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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Dodge Ram - Carbide Finish
- 5th Wheel Hitch Rails
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Search Results: 2 5 8 shackle
- Search Results: trailer suspension parts
- Search Results: trailer hubs and drums
- Search Results: trailer brakes
- Search Results: shackle straps
- Search Results: suspension enhancement
- Search Results: trailer bearings races seals caps
- Video: MORryde Tandem Axle Trailer Suspension Upgrade Kit Installation - 2018 Shasta Phoenix Fifth Wheel
- Video: Replacement Shackle Strap Feature Review
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Dexter Heavy Duty Suspension Upgrade Kit for Single Axle Trailers -3-1/8" Shackle Straps
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K
- Video: Curt 10" Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Lube Plate Feature Review
- Q&A: How to Close the Jaws on a Curt Q20 5th Wheel Hitch When Not In Use
- Q&A: Can I Replace 2-5/8" Long Shackle Straps With 2-1/4" Shackles?
- Q&A: Can Longer Shackle Straps be Added to Tandem Axle Trailer
- Shop: MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers - 2-1/4" Long Shackle Straps
- Shop: Replacement Shackle Strap - 2-5/8" Long
- Shop: Dexter Heavy-Duty Shackle Link for 1-3/4" Wide Double Eye Spring Suspension Kit - Qty 1
- Shop: Replacement Shackle Strap - 2-5/8" Long - Galvanized
- Q&A: Do the Equa-Flex Cushioned Equalizers Need to Be Greased Regularly
- Video: A Closer Look at the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly
- Video: Install: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes on a 2019 Grand Design Reflection 150 Fifth Wheel
- Article: How to Level Your Fifth Wheel in 3 Simple Steps (Manual or Auto-Level)
- Q&A: Lube Plate for a Rota Flex Pin Box
- Q&A: Reese 16K 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Jaws Will Not Lock Around King Pin
- Q&A: Reese # 30032 Hitch Jaws not Locking Onto Fifth Wheel King Pin
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
on 5th Wheel Hitch Rails
