unhitching problems
When attempting to unhitch my fifth wheel from my Reese 16k manual slider I can't pull the lever to release the jaws without lots of maneuvering back and forth. This has happened three times in a row ...
Forum Discussion
rhagfo wrote:donn0128 wrote:
Have you tried cleaning and lubbing the mechanism. This spring i practically had to hammer my release arm into place. But after cleaning it and applying some WD-40 and working it around everything is nice and free again.
Sure could be a maintenance issue, these do require a little maintenance.I keep all the pivot points oiled and greased as necessary. I very seldom need much more than a strong tug to open them.
To the poster afraid to connect with the jaws closed, do it all the time. It doesn't take any force for the pin to open the Jaws of my Reese twin jaw hitch. This allows me to do a Pull Test as soon as the jaws close, with the wheels fully chocked there is zero strain on the LG, if you have high hitched, putting the weight of the 5er on the pin, then doing a Pull Test friction could keep you from pulling free.
If I ever damage my LG doing this I will be the first to let you know!!
If you are referring to me thanks. It seems like MY post got hijacked. If someone has a question he should start his own thread. Anyway I contacted Reese and they said the same as you about hitching with the jaws closed. That's what I'll do from now on. He also told me about a vertical plate in the forward part of the hitch just under the jaws that could be bent backwards causing a bind on the kingpin. He told me to look for signs of scraping in the top of it and check that it is not bent. I checked and there was an indication that the pin may have ridden up on it. I greased it up and attempted to hammer it back as he instructed. Guess I'll see how it works on my next trip. Thanks again to those who replied.
-BC-
