Troubleshooting Reese Sidewinder Pin Box that is Difficult to Move Arm

Question:

When pulling a 40foot RV I noticed my hitched was turned about 22 degrees and would not change. Upon further investigation I found my sidewinder hitch was frozen in place. When i stopped i tried to move it with a 2x4 and after using a can of Lithium spray grease I was able to Move it with the 2x4 but that required a fair amount of force. What maintenance should I perform before going home?. I saw you have a service kit. I have approximately 5000 miles on the hitch. Thanks for any reference material links or advice.

asked by: Bill T

Expert Reply:

It probably wouldn't be a terrible idea to install the Sidewinder Repair Kit part # RP94316 on your Sidewinder as it sounds like it's seen better days and hasn't been maintained.

Reese recommends that to maintain easy hookup you frequently lubricate the wedge surfaces, back side of the king pin, and the skid plate surface. The bearing surfaces of the Sidewinder arm can also be lubricated if stiff, using white lithium grease. At least once per season it's recommended you disassemble the Sidewinder to clean and grease it. For white lithium grease we have the part # L11354.

expert reply by: Jameson C