korbe
Northern California
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Joined: 11/20/2009
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I put the jacks down and raise the 5er until pressure is off the plate. If the release is stuck, I either back up the truck a hair or pull forward a hair to release the tension.
2004 F250 SD PSD
2004 Crossroads Cruiser CF25RS
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boso
hampstead nc
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Joined: 09/09/2008
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with a wheel chock in place apply some pressure against the fifth wheel hith in a backing motion apply the emergency brake then put into park the hitch should un hook with no problem the key is to apply pressure on the hitch in a backing motion and keep it there Boso
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riggsp
Charlotte, NC
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Joined: 06/28/2009
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If you are raising the RV to take pressure off the hitch before you pull the release, you may be putting too much pressure (upward) to allow the mechanism to let go...(1)Level the RV side to side,(2)Chock and lock the wheels of the RV,(3)Lower the landing gear until it contacts the ground and puts a little pressure, (4)Pull the release lever on the hitch (should move easily),(5)Lower the gear some more until the pin starts to slide from the hitch,(6)Move the truck,(7)Finish leveling front to back.
I had the same trouble when I first got my hitch, and this is what I figured out that works.
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Retired JSO
Florida
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Joined: 01/28/2009
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Reese hitches like the pressure removed for them to be free. Just put the truck in reverse taking up the hitch slack and the hitch will open at almost any angle.
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blkdodge
Arizona
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Joined: 02/18/2010
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That is exactly why I joined this site..... Look at quick people were to help another out. Glad all is good now
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CactusJohn
Scottsdale, AZ
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Joined: 03/23/2008
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I had the same problem the first few times I used my Reese 16K. Sometimes it would open with almost no effort, other times it wouldn't. I called Reese and was told that the jaws are designed to stay shut if there is any forward pressure on them. I was told to chock the 5er tires, lower the landing gear until it’s just above the ground, put the truck in reverse, lightly touch the gas, and then put on the brake. This takes the forward pressure off and allows the jaws to open easily every time. I've never had another problem since that conversation. BTW, Reese also said that taking weight off the hitch by lowering the landing gear has nothing to do with opening the jaws--it’s all about relieving the forward pressure.
2007 Ameri-Camp (RIP) Summit Ridge SF27RK 5er
2012 F250 Lariat SuperCab, 6.7L PSD
Reese 16K Kwik-Slide with BedSaver
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stetwood
Wisconsin
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Joined: 03/22/2005
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My hitch will stick once in a while after towing long distances. It has a bar that slides into place holding the pin. That bar will "mushroom" slightly and a few strokes with a file will take the edge off allowing it to slide freely through the latches.
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maverick_935
Moncton,NB
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Joined: 01/17/2010
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I have found that if the truck rolls ahead even just a little bit the hitch will bind and you cannot release it. Solution is to back up with trailer, stop, put on parking brake before you put the truck in park. Works for me.
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tbax46
Holly Lake Ranch, Tex.
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Joined: 04/20/2004
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Retired JSO wrote:Reese hitches like the pressure removed for them to be free. Just put the truck in reverse taking up the hitch slack and the hitch will open at almost any angle.
Exactly. I've used a Reese hitch for over 6 years and that's what I have to do. I put it in reverse and let off the brake just a bit and watch the hitch head drop a little and it releases.
River Canyon, 34RLQSO
F-350, V-10, 4.30LS
Trailair pinbox & suspension
USN & 'Nam Vet
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kakampers
Fulltimer
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Joined: 04/02/2004
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One other thing to make sure of...only raise the 5er so you can barely see light between the hitch saddle and the pinbox. Raising the unit too high, even a little bit, will also cause a binding issue...
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