Reese 16K 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Jaws Will Not Lock Around King Pin

Updated 05/19/2015 | Published 05/17/2015

Question:

I have a slider hitch on my 5th wheel and I cant get it to lock into a Reese 1600 Hitch Why

asked by: Kathy

Expert Reply:

I am a little confused because a slider hitch would be in the truck bed not on the 5th wheel trailer. It sounds like maybe you have a telescoping pin box on the trailer. Regardless, when a 5th wheel hitch doesn't lock around the trailer king pin there are some things you can check on the hitch.

First, make sure that the jaws of the hitch open and close freely. If they do not or it is difficult to open and close the jaws then the hitch may need to be lubricated.

Also, following the hitching steps in the instructions I have linked for the Reese 16K hitch # RP30047. And the diameter of the thin part of the trailer king pin where the jaws of the hitch clamp around should be 2 inches. If it is larger, which is rare but not unheard of, then it will not fit around the king pin.

expert reply by: Michael H