I have a question regarding my Reese 16k hitch. I think it is a Signature model (not a slider). I thought I read someplace where it said the jaws tighten on the king pin as tension increases. Is that true? Also is that latch that goes over the hitch arm in its slot the only thing that keeps the jaws from opening? What do you guys think of this hitch in general? Installed a Bed Saver on it over the weekend just because.
I've been towing with a Reese 15K (same as yours just older model) since '94. I keep it well lubed and inspect it for wear regularly. I wouldn't think twice about hitching today and towing cross-country. From what I have seen ... when it is hitched properly, the trailer isn't coming off. In my opinion there is more of a chance of a pin-box or trailer frame failure than that basic ,old reliable hitch failing. I'm sure you will get other opinions, but that's mine.
I have a reese 16k slider, and yes that latch with the slot needs to be in place (preferable with a padlock) to keep the jaws from opening. It cost me $8700.00 to learn that lesson when I got ahead of myself and flipped the latch up early.
The Reese is a very good hitch. There are some who have hitched incorrectly and dropped their 5th wheel on the bed walls of the truck. Those incidents are not the fault of the hitch - but operator error. They clearly tell you not to lower the pin into the hole, but many still do it.
I thought the Signature Series used a J hook around the king pin rather than what it sounds like you are describing - the clam shell style. Look here at Fig 19.
I dont know about increasing tension, but they do pivot at points nearest the 5th wheel, not toward the front. That means as the pin is pushed into the slot, the jaws are pushed apart until the neck is in the indentations of the jaws.
The arm must be released to allow the jaws to close. If the arm is not release and fully seated, that would be like being partially pulled - danger! There is also a hasp that closes over the handle when properly and fully seated. If you cant close the hasp, I would re-hitch until I could.
Heres a page with many of the Reese PDF instructions - you can probably find yours listed.
Looking at the Reese web for the 16k-18k Signature series shows a one piece wrap around jaw type. It has no "jaws" as the other Reese 16k series two piece models.
My 16k model with the two piece jaw type will lock in harder the more its pulling due to its cam over design just as many semi truck designs. Flawless since '97 when it was purchased new and I lubed it from the bottom up.
To the OP . Get on reeseprod.com and search for your model and see for yourself how it works. Or better yet just turn the thing upside down in your truck bed and see for your self how it works.
"good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" Will Rogers
'03 2500 QC Dodge/Cummins HO 3.73 6 speed manual Jacobs Westach Linex
'97 Park Avanue 28' 5er with two slides 16" BFG Commercial LTs
Thanks everyone for your replys. I believe my hitch is a Select 16k. Sorry for any incorrect imfo I may have given. Installed a Bed Saver just in case!
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