Reese 5th Wheel Jaws Are Not Closed as Much When Trailer is Connected When Hitch is Empty

Question:

When Hitch is un-hitched, Jaws touch. When Hitched Jaws do Not touch but handle does lock in place. Is this common or should jaws be touching when hitched ? Thank you.

asked by: David E

Expert Reply:

My contact a Reese told me that it is normal for the jaws of the Reese 5th Wheel Hitch # RP30047A to not touch as when connected to a trailer as they do when the hitch is empty.

The jaws are designed to lock the king pin in place in the hitch head. They do not have to be completely surrounding the pin to achieve a secure fit.

As long as you the king pin is set in place in the jaws and the handle can lock, there will be no issue with your hitch connection.

expert reply by: Jared P