Difficulty in Releasing King Pin

Updated 04/14/2021 | Published 04/13/2021

Question:

What causes this? Have kept Metals lubricated but would not release despite being level and load released. Had to aggressively pull forward and back up to get to release.

asked by: Steven K

Expert Reply:

Difficulty in opening the jaws on the B&W Companion # BWRVK3400 may be due to the jaws needing relieve, too much pressure from the trailer. Ensure the landing gear is properly adjusted that the tongue weight is removed from the truck.

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.

Some folks have reported that when this occurs they have lifted the head off with the trailer and then the Jaws will open. The move the head up/down several times.

expert reply by: Michael R