Curt Q20 5th Wheel Hitch Jaws Do Not Close and Lock Freely On First Try

Updated 02/04/2013 | Published 02/02/2013

Question:

I am having trouble with my hitch locking . I have to back into the pin box 2 or 3 times to get the hitch to lock. I notice that most time I have to set the trailer brakes and streach the unit before it locks.

asked by: Don K

Expert Reply:

There are a couple of things that could be causing the hitch jaws not to close and or lock when they should. First make sure the handle is always fully extended and the jaws are open and ready to accept the king pin. The trailer skid plate should be 1/2 an inch lower that the hitch skid plate at its lowest point.

If the jaws are out of sync or even if you suspect that they may not be lined up correctly here is what you can do. First make sure the flip lock is hanging freely in the clockwise, rotated position. Then pull out the lock bar to its fully extended position and then release it. This will reset the jaws. Check to make sure the jaws are opened properly.

When you back the truck up and engage the king pin on the trailer properly, the handle will retract, the green dot should be visible if looking at the hitch from the cab, as should the green indicator rod. Make sure the king pin is not resting on top of the jaws. This can damage the hitch so if the king pin is on top of the jaws you will need to check for damage to the hitch.

Next make sure that the hitch is properly lubricated. On the left and right sides of the hitch head there are grease fittings for the jaw pins. If you where to look down from above the hitch, there is a grease fitting right in the center between the jaws for the lower bearing.

Open the jaws to reveal the spiral cam pocket which also needs lubrication. Curt recommend black graphite grease for the jaw pins, spiral cam pocket, and lower bearing assembly.

expert reply by: Michael H