hallock5
Texas
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Joined: 01/30/2012
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Decided to post in Fiver section vs. Newbie. First rookie challenge as this was only our 6th hitch/unhitch.
After unhitching then discovering there was an obstacle in front of our slide (yes, revising Checklist for 43rd time), we re-hitched pulled (straight/level) forward 1 foot, and then the difficulty began.
Went to extend the legs to take pressure off hitch/king pin and the hitch handle would not retract, no matter how high we went. It also would not lock, about one-fourth inch gap from being able to secure the lock. So, what to do in the "in between" stage?? Pondered for 45 mins as we didn’t want to drop it onto the truck since the pull/retract handle seemed to be jammed in between “release” and “lock” which was making me nervous.
What we did: Chocked. Extended legs to just secure themselves onto our landing blocks to take weight off truck. I then, with foot on brake pedal, put it in Reverse, for just a smidgeon. We were then able to retract the handle, elevate the kingpin, and pull away.
Questions: 1) It worked to loosen the bind, but was it the right strategy? 2) Reese 15K Pro Series hitch—what kind of lubricant? 3) When do you first try the retract lever—is it when the initial weight is transferred onto the fiver’s legs or do you go up a few inches? I just am not able to consistently find that spot that makes the handle easy to pull back. It seems I have to draw up the truck’s rear end fairly high before I get the release point, as well as the clearance to separate and pull away.
Thanks in advance. Humbled in Albuquerque.
2008 Jayco Eagle Superlite 28.5RLS
2002 Ford 4x4 SuperCab 7.3 (Jr International) Diesel
Sad to say, time to sell to a good home.
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skylos
Columbus, OH
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Joined: 06/10/2009
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When pressure is against the hitch mechanism, it won't easily release. Its normal to need to press back a little bit to remove the pressure to release the retention mechanism.
I use axles grease on my hitch, but many people don't.
I put weight on the legs (with as little blocking as possible - none on concrete, 3x8x18 to spread on loose gravel or dirt) back the truck up a tad, release the catch, then move forward. The truck rises on its springs as it comes out from under the downwards pressure of the hitch plate. I don't know what you mean by 'clearance to separate and pull away'.
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archie780
Edmonton
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Joined: 12/13/2011
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* This post was
edited 04/26/12 08:42pm by archie780 *
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AZ T&T
Mesa, AZ
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Joined: 03/25/2011
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I always extend the landing gear until I start to see a little separation between the hitch and the pinbox. By taking the pressure off of the hitch the arm always swings freely. In the situation you described other than not extending your landing gear first it sounds like you handled it just how I would have.
AZ T&T
2012 Jayco Eagle Super Lite 29.5RKS
2011 Chevy 2500 HD 4x4 Duramax
B&W Companion Hitch - Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags
Honda EU2000i Generator
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Jim Cindy
Northcentral, PA
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Joined: 03/24/2009
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The very last move every time you set up needs to be in reverse. When you pulled forward to make room for the slides you then needed to either wedge a wheel or lock the trailer brakes and back into the hitch. The pin on the fifth needs to be against the front of the hitch to take the load off the latch. I prefer to wedge a tire.
Nothing to be humble about, I learned a long time ago from a fellow camper who just couldn't stand watching me try to unhitch anymore. Enjoy the camping.
* This post was
edited 04/09/12 08:37am by Jim Cindy *
PBH Portable Beach House
2008 GMC 2500HD Duramax Allison 
2009 Cameo 34CK3
MorRyde IS, Disc Brakes, G614's
PullRite Super Glide Hitch
Propane fueled Yamaha EF 2400is
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4*phun*2
Canada
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Joined: 09/24/2008
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Sounds like you had the pin bound against the slide in the hitch. Once you are in position with wheel chocks in place, put TV in reverse and backup against your wheel chocks. This will release the pin from the slide.
Glenn & Karen
'08 Chevy LT 3500 HD 4x4 CC LB DRW (nice hips)
'06 F350 4X4 Lariat CC LB DRW (nice hips) retired
'09 Victory Lane 38SRV Toy Hauler
'02 HD Road King FLHRCI KRUZN
'04 F150 XLT Super Crew
Our Toys
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wandering1
Texas
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Joined: 06/18/2002
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You have tension between the hitch pin and the hitch jaws which makes it difficult to move the hitch handle. Move the truck slightly forward or slightly backward to take the tension off the hitch jaws. Moving the hitch pin up or down will not help if the hitch pin is pushing against the jaws. Grease does not help with this problem.
HR
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Traveler II
Minnesota
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Is it possible that you "high hitched", that you had the trailer to high when you hooked up?
2011 Cameo 34SB3
2014 Ford 350 King Ranch (on order), Trailer Saver BD3 Air Hitch, Mor/Ryde pin box, IS Suspension, Disk Brakes
Nights Camped in 2011 - 165
Nights Camped in 2012 - 142
Nights Camped in 2013 - 101
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JRS & B
Florida/Michigan
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You should not have to raise the trailer up an outrageous amount. As you are extending the front jacks the truck will raise up first as the weight comes off.
When the distance between the plate and the pin box is enough to stick a pencil inbetween, or even less, you are up high enough. Putting the truck in reverse, or even neutral many times, is the right approach.
I clean and greese my Reese hitch every other year. Assuming we have basically the same 15K hitch, I take the two top pins out and separate the two halves. Flip the top part over and you have access to the contact points. It is really not a very complex mechanism once you see it from the underside.
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rattleNsmoke
Western Conn.
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Hi Hallock,
Glad you got unhooked without a hitch....I know, bad pun. I just read your blog and it's perty cool. It's nice to see a fellow pilot that camps too. (The sectional gave it away). Your Lariat looks a lot like mine except I have the short bed and 6.0L. Enjoy the trip and I'll seeya down the highways!
Mike
2010 Cedar Creek 34SATS (The Beast) & 20k Curt Q20 roller slider hitch
2006 Ford F350 SRW,SC Powerstroke diesel Lariat
2003 Harley Heritage Softail (Hogzilla)
and a wifey with tons of patience....
 (134 x 100).jpg)
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