ET Hitch Problems

[Overthinker]

We took our first trip in our new Volvo with a new ET Senior hitch and experienced several issues.  The most troublesome problem we are having is the hitch doesn't want to release the kingpin.  We haven't experienced this issue with other hitches and was wondering if anyone else has had this issue and what a possible solution might be.  We aren't using a lube plate because we found it wasn't compatible with the hitch.  The only times we didn't have a problem were when the trailer and truck were both completely level and the on asphalt.  If everything wasn't completely aligned and the trailer was on dirt, gravel, or sand the jaws were still under so much tension they would drag the trailer as we attempted to pull forward.  We could essentially hook and unhook our trailer saver from any orientation without issue.  We might be going back to the Trailer Saver if asphalt and perfect alignment are a requirement for the ET because that is a rarity for our use.

[Jim & Wilma]

Only time we have issue releasing the hitch jaws is when there’s lateral loading between the truck and fifth wheel.  Putting the truck in neutral for a second and allowing it to roll a couple inches solves the issue. For this particular “issue” it operates as I would expect to; resisting jaw release when being “pulled”.

[jeffw]

Hopefully other folks will be able to give advice as well, but what I found worked best on our ET hitch was to dump the truck airbags (so that the truck and hitch airbags aren't fighting each other as I raise the trailer off the hitch) and then lift the trailer enough that I could see a little light between the kingpin and hitch. Then back up slightly to release the pressure on the jaws.

In most cases then the hitch will release.

Edited July 18, 2022 by jeffw

[Av8r3400]

Wow.  I have never had an issue with releasing my ET.  I don't dump the truck suspension, we just put the landing gear down and take some weight, release the clamping block, and take more weight on the gear until there is a small gap between the plate and lube plate, then pull away.

I do lube the clamping block and jaws on the ET.  Henry said this wasn't necessary, but I do it anyway.

[Tom&]

I always chock trailer wheels first, then raise trailer with front jacks enough to unload hitch, then I bump tractor in reverse, this is very important to release forward tension on hitch, then set tractor brakes, then release hitch and drive ahead. Hope this helps.

[dblr]

When Henry installed mine and gave me a demonstration on hooking and un-hooking, I lowered the legs and chocked the wheels then raised the front legs listening for the air to escape from the hitch then use the supplied breaker bar to release the hitch, now there have been times when that was hard to do so like others, I will release the truck brakes to let it roll which ever it wants to so tension is off the hitch then i have been able to release the handle with the breaker bar and pull away. I have never had the issue you seem to have, plus I have a lube plate on my kingpin.

[lappir]

There is a learning curve with all new items. Each one has it's own technique and once you have it down it's not a problem anymore. Making sure you don't have tension on your hitch is paramount in all disconnection activities. If you are doing it by yourself, then Get Out And Look (GOAL) before pulling away to make sure you pin is disconnected. Dragging your trailer on it's landing gear is a recipe for pain in the wallet. Most of the time I would raise the trailer just a bit and release the brakes for a moment. If I felt any movement I'd lower the trailer before raising up enough to see separation between the plate and pin. I had the older ET Senior with the longer arm. Didn't have to fit the breaker bar into the handle for extra leverage. It took me a time or two to figure it out, even on level ground.  Now it's second nature on all terrain, some terrain takes a bit longer to release though, especially since I no longer have the ET and I only have Front to back movement, not side to side. 

 

 

Rod 

[SuiteSuccess]

I do the same as Av8r.  Never had an issue releasing.  I also routinely put axle grease on the jaws and upper plate.  Messy but seems to make things smoother.  I am also able to use a thin lubriplate.  David Dixon (NukeE) with Deep Space Lighting at one point offered some thin lubriplates.

[Overthinker]

1 hour ago, SuiteSuccess said:

I do the same as Av8r.  Never had an issue releasing.  I also routinely put axle grease on the jaws and upper plate.  Messy but seems to make things smoother.  I am also able to use a thin lubriplate.  David Dixon (NukeE) with Deep Space Lighting at one point offered some thin lubriplates.

Definitely interested in a thin lube plate as the one we had isn't compatible with ET. I'm not a fan of a greasy top plate, but greasing the jaws is interesting.  

[Overthinker]

I appreciate all the replies, I'm sure it will become second nature and I'm going to try your suggestions.  I also like knowing how things work and I'm trying to figure out why the ET is so much more cantankerous than the Trailer Saver.  No breaker bar needed (which I didn't get one with my ET) and as soon as I opened the jaws, no matter the angle, the kingpin released.

[Star Dreamer]

Try contacting Henry as he is still involved in the ET hitch development even though Pop up products is making them now. His contact info should be on the Jackaloppe website.

[SuiteSuccess]

1 hour ago, Overthinker said:

Definitely interested in a thin lube plate as the one we had isn't compatible with ET. I'm not a fan of a greasy top plate, but greasing the jaws is interesting.  

A very knowledgeable person (GeorgiaHybrid) once told me metals don’t like to rub on metals.  He slathers on lots of grease on the jaws  so I followed his lead. May not be necessary but don’t think it hurts.   The jaw grease lubricates the kingpin and let’s it turn freely as well as working around the pins.  Just don’t bump in to it when going under your front cap or you will have a hair full of “brown Brylcreem”, lol.

[Danfreda1]

We had to go to a 3/16 lube plate. The only time our ET hitch doesn’t want to release is when there is lateral pressure on it. Chock the trailer wheels then I hold the brake pedal down release the parking brake and let off the pedal until I feel the truck move just a little. It should be free of pressure then. Chocking the wheels is an important part or it will just move and the pressure will still be there. 

[rickeieio]

One thing we found, even with the previous TrailerSaver hitch, is that if you have a pin box with the anti-chucking snubbers, ALL tension must be released before the jaws will release.  I put a couple paint dots on the pin box so we can be sure it's in the "neutral" position.

The first couple times we unhitched with the ET, it was very reluctant to release.  Using the methods described above, it's no longer an issue.

[HERO Maker]

Are you adjusting the trailer height a little to see some space above and below your pin (especially without a plate)?  Sometimes if in a bind, I would put the truck in N, release the brakes,(and the tension) and then slide right out.

WOW!  I submitted the above and it never went anywhere!  It's the same thing everybody else is saying.

[Big5er]

AmazonSmile: Reese Titan® 16K Fifth Wheel 12 in. Thin Round Lube Plate, 1/8 in. Thick : Automotive

The "thin" 1/8 inch thick lube plate

 

[GlennWest]

Tried the thin plate. It worked but refused to stay on hitch. Falls off. Finally blew away. So I just lube mine now.

[TXiceman]

You can take a screwdriver or punch and dimple the fingers that go around the pin.  This will deform the plastic enough to give you a tighter fit.  My lube plate is going on 10 years old and has been dimpled only once and it stays in place.

 

Ken

[Overthinker]

On 7/19/2022 at 4:28 PM, HERO Maker said:

Are you adjusting the trailer height a little to see some space above and below your pin (especially without a plate)?  Sometimes if in a bind, I would put the truck in N, release the brakes,(and the tension) and then slide right out.

WOW!  I submitted the above and it never went anywhere!  It's the same thing everybody else is saying.

Yes and that's one. of the most frustrating things, I can see a gap.  I spoke with Henry and he had  thinks it's probably the "fingers" on the jaws.  He suggested dropping the jacks and nudging the truck slightly backward and applying the parking brake at that point.  We probable won't have another trip for awhile so we will see then.

 

[Overthinker]

On 7/21/2022 at 10:37 AM, TXiceman said:

You can take a screwdriver or punch and dimple the fingers that go around the pin.  This will deform the plastic enough to give you a tighter fit.  My lube plate is going on 10 years old and has been dimpled only once and it stays in place.

 

Ken

I ordered a 3/16" and a 1/8" to see if I can get one of those to work.  Looking forward to cleaning all the grease off that I applied after ours wouldn't work.

 

[Darryl&Rita]

2 minutes ago, Overthinker said:

cleaning all the grease off that I applied after ours wouldn't work.

On the other hand, that grease has a suction effect to help keep the slip plate in position. Ours tends to drop down, even after application of a ball peen hammer, so a couple grease dollops keep it up.

[rickeieio]

Poly plate + hammer = happiness.  I beat the snot out of the inner radius of the fingers several years ago.

[Darryl&Rita]

2 hours ago, rickeieio said:

Poly plate + hammer = happiness.  I beat the snot out of the inner radius of the fingers several years ago.

Don't forget, we're from a colder climate. My use of a ball peen hammer resulted in a fractured finger...on the slip plate. Grease glue from now on, until I break down and replace it.

[GeorgiaHybrid]

2 hours ago, rickeieio said:

Poly plate + hammer = happiness.  I beat the snot out of the inner radius of the fingers several years ago.

That sticky snot is holding your lube plate on...

 

[jenandjon]

All 5th wheels will be difficult to release if there is forward pressure on them. Sometimes you have to chalk the trailer tires and back up a hair to get it to release. There is a trucker trick to keep jerks from pulling the pin. Set the trailer brakes and pull ahead to put pressure on the pin then set the tractor brakes.