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RoyF's avatar
RoyF
Explorer
Nov 28, 2021

New Reese hitch; confused about unhitching.

I have just purchased a new Reese 5th-wheel hitch on my 2021 Ford F350 with puck system. I have not yet tried to hitch the trailer because I don't want to screw up.

With the arm pulled out, the Reese jaw remains in the closed position. (Hitches that I have used in the past all had the jaw in open position.) When the kingpin comes in contact with the jaw while backing slowly, I hope that pressure of the kingpin will open the jaw.

My real question is about unhitching. The instructions say to pull the arm out to the click position and then rotate it toward the truck. By playing with the hitch, I see that rotation of the arm opens the jaw. OK, so far. But the arm does not want to remain in the rotated position, so the jaw closes again.

Even though the jaw is closed, the instructions say that the trailer is now unhitched. Will the jaws open to release the kingpin when I drive forward? That's what I to know before I try hitching up.
  • On my Reese, when you pull the arm out it releases the jaws, that allow them to open. They are still closed until you pull away.
  • You are not giving the exact model Reese hitch. I am not familiar with Reese hitch operation, but seems like you are understanding the instructions.

    You can normally go to E-trailer site, with hitch model, and watch a video, that explains things, while showing operation.

    Hope you enjoy your new hitch!

    Jerry