Difficulty Unhitching Sidewinder From Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel Hitch
Question:
I have the Elite Series 5th wheel hitch RP30142 in the truck, and on the trailer, a Sidewinder RP61411. About 90 of the time, I cant get the hitch released unless I raise the trailer to where the Sidewinder has about a 1/4inch gap no weight on hitch. The truck and trailer are straight and level to each other. I raise the trailer to proper unhitching level with some weight still on the hitch. As I am pulling the release lever, I even have someone in the truck shifting from forward to neutral to reverse to try to rock it around the trailer is chocked in place, but most the time this will not work. I do not have a lube plate installed. Are there any adjustments, or ideas how to resolve? Thanks.
asked by: Kevin B
Expert Reply:
I spoke with my Reese representative, who had a couple of suggestions for you.
If the problem is that the jaws of the hitch keep slamming shut before you can pull the king pin free, Reese has a Technical Bulletin that addresses this issue, I'll forward the bulletin to you in a separate email.
Another possibility is that you might be using the wrong wedge on your Sidewinder. The Sidewinder comes with a universal wedge that fits many different hitch set-ups, but the wedge designed specifically for the Elite Series hitch, part # SWW-01 would be a better fit and would help prevent the Sidewinder from hanging up.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit for Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Below the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Will B&W Companion Slider Base For Ford Fuper Duty Puck System Fit B&W Companion Head For Chevy
- Q&A: Recommended Aftermarket Underbed Puck System for 2019 Chevy Silverado 3500
- Q&A: Can 5th Wheel Trailer Wiring Be Connected To Bumper or Only 7-Way In-Bed Connection?
- Q&A: Gooseneck Wiring Harness For 2015 GMC Sierra 2500
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Q&A: Choosing OEM or Aftermarket 5th Wheel Puck System for 2021 Ford F-250
- Q&A: Can Aftermarket Puck System Be Installed on a 2024 GMC Sierra 3500
- Article: How to Survive the Winter In Your RV
- Article: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapters
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
- Article: Brake Controller Installation on a Ford Full-Size Van
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class