Handle on Reese 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch # RP30047 Sticking After Accidental Impact with King Pin
Question:
My reese 16k fifth wheel hitch is less than a year old. I forgot to release the catch on it when I started to hook the trailer up. In the process of backing up trying to hook it up, the catch was bent out about an inch pushing the handle out also. The hitch will close and lock in place.But when I try to release the handle to disconnect the trailer the handle dosent want to release. I have to continue pulling and tapping on the handle till it releases. I took the head off and turned it upside down, nothing looks like it is bent or broken. Do I need to spray all the piviot points or what? When it is not hooked to the trailer the handle moves in and out easy.
asked by: Jerry W
Expert Reply:
According to my technical contact at Reese, the components of the 5th wheel hitch head most likely to be damaged from hitching when the mechanism is in the locked position are the linkage and pivot post (on the underside of the head assembly). The jaws themselves are very strong and will often withstand such stress without suffering visible damage, but the linkage and pivot post can be bent from this type of impact. These items are not available as separate replacement parts.
My contact at Reese suggested that you err on the side of safety and replace the head assembly.
At the very least we urge you to take the hitch to a qualified trailer professional for inspection to determine if any damage done will impact the safe operation of the hitch. While lubrication is required periodically for 5th wheels your issue is unlikely to be corrected by lubricants. In comparison to the value of your trailer a replacement head assembly is the most cost-effective option to ensure safe operation.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13-1/2 - 17 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
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