Fifth wheel Hitch troubleshooting

[JediDZL]

Hello
My Patriot 16k hitch is not locking the jaws all the way around the pin. I have to force the handle in to lock it.. I never had this issue before. Any thoughts on what could be causing this ? Thanks

[fj12ryder]

Might try a good cleaning and relubing. The jaws could be getting gummed/gooked up and not able to move freely.

[Leeblev]

Just a thought...are you backing under the kingpin and then lowering it? Or are you backing into the kingpin, lowered so that your TV raises the 5er slightly when you back? I found that backing into the kingpin will cause the hitch to completely snap shut securely. Think about it...that is how truckers do it. I would back until the pin was about to engage, hook up my power connector and set the brake on the 5er, along with wheel chocks to hold it steady while engaging the kingpin. Hope this helps.