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1966HILLTOP's avatar
1966HILLTOP
Explorer
Oct 02, 2013

FIFTH WHEEL HITCH FAILURE

I RECENTED BOUGHT A USED 5TH WHEEL 32FT RV AND A USED REESE 16K HITCH. I AM A CDL DRIVER WITH MANY YRS EXP. PULLING MANY TRACTOR TRAILERS AND MANY OTHER TYPES OF TRAILERS. I HOOKED UP THE TRAILER PROPERLY AND CHECKED MY HOOKUP,ALL LOOKED GOOD.I DROVE ABOUT 2 MILES AND THE TRAILER BROKE LOOSE FROM TRUCK AND LANDED ON THE STREET.AFTER DEALING WITH GETTING THE TRUCK AND TRAILER HOME I TOOK A CLOSE LOOK AT HITCH AND FOUND THAT A PIN THAT IS FASTENED TO ONE OF THE JAWS TO HOLD THEM IN THE CLOSED POSITION BY WAYS OF PINS AND LINKAGE, BROKE LOOSE FROM THE JAW AND FELL DOWN FROM THE HOLE IN THE JAW IT WAS WELDED TOO WITH A PLUG WELD ON THE TOP SIDE OF THE JAW, FELL DOWN AND ALLOWED THE JAW OPEN AND RELEASE THE TRAILER.DID ANYONE EVER HEAR OF THIS HAPPENING? I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN HEARING ANY COMMENTS THANKS.

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  • sdetweil's avatar
    sdetweil
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2013
    JRS & B wrote:
    ..

    If I had it to do over, I think I would have bought a higher rated hitch just for the peace of mind of knowing I had more cushion to work with (15k trailer and 16k hitch).


    I think about this too.. my Alpine trailer is 15,500 gross, 12,360
    empty. But I think I would have to fill every tank to get to gross.

    I have the B&W Patriot rail based hitch, it is rated at 16k, 4k pin weigh. Like its bigger brother the Companion, the Patriot has dual jaws. The Companion, on top of the turnoverball, is rated at 18k, 4.5k pin weight.
  • JRS___B's avatar
    JRS___B
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2013
    I never heard of that just happening for no apparent reason. I would suspect there was somehow some history of abuse, although I cannot think of an example.

    I happen to have a run-of-the-mill Reese 16k hitch. I separate the two halves, turn the top half over, clean, inspect and grease it every year. It always amazes me how little metal is actually there considering the job it is required to do.

    If I had it to do over, I think I would have bought a higher rated hitch just for the peace of mind of knowing I had more cushion to work with (15k trailer and 16k hitch).
  • orlandimal's avatar
    orlandimal
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2013
    Sorry to hear about the mishap and hopefully you will not suffer any financial losses other than deductables. I know there are lots of different hitches out there, but I still prefer the old fashioned slide bar hitch. Never a doubt if it is latched or will stay latched. (my $.02 worth)
  • 1966HILLTOP's avatar
    1966HILLTOP
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2013
    Thanks for the reply.anyone with a reese hitch should inspect your hitch and look for any unsafe condition.
  • ken_white's avatar
    ken_white
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2013
    donn0128 wrote:
    Welcome. Sorry for your problem. Like anything mechanical hitches can fail. Insurance should take care of the truck. Buy a new hitch and go forth.
    BTW using caps in your entire post is considered yelling on the forum. Please turn caps lock off.


    Plus it is very hard to read...
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Oct 02, 2013
    Welcome. Sorry for your problem. Like anything mechanical hitches can fail. Insurance should take care of the truck. Buy a new hitch and go forth.
    BTW using caps in your entire post is considered yelling on the forum. Please turn caps lock off.

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