Jaws on Reese Titan 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Will Not Fully Close Around Trailer King Pin

Question:

I recently upgraded to the Reece Titan hitch with round slider rails. On my previous Reece 15k Hitch I was able to back in and hook up with no problems. On this new Titan I find it very difficulty to get the latch down into the locking position. It closes to about 1 inch from being fully locked in. I often have to unhook and rehook the camper before it finally latches. This is not what I expected on a new hitch. Any suggestions. Ive seen other reece 20K hitches hook up very nice as they should. This is very frustrating.

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

It sounds like your Titan hitch 30870 has excessive Loctite at the jaws. This problem was common enough that Reese released a tech bulletin about which I have linked for you below. I have also included the instructions here:

1) With the handle in the locked position try to move the jaws with your hands. If you can move them about 1/16" you do not have a system that has the extra Loctite. If you cannot move them freely with your hands, then you may have a system with extra Loctite on the jaw bolts.
2) To correct the issue, remove the head assembly from the pivot beam, place upside down and clamp it down to a workbench.
3) Remove the jaw bolts and inspect the jaws and the jaw bolts. If you see any red Loctite on the portion of the jaw that contacts the head pan or on the shaft of the jaw bolt, clean these areas and re-apply Loctite to the threaded area of the jaw bolts only. Reassemble and torque jaw bolt to 175 lbs.

It could also be that the hitch needs some lubrication. Consult the owner's manual for where to lubricate the hitch and what type of grease to use.

expert reply by: Michael H