When the Curt A Series Hitch Jaw Are Unlocked will They Open Up When Trailer King Pin Is Present

Question:

When I park my 5th wheel using the A20 / R20 Slider hitch and disengage the dual jaws, the handle locks back as designed but the jaws dont release from the king pin. How come the jaws dont open when the indicator shows RED un-coupled? I have to lift and lower, lift and lower my rig and sometimes I just start pulling away and then the dual jaws start opening. I think this is dangerous and dont think its what I should have to do. This is supposed to be a simple and easy operation?

asked by: Carl O

Expert Reply:

When you go to disconnect from the king pin of your trailer with the Curt A20 fifth wheel hitch part # C16541 you will need to pull out on the handle to release the jaws of the hitch. Since the spring pressure of the jaw mechanism isn't powerful enough to move either your truck forward or the trailer back the king pin will stay in the same position and the jaws may not move much. Pulling forward at this time with the truck will allow the king pin to slide forward and the jaws of the hitch will separate and allow the trailer to release.

expert reply by: Jameson C