Dr Macaw
Corpus Christi, Texas
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Howdy, All !
I'm experiencing a problem with my Reese 16K 5th wheel hitch. I've been using it for about a year with no problems, but it has recently exibited a reluctance to close and release its jaws.
When hooking up, the actuator handle will travel in all but about the last 2 inches and then refuses to go any further. The jaws remain open. After jostling and re-aligning I can get them to close. When unhooking, the handle will not pull out to release the jaws without more jostling.
I've inspected the pin and it looks perfectly normal.
Any ideas about how I might remedy this situation?
Thanks
Knox G.
The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
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lynndiwagon
Yukon, Oklahoma, USA
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Joined: 01/28/2004
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I've got the same one...had it about 5 years w/no problem. Does the handle pullout easily before hooking up? Are you hooking up properly? Handle should be IN before hooking up and should go out then back in when properly hooked. You might be trying to hook up with the handle OUT which is incorrect. You might be "high hitching." Also, unhooking can be difficult if you don't take the pressure off of it. There are several posts here that describe how to release the pressure by slightly backing up before pulling handle. Go to Reese website for full instructions on operation of this hitch. Do it right = no problems. Good luck.
Lynn & Diana Wagoner
One Shih Tszu
Two Boston Terriers
2005 Chevy 2500HD D/A
2006 HHII 29.5LKTG
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Agrnbrt
NJ, U.S.A.
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I agree 100% with Lyndiwagon. You are binding the jaws. I have the same hitch. Twice I have had what you dicribed happen but realized when looking closely that I had presure on the jaws. Just take your time and make sure you're lined up right and you should have no problems.
08 Jayco Eagle Super Lite.
07 Chevrolet 2500HD Classic. Reese 16k hitch & S/C tailgate.
Camping with: 1 Wife(Teri)
4 cats, Trouble(the Stynx),Seamus O'Fuzz(Buddha Kitty),Minx(tailless Buddha Kitty)& Bubba(the Love Sponge)
Oh yeah, one Sig P220 .45 acp.
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ryoung
Indiana
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Joined: 11/11/2002
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The first thing that comes to mind is rust. Is it clean and well lubricated?
Second, did you at some time inadvertently try to hitch up without raising the latch bar from the actuator handle? This will usually cause the latch to bow out but could also damage the jaw mechanism.
Take the hitch head off the support, turn it upside down and maybe you can see what is jamming the mechanism.
ryoung
2004 Dodge 3500 Dually HO 6 sp 4.10, Jordan Controller
2005 SunnyBrook 31BWKS
2004 Lance Lite 915
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Dick A
Spokane
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Moved from General RV'ing forum.
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wittmeba
Roanoke, Va
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Joined: 02/02/2001
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I too have the same hitch. 7 years no problems.
Take the head off (pull the big 2" dia pin) and turn it over. Operate the handle and you should be able to quickly see why it isnt operating correctly.
I would immediately contact Reese (try here):
http://reeseprod.com/support
http://reeseprod.com/menu/contactcontent.asp
or one of these:
SOUTHWEST WHEEL
1917 NORTH PADRE ISLAND DRIVE
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78408
(361) 289-0301
Preferred Dealer
BISHOP MOBILE CENTER
1122 S PADRE ISLAND DR.
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78416
(361) 855-4095
Preferred Dealer
FLANAGANS MUFFLER SHOP
1525 S. PORT
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78405
(361) 884-1001
* This post was
edited 08/02/08 12:21pm by wittmeba *
Bruce & Carolyn Wittmeier
Viet Nam Vet 1968-69
My wife is an amazing woman. I dont know how she does it, but she can achieve $0.00 balance in our checkbook before the month ends.
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Dr Macaw
Corpus Christi, Texas
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Dang! I've been doing exactly what Lynndiwagon says...probably has caused the problem.
I'll try it the right way and see what happens!
Muchas Gracias
Knox G.
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husker 2
Sequim WA
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Joined: 02/05/2005
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6 yrs and some 50,000 miles with no problems. Make sure that your pin box has been lowered untill it just makes contact with the hitch head and the pin lip is lined up with the jaws.
2004 GMC 2500 6.0L CC SB Reese 16K Slider Prodigy BC Jayco 24 ft 237a Quest 5er
A decrepid old driver a foxy navigator and one cranky Griff puppy named Bandit. Look for a "Big Red" license NEBR 1
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husker 2
Sequim WA
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By lined up I mean that the jaws line up with the pin locking surface allowing the same amount of clearance above and below the jaws.
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wittmeba
Roanoke, Va
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Joined: 02/02/2001
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If you have been hitching the wrong way as described by lynndiwagon, you have been extremely lucky.
Because of the old ball and hitch, most seem hitching a 5th wheel should be done the same way - that is lower the hitch into the hole. That is incorrect.
If you are going to try it the 'right' way (sliding the pinbox over the hitch plate, arm will 'snap' closed) Ill bet you will see, feel and know what you were doing wrong in the past. You will drive away with more confidence.
I would encourage you to have your hitch checked by a shop. The jaws pivot on a pin with a clip-nut on each side from the rear area of the hitch plate. If you lowered your king pin onto the jaws you may have bent one or both of these.
* This post was
edited 08/03/08 09:39am by wittmeba *
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