Solution for Demco Hijacker Autoslide Hitch Latch Won't Stay Out

Question

Question:

i recently bought a 18k Demco auto slide 5th wheel hitch from you. the handle will not stay in the open or unlock position so my wife has to pull on the handle while we are unhitching. What can we do to fix this problem?

asked by: Tommy S

0

Expert Reply:

If the handle of your Demco Hijacker won't stay out when you are trying to disconnect from the trailer Demco recommends installing the safety pin in the second handle hole just outside of the frame handle bushing to hold it out so that you can basically lock it in the open position.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Answer 1

Yes, trying to couple at an angle with the Demco Hijacker Autoslide #DM8550034 is actually not recommended. The head is fairly hard to move but you should be able to get it. It'll get easier with use. One method that might help is to lock…

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Answer 2

Thank you for your purchase of Demco Hijacker Autoslide Locking Plate for Standard 5th Airborne Pin Boxes, part #DM6026. The issue you describe sounds like it could be related to the jaws on your Demco Hijacker, if it is an older unit with E or F…

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Answer 3

It sounds to me like the gears of the slider inside of your Replacement Head and Base Assembly for Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches #DM6077 may either have debris blocking them, the teeth may be chewed up and need to be replaced,…

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Answer 4

If you're having issues coupling to your Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000lbs the jaws could need to be greased but it could also be the handle or the internal springs. When pulling…

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Answer 5

To adjust the tightness of the locking handles on your Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider #DM8550038 you'll just need to remove a washer on each handle until you get to a comfortable tightness. I've attached a video below where…

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Answer 6

The jaws on your Demco Autosliding 5th Wheel Hitch like part #DM8550034 should basically just snap back in place when you couple your trailer. If you're trying to figure out how to close the jaws once you uncouple your trailer then you can use…

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Answer 7

How old is the hitch? Does your fifth wheel have a standard pin box or a cushioned pin box? Has it been lubricated? Does the locking bar automatically lock when the jaw closes? The thing that comes to mind immediately is the capture plates may not be…

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Answer 8

The Demco Hijacker hitches like the part #DM8550034 are pretty particular about how straight your truck is relative to the trailer. Anytime we've seen issues with people having a hard time coupling with this hitch the problem has been that they…

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Answer 9

I attached a diagram and instructions on where and how often to grease the Demco Hijacker part #DM6077 that you have. It's recommended that you use white lithium grease like the part #L11354 for a cartridge for a grease gun.

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Answer 10

It sounds like the gears inside the Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch #DM6077 may be off/damaged. I have attached a copy of the instructions which on page 10 show the parts breakdown for the gear mechanism. This will allow you to turn the hitch…

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Answer 11

If you have been upkeeping with the care and maintenance on your 18K Demco Hijacker Autoslide #DM8550034 it sounds like you might need to mess with the gear adjustment bolt located on the cab-end of the Hijacker. To do this you need to place the…

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Answer 12

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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