Troubleshooting Reese Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch That Won't Lock Into Maneuver Position

Updated 06/23/2025 | Published 05/10/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Square Tube Slider for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 10" Travel

(36)

$347.36

Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs

(397)

$758.18

Question:

Why does my 16K slider not lock into maneuver position

asked by: Gloria

Expert Reply:

If your Reese Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch like the Kwik-Slide # RP30051 is not locking in the maneuver position then I first just recommend making sure that the legs are mounted squarely in the base rails. Sometimes when a sliding hitch doesn't lock into position it's simply a matter of the legs being out of line so that the slider gets bound up.

If this looks fine then there might be an issue with the springs that secure the locking arm. Check to see if you can easily move the locking arm back and forth when the hitch is in the maneuver position. if so then the internal spring is broken and the slider should be replaced.

If you have the Reese hitch mentioned above you can use the Square Tube Slider # RP30048 to replace the entire base assembly.

expert reply by: Chris R

William

6/22/2025

reese 5th wheel wont close,does it needs grease somewhere

Chris R.

6/23/2025

@William Hey William, are you trying to close the jaws without the trailer/king pin? Or is it not closing when actually trying to hook up to trailer? Either way, for it to close, you'll need to apply pressure at the back of the jaws where the king pin would connect (don't use your hand). Let me know a bit more about the situation and we can dig deeper.

William

6/23/2025

Found the problem Thanks