Jaws Will Not Release on Reese 16K 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch
Updated 06/03/2020 | Published 10/26/2014
Question:
jaws will not release when unhooking. I have tried backing up then forward to release, has worked in the past but Not today. I lubed the hitch yesterday. Thank you.
asked by: Guy G
Expert Reply:
Does the handle on the 5th wheel hitch offer any resistance when you pull on it to open the jaws? If it doesn't then that is an indication of a broken spring. But there is a second spring that could be missing as well.
The trouble is you have to access the underside of the head to access the springs. If the hitch jaws will not release and the trailer is coupled then you can try to pry apart the jaws manually. Other wise you would have to release the head from the legs which I do NOT recommend. Have a shop do that for you.
The backing up/going forward technique can work if there is too much tension on the jaws to open them. But if something is bent or the truck and trailer are not on level ground then that doesn't always work.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13-1/2 - 17 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
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on 5th Wheel Hitch
Betty S.
5/23/2020
We have a Husky 5th wheel 16K, this issue of the hitch not releasing happens a lot to us. You said there is 2 springs, will the hitch still work off an on with only 1 spring? Could this be our issue we are missing 1 spring? Afraid one of these days it wont release at all.