Troubleshooting A 5th Wheel Hitch And Trailer King Pin That Wont Release

Question:

I can not get the 5th wheel to release so that I can get my 5th wheel off truck Please help me

asked by: Judy S

Expert Reply:

Without knowing the actual hitch you are using, I can only give you general info. Sometimes with this issue it is because you are taking too much weight off the hitch. The hitch needs a certain amount of weight on it to function correctly and release the lower portion of the king pin. You may want to try a little more weight on the hitch and a bit less on the jacks. Another solution is the exact opposite, to take more weight off the hitch especially if you are using a lube plate disc. You will want to make sure the jaws are disengaged and the landing gear is supporting the majority of the trailer weight.

I recommend moving back and forth very slightly to see if you can move whatever is binding. Sometimes it requires just finding the position that has the least amount of tension on the jaw for the release of the king pin. If you need to slide the hitch then you would turn the slider handle, not the hitch head handle, to the desired mode (locked towing, unlocked, locked maneuvering).

Once you are able to disconnect your trailer from the hitch, be sure to generously lube the moving parts so they function smoothly so you don't have the same issue in the future.

expert reply by: Jason S

Bud B.

4/27/2020

Im having similar issue with the Curt A20 being difficult to uncouple. The direction of leaving some weight on the hitch is in direct conflict with the video provided by Curt. cant help but think there is flaw in the design of the Curt hitch.

Chris R.

4/29/2020

The issue with taking to much weight OFF of the hitch is that it can raise the nose just enough to keep it from sliding out of the jaws. This would be the case with any 5th wheel hitch. I don't see any issues with leaving some weight on the hitch if you're having issues uncoupling. Also make sure the trailer is as straight as possible.

Bud B.

4/29/2020

@ChrisR It's been straight as a rail. This is a new hitch on a new truck. Ben towing for a 5'er for 13 years, never had issues like this. The last hitch was a cheaper one (Reese) but operated much easier. This Curt does tow smooth, just always worried I won't be able to unhitch.

Chris R.

5/1/2020

I understand. I'm sorry it's giving you so much trouble - the head/jaw system on the A20 may just be a bit more sensitive with regards to the unhitching process. I wish I could offer up some additional solutions but I think keeping a bit more weight at the front of the trailer is your best bet to try and ensure a smoother procedure.