time_traveler Posted January 5, 2020 Report Share Posted January 5, 2020 This is my first 5th wheel - when disconnecting from the hitch do the jaws have to be open? Do you take all of the weight off the truck before you open the hitch lever? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertMiner Posted January 5, 2020 Report Share Posted January 5, 2020 (edited) Yes and yes...... Chock trailer tires. Disconnect breakaway cable and umbilical cord from truck. Open tailgate. Unlock and move hitch lever forward to release the jaws. Raise trailer off of hitch. Pull truck forward slowly watching that the jaws have released. Edited January 5, 2020 by DesertMiner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rynosback Posted January 5, 2020 Report Share Posted January 5, 2020 (edited) 39 minutes ago, DesertMiner said: Yes and yes...... Chock trailer tires. Disconnect breakaway cable and umbilical cord from truck. Open tailgate. Unlock and move hitch lever forward to release the jaws. Raise trailer off of hitch. Pull truck forward slowly watching that the jaws have released. Why would you release the jaws with out your landing gear down? This is how I do it Once you have the rig where you want it - 1. lower the front legs, enough to take the weight off the truck. 2. open the jaws, disconnect the emergency brake cable and unplug the 7 pin connector. 3. pull the truck out Edited January 5, 2020 by rynosback Quote 2015 Ram 3500 RC DRW CTD AISIN 410 rear 2016 Mobile Suites 38RSB3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertMiner Posted January 5, 2020 Report Share Posted January 5, 2020 My B&Ws’ jaws release easier this way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
time_traveler Posted January 5, 2020 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2020 I have only unhooked a couple times and and on two occasions when I open the lever the jaws didn't open that is what concerned me. I had to take some weight off the truck for the jaws start to open? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpsinc Posted January 5, 2020 Report Share Posted January 5, 2020 Each hitch seems to have their own preferences as to what makes them operate more efficiently. Learn by doing. Then make your checklist from that. But always maintain a safe condition for the trailer. Chock wheels first. Quote Marcel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyates007 Posted January 5, 2020 Report Share Posted January 5, 2020 (edited) Your B&W hitch will have a hole in the center towards the front of the hitch. This is to allow you to open the lever and drop the pin in it. This allows the jaws to release as the pin comes away from the front of the jaws. My B&W was the smoothest hitching and unhitch that I have ever had once I figured it out. Edited January 5, 2020 by tyates007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
time_traveler Posted January 6, 2020 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2020 thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenandjon Posted January 8, 2020 Report Share Posted January 8, 2020 Sometimes when I pulled the lever the jaws did not open. I had to pull ahead just a hair to put pressure on the jaws. Then pulled the lever and they opened right up. Quote Farmer, Trucker, Equipment operator, Mechanic Quando omni flunkus moritati-When all else fails, play dead I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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