Lube plate
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 6,801
Likes: 7
From: DFW, TX-GoldCanyon, AZ
Yep Dave - like you I chock the wheels fore and aft on both sides.. Also have the truck in park without the brake unless that means that the truck is rolling forward and putting a load on the pin. They never release if that happens..
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 193
From: Cambs, England
For hitching up I have cut a stick to the correct size to fit under the pin at the correct height for easy hitching, it means that I can back on to it first time unless the ground is really uneven.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 6,801
Likes: 7
From: DFW, TX-GoldCanyon, AZ
Rob - thanks for that..
These HD Reese Custom 5th wheel hitches are becoming really well known for being a PITB to release. There is only one big jaw on these and while they are a nice hitch that are pretty quiet and don't chuck a lot - they still have some work to do in the release mechanism. When you pull the release arm out, it's like it has only a 1mm "catch" to hold it in that position. Sometimes it slams back to latched while I am walking back to get in the truck - sometimes it slams back when I step into the truck (which may jiggle the truck slightly)..
I am only now thinking that the thickness of the lube plate may be playing a role in the hitch jaw not fully retracting when the release lever is pulled..
These HD Reese Custom 5th wheel hitches are becoming really well known for being a PITB to release. There is only one big jaw on these and while they are a nice hitch that are pretty quiet and don't chuck a lot - they still have some work to do in the release mechanism. When you pull the release arm out, it's like it has only a 1mm "catch" to hold it in that position. Sometimes it slams back to latched while I am walking back to get in the truck - sometimes it slams back when I step into the truck (which may jiggle the truck slightly)..
I am only now thinking that the thickness of the lube plate may be playing a role in the hitch jaw not fully retracting when the release lever is pulled..
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,644
Likes: 4,733
From: Itinerant
Aren't you guys that lift the truck some while connected that you could separate welds on the trailer. I just lift to where it just starts to bearly Iift and drive out from under it, maybe it makes a difference with the B&W hitch where the lever can be pinned open.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 193
From: Cambs, England
I still have some weight on the hitch, the truck still comes up a couple of inches as I drive out.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 193
From: Cambs, England
Rob - thanks for that..
These HD Reese Custom 5th wheel hitches are becoming really well known for being a PITB to release. There is only one big jaw on these and while they are a nice hitch that are pretty quiet and don't chuck a lot - they still have some work to do in the release mechanism. When you pull the release arm out, it's like it has only a 1mm "catch" to hold it in that position. Sometimes it slams back to latched while I am walking back to get in the truck - sometimes it slams back when I step into the truck (which may jiggle the truck slightly)..
I am only now thinking that the thickness of the lube plate may be playing a role in the hitch jaw not fully retracting when the release lever is pulled..
These HD Reese Custom 5th wheel hitches are becoming really well known for being a PITB to release. There is only one big jaw on these and while they are a nice hitch that are pretty quiet and don't chuck a lot - they still have some work to do in the release mechanism. When you pull the release arm out, it's like it has only a 1mm "catch" to hold it in that position. Sometimes it slams back to latched while I am walking back to get in the truck - sometimes it slams back when I step into the truck (which may jiggle the truck slightly)..
I am only now thinking that the thickness of the lube plate may be playing a role in the hitch jaw not fully retracting when the release lever is pulled..
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 2
From: Southern Cal
I have more trouble with my slider, trying to move the lever to release the pins, especially if by myself. With my wife, she can move the truck back and forth enough for me to release.
Plenty of wd-40 but it sticks, even after rocking it back and forth. I now use a crescent wrench on the shaft to help convince it after the elbow bend in the arm has bent and weakened, from it sticking.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
Another reason I bought the Anderson Ultimate...... all I have to do is lift the hitch off the pin and drive away.... angle doesn't matter much. I had enough of the Reese needing to be close to level!!!! Well, that and weight .
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 193
From: Cambs, England
I've looked at them on their website, look good but how hard is it to hook up? It looks like you need to be perfectly under the coupling then lower it on to the pin? That would be a PITA for me as I can't see my hitch plate with my tonneau folded up.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
Absolutely the best hitch IMO. The only time mine gets a bit tough is if I set the e-brake and the 5er is tight against the front - but a little harder pull and it comes free (and why my Bedsaver, which I am not using now, has a gouge in the paint
)
)
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
I'm 76+ and do NOT have a problem. You had to practice some to hook up your standard 5'er..... so in 3 attempts you would also master the Anderson..... If your bed cover is in the way, you surely bought the wrong one! I too, have a bed cover....the Peragon (https://www.peragon.com). It never gets in the way..... Oh yeah, if you get within 3/4 of the ball, once you start lowering the RV, it'll pop into the hole. Do I say on how QUIET it is traveling?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 193
From: Cambs, England
I'm 76+ and do NOT have a problem. YOu had to practice some to hood up your standard 5'er..... so in 3 attempts you would also master the Anderson..... If your bed cover is in the way, you surely bought the wrong one! I too, have a bed cover....the Peragon (https://www.peragon.com). It never gets in the way.....
I have a Tonno pro folding cover, it's great & is fine with a normal hitch, I just don't think it would work for the Anderson. I didn't want to lose the bed space of a roll up tonneau. Wouldn't leave enough room for other things I carry.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
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