B&W Companion Hitch BWRVK3400 Jaws Will Not Release

Updated 07/29/2021 | Published 07/23/2018

Question:

My trailer is stuck on my truck. The release handle moves in and out freely but the jaws do not open.

asked by: Ron H

Expert Reply:

If you are having difficulty opening the jaws on your B&W Companion # BWRVK3400 you may just need to relieve some more pressure from the trailer. Make sure the landing gear on the trailer is adjusted properly so that the tongue weight is removed from the truck. When the jaws do not open with the coupler handle, this is the most likely cause.

It's also possible that you are parked on unlevel ground, which can cause the jaws to bind up a bit when trying to uncouple. The Companion features a cam-action latching handle, so when you are on unlevel ground, the jaws may remain wrapped around the king pin after turning the handle. Because of its design though, there will not be any actual pressure on the jaws even though they are still closed (with the handle open). As long as the tongue weight from the trailer is taken off the coupler, you should still be able to pull your truck away and the king pin will open the jaws as you pull away.

expert reply by: Adam R

Earl B.

6/18/2020

So I am having the same issue with my hitch and its not because of un level ground or there being to much weight on the hitch. I parked the trailer in the same spot for the last 2 years and it just started not releasing and pulling the head each time is really getting old.

Chris R.

6/22/2020

Have you tried simply putting the handle in the "open" position and slowly driving the truck away. Because of the handle's design, even if the jaws are still closed, as long as the handle is in the open position they should release/open up as you pull the truck away.

Earl B.

6/22/2020

@ChrisR i always have the handle back when i pull the truck away. The issue is the jaws will not open period. I ended up lifted the head off with the trailer and then the Jaws finally opened

8/31/2020

@ChrisR - YES I had the same problem and this worked. So simple, why didn’t I think of that. Thank You!!

See All (7) Replies to Earl B. ∨

Jeff B.

8/6/2020

Having same issue. Trailer parked in normal spot, level ground, no pressure on hitch. Had to use screwdrivers to pry open jaw mechanism with handle in open position.