Forum Discussion

LI_Happy_Camper's avatar
LI_Happy_Camper
Explorer
Mar 31, 2014

Reese Select 20K problems

I recently purchased a new Reese Select 20K hitch (the one that wraps around the pin not the claw type) to use with my 5er. I seem to be having a couple of problems. The first is sometimes I cannot release the pressure to the hitch to be able to pull the arm open and release the RV. I have tried my previous way of chocking the tires, lifting the 5er a little and taking pressure of the hitch and it still won't release. When I finally do get it released and leave the handle open as soon as I move the tow vehicle an inch the hitch re-locks. I have put the pin back into the arm when open to hold it open but it still closes enough to where I can't disengage the 5er. Any suggestions or instructions would greatly appreciated.
  • ggmac's avatar
    ggmac
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2014
    Hello
    I have the exact same hitch,talked to Reese not much help.Took it apart everything still a pain in the a.. Finally greased the head (Greece nipple)on top no more trouble works great.Takes quite a bit of grease.
  • Fulltimer50's avatar
    Fulltimer50
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2014
    I was having similar problems till I found that I was raising the trailer to high when trying to unhitch.
  • Bionic_Man's avatar
    Bionic_Man
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2014
    I had a similar problem when I upgraded to a Superglide with the same type of jaw. My problem wasn't the hitch, it was the kingpin of the trailer. Long story short, the kingpin wasn't perpendicular and caused difficulty with both latching and unlatching. I hope your issue isn't what mine was. I had to replace my kingpin.
  • JEBar's avatar
    JEBar
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2014
    a standard Reese hitch can and usually is hard to pull the release if you are trying to unhook with weight from the trailer pulling against the "locking jaws" .... to take the pressure off, simply lock the trailer brakes and put the vehicle in reverse .... doing so takes the pressure from the hitch pin off of the jaws and they will release

    Jim
  • roman_traveler's avatar
    roman_traveler
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2014
    I use the same hitch. It seems like it has to be used a few times to break in. I had the same problem, but now it's smooth as silk. It is very sensitive when the jaw is open. Pull away very slowly. Sometimes the slightest jolt will close it around the pin. Also you need a 12 inch lube plate, not the standard 10 inch. Good luck.

    RT
  • bogart661's avatar
    bogart661
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2014
    Call Reese tech support, I had some issues with my new R16 slider and they were very helpful and easy to work with. They sent me replacement parts at no cost and worked with me on the phone while I tried hooking up and they got my issue resolved.

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