5th Wheel Trailer Jaws Will Not Close Around King Pin on Sidewinder Easily
Question:
Have a fifth airborne sidewinder for 16k Reese, Having a hard time hooking up. Part of the problem was the hitch where a plate on the inside was too far out, catching the wedge but even after overcoming that, I have a problem. The pin appears to advance far enough into the hitchhits the front but the jaws do not close completely around the pin. After a bit of moving, the jaws close, with a spacing of about 1/2 inch between the end of the jaws. Is this gap normal? They move freely without the pin so I believe they are working okay. I also see on the front of the bottom plate of the wedge where the metal in 2 symmetrical placesmaybe an inch from the center are curled up. What could they be hitting? There is no more adjustment to move the wedge back. I have checked numerous times and this is the correct end of the wedge to use with this hitch. The hitch tows wonderfully but it can take up to a half hour to hitchup. Any thoughts or comments would be helpful.
asked by: Thomas M
Expert Reply:
I wonder if you were to remove the wedge from your # RP61412 and try to hook up if it would still do the same thing. I would give that a try to see. If you are not using the universal wedge, # 201100, it might work better than a custom wedge. You may also be high-hitching which would mean the jaws are trying to close around a wider part of the king pin or are not closing around it at all in some cases.
When you hook up make sure that the bottom of the pin box is 1/2 inch to 1 inch lower than the top of the hitch head when it is tilted down so the trailer sort of ramps up onto the hitch.
The jaws should definitely be closing all the way around the king pin and lock into place. Do not tow the trailer if the jaws are not fully closed and locked into place. Inspect the hitch for any dirt or debris and follow the hitch manufacturer recommendations for lubrication and maintenance.
If you are using a lube plate on the hitch and not grease that might be causing a bit of interference.
Products Referenced in This Question
Replacement Universal Wedge for 5th Airborne Sidewinders
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel King Pin
- Wedges
- Reese 5th Wheel
- Reese
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