Troubleshooting Demco Hijacker Autoslide Making Noise

Updated 08/23/2021 | Published 08/01/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Ford Super Duty Prep Package - 21K

(711)

$2245.00

Demco Autoslide Capture Plates for Trailair Rota-Flex and Lippert Road Armor Pin Boxes

(144)

$52.66

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 21,000 lbs

(711)

$2173.00

Question:

The hitch is a 2016 Hitch. It has a Rotoflex cushioned pin box. I am using the capture plates that came with the hitch. The capture hitch is adjusted correctly with a 1/8 inch gap. It has been lubricated. The jaws and locking bar are closing correctly. Please advise and thanks for your help.

asked by: Randy A

Expert Reply:

How old is the hitch? Does your fifth wheel have a standard pin box or a cushioned pin box? Has it been lubricated? Does the locking bar automatically lock when the jaw closes? The thing that comes to mind immediately is the capture plates may not be adjusted properly. They MUST be evenly on both sides to 1/8" more than the width of the pin box.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Randy

8/1/2018

Kyle S.

8/1/2018

One thing that would explain the issue is if you do not have the correct capture plates for your Demco Hijacker Autoslide # DM8550035. Since you have a Rota-Flex you need the Demco Hijacker Autoslide Capture Plates for Trailair Rota-Flex Pin Boxes # DM6171. These will replace the capture plates that came with your Hijacker and are designed for use with the Rota-Flex and prevent your king pin from pivoting inside your hitch.

John M.

9/6/2020

my demco autoslide hitch won't stay open

Jon G.

9/9/2020

Here is what's in the instructions for the Decmo Hijacker Autoslide in regards to uncoupling from the trailer: 5. Remove lock pin and pull handle out. If handle will not stay out, install safety pin in second handle hole just outside of frame handle bushing.

Steve E.

8/14/2021

I have the same problem, the hitch will not stay open all the way allowing to hitch or unhitch! What do I do to correct this problem please?

Victoria B.

8/23/2021

Is the hitch not allowing you to connect or disconnect the trailer, or does it just seem like the jaw isn't opening wide enough? I reached out to my contact at Demco and they said, "When opening the jaws on the 5th wheel, the jaws will open 85-90% of the way open. When the user backs the trailer in, the king pin on the trailer 'pushes' the jaws open the rest of the way. This pushing of the jaws a little further open, triggers the jaw to snap shut around the king pin when the king pin is seated all the way in its proper place."