Unhitching 5th wheel

[OswegoLion]

When pulling out the handle to release the jaws is it common to need a firm pull to get it to release. I hate to damage it. Thanks

[5picker]

Yes. Sometimes to make it easier... once everything is set to release the handle, I hop back in the truck, slip the tranny into neutral and let off the brake enough to allow the tension to release from the hitch/pin. Put tranny back in park, set the brake, and the handle will release easily.

[Faulk222]

when parking make sure your last move is in reverse this will take the pressure off the jaws

if mine do not pull easy I pit the landing gear down and just put the truck in reverse to take the pressure off

[avolnek]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Yes. Sometimes to make it easier... once everything is set to release the handle, I hop back in the truck, slip the tranny into neutral and let off the brake enough to allow the tension to release from the hitch/pin. Put tranny back in park, set the brake, and the handle will release easily.

I go through possibly the same the steps as 5picker. Assuming by "once everything is set to release the handle" he is meaning wheels on trailer chocked and front jacks taking some weight off the truck...

I'm sure it is and thats what I and my father do as well...

[snipe]

The method I use when unhitching the 5th is after the trailer is in the spot I want it to chock the wheels and raise the the front of the trailer until I see some light between the bottom of the king pin plate on the trailer and base plate of the hitch in the truck, usually the release handle is easy to pull to release, and the odd time it needs it I would back the truck just very slightly and the handle pulls easily. Always works for me.