problem uncoupling

[robsjo]

we have a 16K huskey slider hitch. last trip home, pulled release lever and it would not release 100% from trailer pin. upon searching it, I noticed that release mechanism was still sticking at about an inch out, therefore the pin would not release.

in order to unhook I had to apply trailer brakes with brake controller and yank ahead to release. has anyone else encountered this problem, new to us. and if so any thoughts on how to correct this. any help is muchly appreciated.

[cummins2014]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Get it unhitched, sell it and replace with a B&W before this happens.

It happens with all hitches, and its happened with the B&W. Theres no conventional hitch that won't drop a fifth wheel.

[Cummins12V98]

Get it unhitched, sell it and replace with a B&W before this happens.

[GPG52_]

I had similar problems when we had a Reese Sidewinder hitch.
Our dealer replaced the static 5th wheel with an articulated (moves side to side as well as front to back) and that solved all of the binding issues that was causing our unhooking problems.
Also as others mentioned, letting the TV settle by putting it in neutral for a second before moving to park allowed for an easier unhooking process.
My 2c, works for us.
GPG

[mlrailguy]

Mine sticks now and then. I just pulled the pins and lifted the whole plate with the trailer.

[slickest1]

Try pulling it out all the way and then pushing down on the handle. My last hitch would sometimes not want to stay in the open position unless I did that.

[Goostoff]

I'm guessing this is the hitch you have? If so sell it for whatever you can get and buy a real hitch before you are forced to go trailer shopping.

[Goostoff]

Sounds like a slide bar type of hitch. I had one of those from Curt. I had the opposite problem I couldnt keep it latched. I solved my problem with a B&W hitch.

Can you remove the head from the Husky and look underneath to make sure there isnt a stick or something in there keeping it from sliding out?

[stickdog]

robsjo wrote:
thank you for all your help. but I don't think I explained it properly. there is a bar that goes across the hitch that is not going back all the way. i can hold it back manually, but when I let go it goes back just about an inch, just enough to make it so that it will not unhitch. hope this makes it more clear. thanks again for all your input.

Sounds like worn linkage.

[robsjo]

thank you for all your help. but I don't think I explained it properly. there is a bar that goes across the hitch that is not going back all the way. i can hold it back manually, but when I let go it goes back just about an inch, just enough to make it so that it will not unhitch. hope this makes it more clear. thanks again for all your input.

[one_strange_tex]

azjeffh wrote:
Foot on brake and put into neutral, release brake and let truck settle (it may be forward or aft depending), put in park and pull handle.

Agree with the "go into neutral" suggestions. Unless you are on a slope or in a severe bind, for instance by pulling or backing hard against the pin then chocking the wheels before attempting to unhitch. Occasionally I have had to put the vehicle in gear to release the bind, but very rarely.

[azjeffh]

Foot on brake and put into neutral, release brake and let truck settle (it may be forward or aft depending), put in park and pull handle.

[slickest1]

I usually give it a bump back also. Just be sure you have your wheels chocked.
I almost had a disaster.

[snowpeke]

Mine does that my fix is I use a bungie cord and it pulls it out all the way.

[Coach-man]

I have found that one the reverse "bumb" is good, but if you would then just put it in neutral and let it "settle" that usually takes off any stress on the mechanism!