Fifth wheel hitch

SledHedEd wrote:
I agree with shadows4, most likely operator error. That’s the same hitch I have and I always check to make sure the jaws are closed. Good idea on painting the jaws though, I think I will also do that.

We don’t paint....but not a bad idea. When connecting for departure, we raise front landing gear just off of the ground, applythe trailer brake, and try to pull forward. This serves two purposes....you verify a positive lock-up of the hitch “and” you test your trailer brakes. It’s nice to have both, when you’re towing! ;)

I agree with shadows4, most likely operator error. That’s the same hitch I have and I always check to make sure the jaws are closed. Good idea on painting the jaws though, I think I will also do that.

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Just be darn careful as this type of hitch is in many trucks with bed damage.

In my opinion if you have bed damage using this hitch it is operator error. I did paint my jaws white and can easily see if they are wrapped around the king pin or not. JMHO

I have the 20k Reese and find the handle is hard to pull if there is too much weight on the fifth wheel. I put the truck in park chock the wheel, lift and take the weight of the pin- generally the overload springs have no load. The Reese manual explains to unload the pin box in so many words....

I have this often, even on fairly level ground. I always set my park brake, the exit the truck, and lower the front landing gear...barely lifting pin box from the plate. Almost always, I can’t pull the release lever....solution: release the truck parking brake. Apparently, when “unloading” the hitch, by lifting the 5er.....it gets into a bind. Releasing the park brake, always solves our problem with the release!

I always have to back up a little after chocking the wheels to take the pressure off the slide bar of my hitch.

I did as suggested and put tv in reverse and pulled release handle and it released. Thanks to all for suggestions. Will try and lube all moving pieces as best I can. Appreciate the help

Just be darn careful as this type of hitch is in many trucks with bed damage.

It's a learning curve. We call it the "bump" . Once we chock a rear wheel and put truck in reverse, it releases. I can always hear the subtle sound it makes when it releases.

I have a Reese hitch also. I chock wheels and put parking brake on, in park, then raise the FW until it is just loose from hitch. Pull safety pin and pull handle.