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Old 04-21-2015, 10:00 AM   #1
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Cant find a video of how the mechanics of a 5th wheel hitch works

I would like to really visualize and understand how a 5th wheel hitch works. I have tried google searches only to come up with results that explain how to install a hitch or how to hook them up to a trailer. Does anyone have any links for a video that will teach me how they work? Thanks!
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Old 04-21-2015, 10:06 AM   #2
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Don't know about video but Reese has schematics of all hitches on their website
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Old 04-21-2015, 10:36 AM   #3
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Thanks Brookstone. But I really want to see a video and understand the workings.
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Old 04-21-2015, 10:40 AM   #4
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Thanks Brookstone. But I really want to see a video and understand the workings.
Have you searched YouTube?

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Old 04-21-2015, 10:52 AM   #5
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Old 04-21-2015, 10:59 AM   #6
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I have searched youtube extensively. Fonzie, that definitely helps alot. I am still going to search for more detail if possible with an actual 5th wheel hitch that pulls an RV. I may be going overboard on wanting to learn too much here and getting too detailed but thats just me.
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Old 04-21-2015, 11:19 AM   #7
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I have searched youtube extensively. Fonzie, that definitely helps alot. I am still going to search for more detail if possible with an actual 5th wheel hitch that pulls an RV. I may be going overboard on wanting to learn too much here and getting too detailed but thats just me.
Hooking up/un-hooking? The pin is your pivot point as you probably already know, the biggest factor being the hitch placement in the bed of tv....turning radius.
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Old 04-21-2015, 11:20 AM   #8
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It never hurts to learn too much
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Old 04-21-2015, 11:24 AM   #9
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One more....

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Old 04-21-2015, 11:58 AM   #10
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That was a great video Fonzie and exactly what I was looking for. Thank you! I think on my last trip I high pinned the hitch unfortunately. I had to un hitch and hitch again. Then I drove 16 straight hours and was a nervous wreck because the lock was sticking sideways because it had tension on it. I hope I didnt damage my hitch.
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Old 04-21-2015, 12:13 PM   #11
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That was a great video Fonzie and exactly what I was looking for. Thank you! I think on my last trip I high pinned the hitch unfortunately. I had to un hitch and hitch again. Then I drove 16 straight hours and was a nervous wreck because the lock was sticking sideways because it had tension on it. I hope I didnt damage my hitch.
If you mark the hitch handle, both open and closed, might give you a visual. Also, sometimes a flashlight looking at the jaw(s) will tell if closed.
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Old 04-21-2015, 12:15 PM   #12
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That was a great video Fonzie and exactly what I was looking for. Thank you! I think on my last trip I high pinned the hitch unfortunately. I had to un hitch and hitch again. Then I drove 16 straight hours and was a nervous wreck because the lock was sticking sideways because it had tension on it. I hope I didnt damage my hitch.
If you mark the hitch handle, both open and closed, might give you a visual. Also, sometimes a flashlight looking at the jaw(s) will tell if closed. Depends on what type of hitch your using as to solutions.
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Old 04-21-2015, 07:36 PM   #13
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Try Googleing "How to properly hook up a fifth wheel hitch." The person appearing in this video is a Reece Hitch retiree and appears to know what he is talking about.
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Old 04-21-2015, 07:40 PM   #14
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I saw a great idea for making sure the jaws are locked around the king pin. Paint the jaws a bright yellow. Shine s flashlight on the underside of the hitch after you have connected with the king pin and you will readily be able to see if the jaws are closed around the king pin.
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Old 04-21-2015, 07:46 PM   #15
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Thanks Fonze that's a great video !!! Wow...
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Old 04-21-2015, 08:43 PM   #16
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I have the Reese Elite Hitch. I painted the jaw Red with paint and can visually see if it is locked as well there is a flag to see if it is locked then a put test. I do remove the X Chocks and use just rubber chocks for this. I also raise the landing gear a inch of so as to not bend them while doing the pull test. DW helps and reminds me of steps for hitch up.
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Old 04-22-2015, 11:21 AM   #17
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I have a Curt E16 hitch with a (possibly older) design that uses a sliding bar instead of jaws. I like it because once you put the handle down in the hitching position as soon as the kingpin pushes the release catch forward, the bar slides across behind the kingpin (very audibly!) and the handle moves in with it. If the handle has moved in so that there is no more exposed shaft, that bar is fully across - no question about it.
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Old 04-24-2015, 11:16 AM   #18
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Hi Dave, I believe I have the same hitch that you are referring to. Do I? So once it is locked I dont have to worry? Also, I was told that I should spray something on this with WD40. Is this true? If so, what do I spray?
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Old 04-24-2015, 11:29 AM   #19
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Hi Dave, I believe I have the same hitch that you are referring to. Do I? So once it is locked I dont have to worry? Also, I was told that I should spray something on this with WD40. Is this true? If so, what do I spray?
I used either wd or a light grease on the under side where the lock bar rubs. Do you use the Teflon disk on the pin?
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Old 04-24-2015, 11:32 AM   #20
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Yes I use a white disk on my pin. I dont think its teflon but just a hard plastic.
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