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wallaceb's avatar
wallaceb
Explorer
Aug 02, 2018

Problem with B&W Hitch

Just pulled in to my campsite and tried to release my B&W 18K Patriot hitch and it will not free the pin. I must have damaged the mechanism as the release bar will pull back BUT the jaws stay fixed on the pin. I tried a gentle "push back and pull forward" but no go. I am dead level and straight and did take pressure off with extended front legs. Open to suggestions. Thanks in advance. P.S. I am waiting a call back from a local RV Doc but I likely need a "hitch" service.

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  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Aug 02, 2018
    I have had my Companion be recalcitrant a couple times and it was because the hitch wasn't either completely unloaded, or it was a slight angle and not unloaded that way.

    If the weight is off the hitch, try pulling forward just a touch and pull the handle. Sometimes a little forward/backward load on the hitch will help the jaws release.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2018
    Can you stick a piece of wood or such in the opening and hit one side of the jaws. Maybe it's just stuck. I'd give it a couple light taps to see if it will loosen up a bit.
    I have a 16K Patriot and several times I've pulled the release bar and it doesn't go all the way forward. Only partially. I pull the truck forward and it releases.

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