Forum Discussion

crcr's avatar
crcr
Explorer
Mar 16, 2017

Holland Binkley / Hensley Trailer Saver BD3 Hitch Question

This is a question for anyone here who might own, or have owned a 5th wheel hitch with the Holland Binkley head, Hensley Trailer Saver or other hitch with the same head. I have a Hensley Trailer Saver BD3 Hitch I bought second hand. I'm trying to test it to get the jaws to pop shut. But I haven't yet purchased a fifth wheel, so I can't test it the normal usage way.

I've tried using a steel clamp in such a way (see picture) as to get the jaws to snap shut. The jaws will move part way closed, but I can only get them to go so far before it becomes too difficult to tighten the clamp any tighter. I don't know if I just can't apply enough force with the twist handle of the clamp you see me using in the image, or if there is something wrong with the Holland Binkley head on this hitch.

Any suggestions as to how to test it in better way without a 5th wheel would be really helpful. Or can anyone advise me as to what I might be doing wrong, if anything? Is it possible that something might be wrong with the head? Or do you think I'm just not able to apply enough force using the clamp pictured? Thanks in advance for any advice at all from those who are more familiar than myself with this 5th wheel head.

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Moderator edit to re-size picture to forum limit of 640px maximum width.

  • stripit's avatar
    stripit
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2017
    Did you pull the lever to reset the head to operate? With out pulling the lever you will never get it to close and lock. Looks like the arm is not resting in the center point, it looks pulled back by the photos.
  • pcm1959's avatar
    pcm1959
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2017
    I have one and love it. It is robust. I can't answer your question but Aaron at Hensley could probably comfort your and answer your question. Give him a call at the 800 number. Good luck.
  • crcr's avatar
    crcr
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2017
    stripit wrote:
    Did you pull the lever to reset the head to operate? With out pulling the lever you will never get it to close and lock. Looks like the arm is not resting in the center point, it looks pulled back by the photos.


    I've pulled the lever this way and that to no avail. It moves slightly, but I still can't get the jaws to close. Would you mind describing exactly how you mean I should pull the lever to reset it? Thanks!
  • Durb's avatar
    Durb
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2017
    There are 3 positions of the lever on the Holland Binkley head. The position in the photo is for releasing the hitch from the kingpin. Pull the release pin and the lever will go to 90 degrees with only about half the red exposed. This is the hook-up position and the head is ready to have the kingpin backed into it. Once the kingpin is backed in fully the jaws will close around it and the lever will need to be pushed to the rear of the hitch and will lock shut. The hitch requires a little learning curve, mostly the difference between unhitch and hook-up positions.

    I cant say if a bar clamp will close the hitch jaws adequately. It may need the cylindrical shape of the kingpin to work properly. I do know you want to keep your hands out of there because there is some stuff that is spring loaded.
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Mar 16, 2017
    I have a BD and it works great. I'm skeptical of your test rig. Looks pretty crude I doubt it will work
  • hone_eagle's avatar
    hone_eagle
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2017
    ya it looks like its in the open/locked position, pull on the pin, you may have to push on the handle > to unload it.
    take that clamp off ,as durb described. once its in the 90 degree position it is now unlocked and will snap shut on a pin, the handle will move further back and jaws will be locked around the pin.
    all the red paint will disappear or its not locked.
  • crcr's avatar
    crcr
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2017
    Durb wrote:
    There are 3 positions of the lever on the Holland Binkley head. The position in the photo is for releasing the hitch from the kingpin. Pull the release pin and the lever will go to 90 degrees with only about half the red exposed. This is the hook-up position and the head is ready to have the kingpin backed into it. Once the kingpin is backed in fully the jaws will close around it and the lever will need to be pushed to the rear of the hitch and will lock shut. The hitch requires a little learning curve, mostly the difference between unhitch and hook-up positions.

    I cant say if a bar clamp will close the hitch jaws adequately. It may need the cylindrical shape of the kingpin to work properly. I do know you want to keep your hands out of there because there is some stuff that is spring loaded.


    Thanks, I got the handle to the 90 degree position, and using my clamp, I can partially close the jaws, but I can't get them to snap shut. Thx, yes, I am keeping my fingers and hands out of there!


    Lantley wrote:
    I have a BD and it works great. I'm skeptical of your test rig. Looks pretty crude I doubt it will work


    Thx, yes, I understand my test method is not ideal, and I'm open to any suggestions of a better way to test it in the absence of possession a 5th wheel king pin.


    hone eagle wrote:
    ya it looks like its in the open/locked position, pull on the pin, you may have to push on the handle > to unload it.
    take that clamp off ,as durb described. once its in the 90 degree position it is now unlocked and will snap shut on a pin, the handle will move further back and jaws will be locked around the pin.
    all the red paint will disappear or its not locked.


    Thx, I did get it to the unlocked position, but can't get it to snap shut using my clamp. Anyone have an alternative idea how to get it to snap shut? Thx.
  • Durb's avatar
    Durb
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2017
    I don't think the jaws are going to snap shut on that head. You made need the pressure of the truck backing into them to close the jaws. I've had a circumstance where I couldn't get the lever in the locked position so I backed the truck a little harder into the trailer which closed the jaws all the way and was then easy to put in the "lock" position. I have always had the feeling that pulling the lever full back was only serving to lock the jaws not contributing to closing the jaws like some other hitches. Might be wrong here.
  • DennisVR's avatar
    DennisVR
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2017
    Look under the jaw and there should be a trigger just under where you have the clamp. The flange on the king pin triggers the jaws to shut. Remove the clamp and use a long bar or heavy screw driver to push in the trigger.
  • PhoneDude_8289's avatar
    PhoneDude_8289
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2017
    Durb wrote:
    There are 3 positions of the lever on the Holland Binkley head. The position in the photo is for releasing the hitch from the kingpin. Pull the release pin and the lever will go to 90 degrees with only about half the red exposed. This is the hook-up position and the head is ready to have the kingpin backed into it. Once the kingpin is backed in fully the jaws will close around it and the lever will need to be pushed to the rear of the hitch and will lock shut. The hitch requires a little learning curve, mostly the difference between unhitch and hook-up positions.

    I cant say if a bar clamp will close the hitch jaws adequately. It may need the cylindrical shape of the kingpin to work properly. I do know you want to keep your hands out of there because there is some stuff that is spring loaded.

    Ditto what Durb said

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