We've been fifth wheeling for four years and never had a problem with our hitch uncoupling but it has happened twice in our last two trips last summer and fall. We have a Husky 16K traditional hitch installed by our dealer when we bought our Rockwood Signature Ultralite. Of course both times the truck bed had serious damage which insurance paid for. Before going out this summer we want to get it all checked out. Our usual hitching routine is for both my wife and I to check the lever to ensure it's retracted and the green button is seen which means it's engaged. The first time we may have missed it but the second time we both thought we were "coupled". Needless to say we felt pretty stupid! Has anyone had something similar happen to them? How do we ensure it's working?

I'm not familiar with that exact hitch but every 5th wheel hitch I've ever seen has safety latch pins or something similar that makes it essentially impossible for the jaws to release if properly set. Are your pins and/or other safety things set properly?

Have you looked to make sure the jaws are wrapped around the king pin? You didn't high hitch it did you (pin resting on top of the jaws)? Did you do a pull test after you hooked up?

Yep, when we were using a Pullrite Superglide, my DW said I don't think it engaged fully and I said it did. Bent a perfectly good tailgate on that one. I listen to her better, now.

I have a Husky 16K Slider and the only way I can see this happening is if you high hitched and the pin was actually sitting on top of the jaws. I always check my height just before I back under the pin just to make sure I'm not too high. I also look for any gap between the pin box and the hitch when I engage the locking pin on the handle.

Did it come loose while turning? I have heard of the bottom of the trailer rubbing the handle and disconnecting while turning. Once is enough. Twice and I would be looking at a B&W Patriot on Amazon. Great hitch and will fit your rails.

Fifth wheel hitch problem - uncoupling | Good Sam Community

filrupmark
Explorer
Mar 18, 2016
Did it come loose while turning? I have heard of the bottom of the trailer rubbing the handle and disconnecting while turning.
Once is enough. Twice and I would be looking at a B&W Patriot on Amazon. Great hitch and will fit your rails.
WE_CAMP2
Explorer
Mar 18, 2016
I have a Husky 16K Slider and the only way I can see this happening is if you high hitched and the pin was actually sitting on top of the jaws. I always check my height just before I back under the pin just to make sure I'm not too high. I also look for any gap between the pin box and the hitch when I engage the locking pin on the handle.
phillyg
Explorer II
Mar 18, 2016
Yep, when we were using a Pullrite Superglide, my DW said I don't think it engaged fully and I said it did. Bent a perfectly good tailgate on that one. I listen to her better, now.
is_it_friday_ye
Explorer
Mar 18, 2016
Have you looked to make sure the jaws are wrapped around the king pin? You didn't high hitch it did you (pin resting on top of the jaws)? Did you do a pull test after you hooked up?
mtofell1
Explorer
Mar 18, 2016
I'm not familiar with that exact hitch but every 5th wheel hitch I've ever seen has safety latch pins or something similar that makes it essentially impossible for the jaws to release if properly set. Are your pins and/or other safety things set properly?

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Fifth wheel hitch problem - uncoupling

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