mr. old style
wisconsin
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Joined: 02/06/2006
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well my fith wheel came unhitched again. It happened as I was pulling it out of the storage shed. Low speed, but the jacks were up high so came down pretty hard. Funny thing is it happened in exact spot it happened once before. Only thing I can think of is pin was up to high and didnt latch propely. I tested by applying trailer brakes and jerking back and forth. It held good, but after backing out and then pulling forward about 50" BANG!! down she went.
Question is what can I look for on the hitch to make sure its functioning properly? Reese 20k hitch.
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bgum
South Louisiana
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Joined: 02/22/2006
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Paint just your jaws dayglo red. After you back into the hitch get out and look to see if the jaws are closed on the pin. If so do a pull test.
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joelc
Milford, PA
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Joined: 02/23/2004
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Suggestion. I have a Reese that has 2 jaws that encompass the pin. I always stick my head in the back of the truck and look at the jaws and be sure the pin is set properly. A coat of white paint on the jaws help with visibility as will a flash light. Then do the push/pull test.
You did not say what the rating of your hitch is.
* This post was
edited 05/17/12 08:02pm by an administrator/moderator *
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mr. old style
wisconsin
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Joined: 02/06/2006
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bgum wrote:Paint just your jaws dayglo red. After you back into the hitch get out and look to see if the jaws are closed on the pin. If so do a pull test.
allready did that, thanks
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mr. old style
wisconsin
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joelc wrote:Suggestion. I have a Reese that has 2 jaws that encompass the pin. I always stick my head in the back of the truck and look at the jaws and be sure the pin is set properly. A coat of white paint on the jaws help with visibility as will a flash light. Then do the push/pull test.
You did not say what the rating of your hitch is, but if it is defective, I am trying to sell my 16K that I can no longer use due to upgrading to a 20K because I bought a heavier RV. If you need it send me a message.
reese 20k, last sentence
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asuperheat
Florida
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Joined: 04/30/2010
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I'm thinking I would get a new hitch. Either there is a serious issue with yours or you are not locking in the hitch all the way. If the jaws are closed around the kingpin upon conecting and the safety pin is in so it cant release it must be broke. I just don't see how a hitch could just release. Are you not putting the safety pin in the hitch before you move it? If not I guess it could release. Are you using a teflon lube plate that is to thick maybe so the jaws on the hitch are not engaging all the way then closing the hitch lever and not putting in the safety pin? Moving the rv then BOOM?
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seattlefirervr
Snohomish, WA
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Joined: 03/01/2005
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Hijacker hitch. Far better locking system than Reese or any other!
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roller183
Surprise,Az
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I had one close call years ago, but have been lucky ever since. I always LOOK at the hitch jaws and MAKE certain they have wrapped around the pin. Second, I put the lock down on the handle so it cant move out and open the jaws..
thats one of my fears is to have the 5th come crashing down on the bed rails..
2007 Forest River Sierra Sport F 40 SPTS 40' 3 axle TH.
2013 RAM CC 4X4 2500 6spd.auto Mineral gray
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Lantley
Ellicott City, Maryland
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After 2 drops you may want to consider a Blue Ox bedsaver.
It's either operator error or a defective itch.
07'Duramax dually,12'Open Range 399BHS
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jackxclan
bakersfield
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Joined: 10/20/2006
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Keep all the hitch parts well lube'd.
Is iut very old? could have worn parts?
Gun metal gray 07 new body style 3500 diesel crew cab 4x4 dually
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