Stuck King Pin

klr650goldwing · 07-20-2012, 11:25 PM

Last weekend we went camping and we couldn't get the truck unhooked from the trailer. When I tried to pull the lever on the Pullrite hitch to disengage the King Pin the lever would not budge. I raised the trailer up and while doing so pulled on the lever at regular intervals. Next I lowered the trailer back down and pulled on the lever at regular intervals. I did this for about half an hour since I couldn't think of anything else to do. Finally, and for no apparent reason, the lever pulled out like it usually does and the trailer was free from the hitch. This hasn't happened before.

Any ideas on why the lever wouldn't budge?

seabee · 07-20-2012, 11:44 PM

!. GENTLY jockey theford front as someone pulls the lever. If this does not work, do #2.
2. GENTLY jockey the ford back as someone pulls the lever.
Works for me.

Edited by: seabee

**Lloyd** · 07-21-2012, 12:04 AM

I haven't had that problem with a camper 5th wheel but I have when I was driving semi.
seabee's answer is right on.

klr650goldwing · 07-21-2012, 12:37 AM

Thanks guys. I'll give that a try next time and see what happens. At least now I have an idea for a fix and that is reassuring.

gball · 07-21-2012, 12:45 AM

x3 on what seabee stated. I usually block the tires on one side so that the trailer doesn't move.

Stan · 07-21-2012, 01:15 AM

Happens to me all the time. Once the weight is on the landing gear I will pull the truck either forward or backward (just a bit) to relieve the strain on the pin in the jaws of the hitch.

rcflyer · 07-21-2012, 02:15 AM

Before you try any of the suggestions make sure the trailer is well chocked. Also after you have pulled the release under no circumstances should you give up and tow the trailer. To be safe you have to disconnect then reconnect before towing.

KennyB · 07-22-2012, 01:50 AM

Yep this just happened to us yesterday. We're on a two week vacation to Glacier National Park and have been on the road a week so far. I find that when this happens I chock the tires, as suggested before, put the transmission inneutral, release the emergency break and let the truck "relax" on the hitch. This usually works but yesterday I had to go forward and back a little to get it to release.

cwit · 07-22-2012, 05:10 AM

What has always worked for me is take pressure off truck by raising camper. If last move of truck was forward backup if last move was back then go forward to take pressure off kingpin. Same as Seebe only with more words. lol

cwit · 07-22-2012, 05:13 AM

Seabee I butchered your name. Sorry.

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