Failed 5th Wheel Hitch Head

41ford · 08-08-2016, 08:14 PM

For the second time in 5 days, the trailer has fallen on the back of my pickup bed.

After discussion with the dealer, their tech, a local tech here on the Oregon coast, and the manufacturer, the head is defective and a new head is being shipped overnight Tuesday morning and will be replaced Wednesday.

Sure glad it didn't come off when I was going down the road. There was no evidence of "high" hitching, it was hard to hitch, hard to unhitch. The bar was in the latched position, as was the jaws. Moved forward a couple of inches to check it, and off it came, like it was never latched and locked.

It's been hell for the past 5 days and half-way to our destination to the California Redwoods.

SilhouettePenny · 08-08-2016, 08:47 PM

Curiosity wants to know what brand of 5th hitch?

TURBS · 08-08-2016, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilhouettePenny

Curiosity wants to know what brand of 5th hitch?

That would have been nice huh.
[emoji6][emoji6][emoji6][emoji6]

2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"
2016 nights camped "25"

CHICKDOE · 08-08-2016, 09:57 PM

we have a 5th wheel, this is scary!! what brand and model. what is defective? I always assumed that when it is in the locked position there was some form of wedge that went into the jaws to keep them from opening. this wedge would be on the latch bar. the only way I could see the hitch failing was if this wedge was missing so that the jaws could move, or the jaws came off their pivots and could move. any info you could give would be appreciated. did the manufacturer happen to mention if this has happened before? did it damage the truck. hopefully you caught it during a pull test while the front legs were still down.

Iwannacamp · 08-08-2016, 10:37 PM

I bought a Butches safety catch...I am paranoid. It may not work nor will I prolly ever need it, but it is a little piece of mind.

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B and B · 08-08-2016, 11:06 PM

The only positive latch is a full clamshell around the pin. The Reese elite is like this. 100% latched when the hook encompasses the pin.

Skyliner · 08-08-2016, 11:32 PM

I'm sorry but what is the point of posting this experience without sharing the name of the manufacturer?

If a product failed me and caused damage to my personal property, I would not hesitate to publicly name the company that was at fault.

davel1971 · 08-09-2016, 05:36 AM

I sure hope this isn't a "one and done" type of post. We all want to know

41ford · 08-09-2016, 09:57 AM

I have intentionally omitted the manufacturer's name, in case this could be a potential legal issue. When all is resolved, I will post the name.

While looking for a replacement head locally, several RV places made some rather interesting comments about this particular hitch.

I am approximately 700 miles away from home, need to get this issue resolved, and don't want to piss of the manufacturer until I get home, which could be this week or on the 25th.

I can honestly say that I am severely spooked with this hitch failure. One time, I would watch it, second time, very uneasy feeling. Going to take it one step at a time.

41ford · 08-09-2016, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davel1971

I sure hope this isn't a "one and done" type of post. We all want to know

It will not be the last post and I will keep everyone informed.

I have poor internet here, hard to comment with the system lagging.

Yes, it did damage pickup bed and trailer. Will post pictures. I just want to get my system fixed before stirring up too much crap with dealer and manufacturer. The RV dealer, locally here in Florence, Oregon, has been very helpful. He has spoken to both the dealer and manufacturer, gave his expertise on the situation. One being no evidence of high-hitching when I attempt to couple.

Like I say, 700 miles from home, am very spooked with 2-grandkids with wife and myself, driving it, and pretty much on my own for resolving problems.

More to come later.......

spock123 · 08-09-2016, 10:12 AM

I have a Bed Saver on my hitch, I have dropped the camper on the bed once or twice, Bed Saver saved the bed on truck, I don't think the company makes them anymore. I think it was made by Blue Ox

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DreiHunde · 08-09-2016, 10:22 AM

Good luck and hope you have a safe transit back home!

NMWildcat · 08-09-2016, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spock123

I have a Bed Saver on my hitch, I have dropped the camper on the bed once or twice, Bed Saver saved the bed on truck, I don't think the company makes them anymore. I think it was made by Blue Ox

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Now come on Spock! You know exactly how many times you dropped it on the truck

. It's not something you ever forget. I dropped ours once. Now the DW does the hook up tests

DouglasReid · 08-09-2016, 12:26 PM

I can honestly say Ive never dropped my 5er on teh bed of my truck. I have a Reese Dual Jaw slider and after it latches I always get out, get behind the truck and look to see the pin is not high hitched. That DID happen once but I caught it.

That habit saved me once, it can do the same for you.

NMWildcat · 08-09-2016, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DouglasReid

I can honestly say Ive never dropped my 5er on teh bed of my truck. I have a Reese Dual Jaw slider and after it latches I always get out, get behind the truck and look to see the pin is not high hitched. That DID happen once but I caught it.

That habit saved me once, it can do the same for you.

Good for you. I think most of us have those habits, but it's amazing the things that can happen when you get distracted or Murphie just decides to pay you a visit

ben31 · 08-09-2016, 01:23 PM

Why even post this, if there is no information any of us can use. Yes, I understand the litigation thing, but in that case, why even share it?

Bad things can happen if you do this, but I can't tell you what "this" is or how to prevent it.

I am sorry you were having issues and hope it gets resolved.

Sandy12345 · 08-09-2016, 01:34 PM

Sorry to hear about your issues with your hitch. God bless you and your family and praise Him that you are all are safe. For others replying to this, what exactly is high hitching?

DouglasReid · 08-09-2016, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Good for you. I think most of us have those habits, but it's amazing the things that can happen when you get distracted or Murphie just decides to pay you a visit

I agree that Murphy can pay a visit and it can be disastrous. I am a helicopter pilot by profession and if Murphy ever pays me a visit and I do not catch him on my pre-flight inspection it will quite possibly be my last day on earth. Therefore, I have another habit..........If I get interrupted, I start all over again to insure I have everything covered.

An ounce of prevention is more valuable than a pound of cure!

Im NOT telling anyone they are doing anything wrong, just putting out a bit of food for thought............

ValMelton · 08-09-2016, 01:39 PM

we always do a test pull while keeping the front legs extended enough to keep any drops from hitting the truck. We also had to have our 5th wheel hitch repaired shortly after we bought it and had towed 2 times with it and a piece was broken. But I don't know the name of the hitch. (can't go check it for now) we were told by the dealership that we were very lucky to not lose the camper though. be safe and god Bless you with a safe trip home

tugboat369 · 08-09-2016, 01:47 PM

Here is what happened to my hitch.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ad.php?t=96991
Good luck hope it works out for you.

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