The Jaws of My Demco Hijacker Will Not Close When the Trailer is Not Hooked Up

Question:

I put my Demco hitch back into my truck my truck but the handle will not close. I have checked to make sure there was nothing blocking it. I am unable to move the handle at all. Any ideas?

asked by: John S

Expert Reply:

I contacted the manufacturer about the issue you are having with the handle on your Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch # DM8550024. It sounds like you are trying to get it to close without your trailer hooked up. If this is the case, that is why you can not get it to close.

"The jaws of a Demco hitch are designed to stay open when unhooked. When the handle is pulled open, there is a hook on the passenger side jaw that catches a pin on the driver side jaw. This holds them open. When the king pin comes in and pushes the jaws just a bit further open, then the hook loses contact with the pin and they are spring loaded to close."

If this is not the case and your trailer is hooked up, please let me know and I can help you troubleshoot further.

expert reply by: Scott S