Fifth Wheel Won't Lock?

@NorthernMechanic

 

are you sure you didn't back into it with it closed? what make is it wedge tail, clamshell, jost, k-hitch etc

 

I had a light weight Fontaine once. If the ground wasn't perfectly level it wouldn't hook. Also after sliding several trailers on and off, debris, dirt, grease would fall into the jaw area and keep it from closing, just had to scoop out some of the crap once in a while and it would work fine.

 

yeah the wedge tails are like that sometimes they get too much grease wash it out with a high pressure cleaner and all good

 

Could be out of adjustment too. that happend to me a few times. couldn't bang trailers and shop turned a big nut on the side and no more issues.

I tried to see what bolt it was so I could do it myself if needed but no luck.

 

Pull out from your trailer so you can see the jaws, are they in the open
position? If they are closed you will have to stick a bar down in there and
reopen the jaws. If the jaws are open than the handle might be sticking.
Try backing under your trailer against the fifth wheel and jiggle the handle.

Make sure the handle mechanism on the front under side of the fifth
wheel is lubricated. Sometimes that linkage will get so dry and rusty the
fifth wheel will not latch properly. Buy an aerosol can of "white lithium"
grease. That will spray several feet, you should be able to spray that
linkage area and hopefully free it up a little.

If you get the fifth wheel to latch, stick your head under the trailer
and look at the back side of the fifth wheel to verify the jaws have in
in fact closed properly. Good luck.

 

I am sure you already checked this but is there a space between the fifth
wheel and the trailer. If the trailer is jacked up to high it will likely not
latch. Are you on uneven ground? Are the truck tires in a hole causing the
truck to be tilted one way while the trailer is tilted the other way? If this is
the case try coming under the trailer at a bit of an angle. This is a little tricky
to do, make sure you get out and look to be sure you are lining up with the
pin properly before you back up all the way.

Again, good luck. Be patient and keep trying.