The Locking Handle Moves on a Reese 16K Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch When Towing

Question:

during braking and acceleration this slider has movement you can see locking handle moving back and forth..I have 2006 F-250with a 1998 40 ft king of the road fifth wheel trailer weighing approx. 14000 lbs.This has me worried about the constant movement and stress that is applied to the center bolt holes possibly causing wallowing out and or the metal weakening around them.

asked by: Michael D

Helpful Expert Reply:

Does the locking handle move from the locked to the unlocked position or is there only a small amount of movement like there is some play in the slider?

If the locking handle is moving from the locked to unlocked position, then either the handle is not engaging in the locking position completely or there is something wrong with the internal components and the legs should be replaced.

If you are seeing a small amount of movement, then that is normal. Inside each leg is a leaf spring and a latch. There will be some play between the latch and the slide rails. If the latch was tight in the slide rails, the legs could bind up under the forces of the fifth wheel trailer.

expert reply by: John H