Problem with Curt 5th Wheel Hitch Not Easily Releasing Pin To Disconnect

Updated 10/24/2016 | Published 10/21/2016

Question:

I have install a Curt Q24 5th wheel hitch on a 2014 Ram 3500 dually for my daughter and she is towing a 41 ft Open Range 5th wheel with a Trailair pin box. We have only unhooked 3 times since picking up the trailer and each time we have had a problem getting the hitch to release the pin when unhooking. I had a 5th wheel for 9 years and did not have any problems unhitching unless at very unlevel position side to side. Her rig has Ground Control 3 gen jacks and our process is to have the jacks perform the front jacks down and grounded. Next we test to see if hitch will open, Next we raise the trailer looking for a small gap between the hitch and the trailer. Still the hitch did not release. We than bump the truck back and forth to finally get the hitch released but with great force to pull the release. Do you have any suggestions to improve the unhitching process. Thanks

asked by: Jeff P

Expert Reply:

I reached out to my contact at Curt and walked him through your issue and process to disconnect. He said the issue sounds like you are taking too much weight off of the hitch. The hitch needs a certain amount of weight on it to function correctly and release the lower portion of the king pin. You may want to try a little more weight on the hitch and a bit less on the jacks.

He also recommended that when unhitched to check the connection and disconnection with either a plastic king pin or the handle of a hammer so you don't catch your fingers. If it functions both opening and closing without a trailer, then the hitch likely isn't the issue and most likely the weight is causing the problem.

If it won't function correctly by hand, there is an issue with the hitch itself and it most likely will be covered under your warranty assuming there is no impact damage to the jaw.

expert reply by: Jason S