Troubleshooting Jaws on Curt A20 5TH Wheel Hitch That Will Not Uncouple From Kin Pin On Trailer

Published 03/19/2022

Question:

I am hooked up to my fifth wheel with curt A20 and I cannot get the jaws? to open to disconnect what Can I do to release the J latch and release the trailer?

asked by: Paul K

Expert Reply:

If the jaws on the Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # C16064 are not uncoupling when you pull the handle on the hitch as indicated by indicator(see image) you may have to much weight pulling against the jaws. If you are on a hill you will want to chock the wheels on your trailer to prevent the trailer from rolling. You can then take some of the weight off of the truck using the landing gear. Have a 2nd person in the truck who can then place it in neutral and let the truck slide freely and release the weight from the jaws while then trying to open the jaws with the handle.

If the jaws still refuse to uncouple you may need to remove the center bolt from the hitch head to release the head from the base to remove the truck and then you will be able to determine if something in the head is preventing the jaws from opening.

expert reply by: Bud M