieve the pull pressure so the jaws are not under pressure.
Its not a flaw of Reese hitches, its 5er jaw hitch 101
Good luck!
B&W only requires that the operating handle be moved and pinned in the open position when unhitching. Even if the jaws are still closed, they will open as you drive the truck forward. From their operating instructions for the Companion:
Use the safety pin to lock the handle in the open position and when you are sure that the landing gear will support the trailer, move the truck forward to release the jaws from the kingpin. The jaws will always open when the pressure of the trailer is taken off the Coupler as the truck pulls away.
In practice, I don't even look at the jaws when I'm unhitching. I pin the operating handle in the open position and drive away. It works every time.
Rusty
