Cant get hitched-Trying to leave

That's right. OneSpeed has it. On my Reese 16K, the handle is in the closed position but NOT LOCKED prior to back up and hitch. It opens and then slams shut when the hitching is normal. THEN the handle is locked.

I've used this procedure for 18 years with four different fifth-wheels--over 150,000 miles. It's always worked.

For the record...I always back up to closed jaws (not locked) on my Reese hitch.

Cummins12V98 wrote:

ReneeG wrote:
Although we have a Hensley TrailerSaver hitch, I found this conversation very interesting. Glad the OP got it figured out. There are similarities in that the TS requires the handle of the head to be in a certain position when hitching. Upon hitching you will know it because the jaws will be visibly clamped and the handle will be in the locked position. If neither is done, it won't hitch correctly. Also, we found that if our Teflon plate is warped, it won't lock, so we keep spares. Thanks for the information.

FYI if you did not know Hensley makes a 1/8" slip plate. I use one on my B&W. It makes it easier to tell when the weight has been removed so the handle can be opened and drive off.

That's what we have.

ReneeG wrote:
Although we have a Hensley TrailerSaver hitch, I found this conversation very interesting. Glad the OP got it figured out. There are similarities in that the TS requires the handle of the head to be in a certain position when hitching. Upon hitching you will know it because the jaws will be visibly clamped and the handle will be in the locked position. If neither is done, it won't hitch correctly. Also, we found that if our Teflon plate is warped, it won't lock, so we keep spares. Thanks for the information.

FYI if you did not know Hensley makes a 1/8" slip plate. I use one on my B&W. It makes it easier to tell when the weight has been removed so the handle can be opened and drive off.

5th wheel hitches--
I have painted my hitch jaws a bright orange color so it is easier to see and check if the jaws are closed.

ChopperBill wrote:

jalichty wrote:
Usually, almost always, we leave the jaws of our Reese closed when hitching up. Then, while backing in you can see the release bar move out and then click back in to signify that the hitch has latched onto the pin. I can even hear it inside my pickup while it's running. Have you tried that?

I'm late to the party here. Let me get this right. You have to have the jaws closed when you back into the hitch to make sure they close? Do they actually make a hitch like that?Just asking.

I have the same question? All the 5th. wheel hitches I have seen require you to pull the jaws open before you back up to hook up. Interesting?

Although we have a Hensley TrailerSaver hitch, I found this conversation very interesting. Glad the OP got it figured out. There are similarities in that the TS requires the handle of the head to be in a certain position when hitching. Upon hitching you will know it because the jaws will be visibly clamped and the handle will be in the locked position. If neither is done, it won't hitch correctly. Also, we found that if our Teflon plate is warped, it won't lock, so we keep spares. Thanks for the information.

ChopperBill wrote:

I'm late to the party here. Let me get this right. You have to have the jaws closed when you back into the hitch to make sure they close? Do they actually make a hitch like that?Just asking.

Reese manual page 6 states:

4. With handle in the closed position (See Fig. 10), back truck slowly into trailer. As the trailer king pin enters the hitch it will push the hitch jaws open and extend the handle (See Fig. 11). As king pin completely enters head, jaws will spring closed around king pin and handle will return to the closed position.

jalichty wrote:
Usually, almost always, we leave the jaws of our Reese closed when hitching up. Then, while backing in you can see the release bar move out and then click back in to signify that the hitch has latched onto the pin. I can even hear it inside my pickup while it's running. Have you tried that?

I'm late to the party here. Let me get this right. You have to have the jaws closed when you back into the hitch to make sure they close? Do they actually make a hitch like that?Just asking.

New to fifth wheel towing, within the last 5 months, about 2500 miles and about 20 times now for the hook and un-hook. I make sure i am level with the hitch and use a bungie cord to pull hitch down on one side if needed, then back in little by little with co-pilot adjusting the height of the fifth wheel as needed. She watches the hitch lever move out and in. when i fell the bump, not hard. i stop and get out and physically make sure the lever is in locked position, look at eh jaws and double check the are closed. look again as i do my walk around, do a double look and haven't had any issues and in hope of no future issues either. Again, i double check and double check and always look at everything during my walk around and at each stop!!! Good Luck & Be Safe ! ! !