5th wheel hitch release problems

THESCUBADOC · 09-30-2013, 10:53 AM

Got a Husky 16 KS which will NOT release the reese evolution hitch on an 8289,,,I lift it just a tad to see light but will not release,,,have to lift it a good bit, then lower it down, then up a tad and it releases......any ideas??? I've lubed it with Lithium, etc, etc,,,,,,,suggestions??

Ford Idaho · 09-30-2013, 11:06 AM

Try putting your PU in neutral with you foot off the brake so it takes the tension off the jaws.

Then apply the park brake and try to release the jaws.

tomjsas · 09-30-2013, 11:14 AM

X2 - Unless something is drastically wrong with the hitch. Many times I have to put it in reverse as the way my spot at home slopes, the pin is usually resting against the jaws after I've stopped. Much like a bumper pull hitch just need to get the pressure of the pin and it should come loose.

THESCUBADOC · 09-30-2013, 11:15 AM

will give it a shot,,,,no one ever said to do that,,,,,we'll see what happens,,been a real pain in butt

Ford Idaho · 09-30-2013, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THESCUBADOC

will give it a shot,,,,no one ever said to do that,,,,,we'll see what happens,,been a real pain in butt

I do not doubt that but it is something that needs to happen every now and then.

iceblaze580 · 09-30-2013, 11:25 AM

Happens to my 5er too just need to get the pin off the back of the jaws towards the front of the hitch

OldCoot · 09-30-2013, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

Try putting your PU in neutral with you foot off the brake so it takes the tension off the jaws.

Then apply the park brake and try to release the jaws.

AND make sure the trailer is chocked either with wheel chocks front and rear or with Bal X Chocks on BOTH wheels. Chock the trailer wheels, shift to neutral, set the emergency brake and then raise the trailer just about 1/8" off the hitch plate and release the hitch lock.

pwb01 · 10-06-2013, 06:33 PM

I had the same problem and you all hit the answers. Chock the wheels in both directions, bump the trailer back to get the pin away from the jaws/bar and raise the pin box a quarter inch and pull away.

I used to spend 20 minutes trying to un hitch.

B47 · 10-06-2013, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwb01

I had the same problem and you all hit the answers. Chock the wheels in both directions, bump the trailer back to get the pin away from the jaws/bar and raise the pin box a quarter inch and pull away.

I used to spend 20 minutes trying to un hitch.

I have the same hitch and always have to back the TV up a bit and sometimes,but not always, have to raise the pin box up a bit also.

Ford Idaho · 10-06-2013, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B47

I have the same hitch and always have to back the TV up a bit and sometimes,but not always, have to raise the pin box up a bit also.

I like to see just a sliver of light between the head and the teflon disc.

B47 · 10-06-2013, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

I like to see just a sliver of light between the head and the teflon disc.

With me it usually depends on how the FW and TV are sitting on unhooking.

With the FW in the storage bay on level concrete I usually have to raise it just a bit, but always have to back the TV up a little.

B47 · 10-06-2013, 07:32 PM

And FWIW, step 7 in the Unhooking Procedure of the Husky manual tells you to back the truck up slightly if the handle won't pull out - doesn't say anything about raising the FW up.

AquaMan · 10-06-2013, 07:35 PM

I'm just the opposite of most, I don't raise the pinbox off the hitch at all. In fact, I usually have pressure on the hitch to the point the truck is still squatted just a bit.

**dcheatwood** · 10-06-2013, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

I like to see just a sliver of light between the head and the teflon disc.

The dealer removed my disc when they installed the wedge. Should I put the disc back? (Don't mean to change subject)

B47 · 10-06-2013, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcheatwood

The dealer removed my disc when they installed the wedge. Should I put the disc back? (Don't mean to change subject)

I would ask your dealer for either your disk back or money to buy a replacement one.

These disks help you in not having to put grease on your hitch plate and help reduce friction - both good things.

These disks have been discussed here before - do a search.

Ford Idaho · 10-06-2013, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcheatwood

The dealer removed my disc when they installed the wedge. Should I put the disc back? (Don't mean to change subject)

What wedge?

Quote:

Originally Posted by B47

I would ask your dealer for either your disk back or money to buy a replacement one.

These disks help you in not having to put grease on your hitch plate and help reduce friction - both good things.

These disks have been discussed here before - do a search.

First thing I grabbed off the shelf in the parts dept.
Handed it to the PDI guy saw him nod, he said he had one on his.
I did not want to deal with grease on the trailer or hitch.

jdadoug · 10-06-2013, 08:32 PM

I seem to have some trouble once in a while unhitching. I figured it out real soon though, its always the same. Go put it in neutral or sometimes put it in reverse.
The disc that I got with the camper (used) musta been worn out cause it kept falling off when I wanted to back under. Then I managed to fold that one up as I was trying to get under the pin box. I would say the disc is a absolute!

One thing I learned while pulling a trailer behind my motorcycle is to use wax paper on my ball.

The wax paper acts as a lubricant, about like the disc does. A lot better than using grease, the one time I did I managed to get it on pants..... I took a nine state ride pulling the trailer and only changed the wax paper a coupla times.

One trick I learned was the "string"

That makes it a lot eaiser to get the height right when jacking either way. I have mine on a magnet, easier to adjust the string if needed.
jdadoug

OldCoot · 10-06-2013, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcheatwood

The dealer removed my disc when they installed the wedge. Should I put the disc back? (Don't mean to change subject)

You don't need the disc at the hitch with the wedge installed because the hitch pin does not rotate at the hitch pin. The trailer pivots 22" back and it already has a plastic type wear surface built into the pivot. That's one of the big advantages of the Reese Revolution Sidewinder hitch.

**dcheatwood** · 10-06-2013, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B47

I would ask your dealer for either your disk back or money to buy a replacement one.

These disks help you in not having to put grease on your hitch plate and help reduce friction - both good things.

These disks have been discussed here before - do a search.

They didn't keep the disc. Just took it off and put in basement. I'll read my revolution hitch paperwork when I get unit out of service. I know it does say spray hitch, pin and wedge with lithium grease.

OldCoot · 10-06-2013, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

What wedge? First thing I grabbed off the shelf in the parts dept. Handed it to the PDI guy saw him nod, he said he had one on his. I did not want to deal with grease on the trailer or hitch.

If you use the Reese Revolution Hitch and activate it by installing the wedge at the rear of the hitch pin, you don't need or want a disc at the hitch pin. The hitch pin does not rotate at the hitch. The trailer pivots 22" behind the hitch pin at the trailer pivot.

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