Problem with B&W Hitch

[wallaceb]

Just pulled in to my campsite and tried to release my B&W 18K Patriot hitch and it will not free the pin. I must have damaged the mechanism as the release bar will pull back BUT the jaws stay fixed on the pin. I tried a gentle "push back and pull forward" but no go. I am dead level and straight and did take pressure off with extended front legs. Open to suggestions. Thanks in advance. P.S. I am waiting a call back from a local RV Doc but I likely need a "hitch" service.

[goducks10]

laknox wrote:

Me Again wrote:

GHop wrote:
Was looking at this hitch to replace my current Husky hitch due to the weight. After reading this I'll keep what I have until it requires replacement.

Don't let one users latch of knowledge about using his B&W hitch stop you from purchasing one of the best hitches on the market. Chris

x2!!!

Lyle

x2, been using mine for 5+ seasons. Not one glitch. If I based all my decisions on somebody's one time failure I wouldn't own nothing.

[laknox]

Me Again wrote:

GHop wrote:
Was looking at this hitch to replace my current Husky hitch due to the weight. After reading this I'll keep what I have until it requires replacement.

Don't let one users latch of knowledge about using his B&W hitch stop you from purchasing one of the best hitches on the market. Chris

x2!!!

Lyle

[Me_Again]

GHop wrote:
Was looking at this hitch to replace my current Husky hitch due to the weight. After reading this I'll keep what I have until it requires replacement.

Don't let one users latch of knowledge about using his B&W hitch stop you from purchasing one of the best hitches on the market. Chris

[GHop]

Was looking at this hitch to replace my current Husky hitch due to the weight. After reading this I'll keep what I have until it requires replacement.

[dadnjesse]

I use this
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002Q8TWI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Learjet]

I step up on the top of the outside tire to reach the hitch, then after moving the arm open... i can usually roll the truck forward with my weight...sounds funny...but on level ground it's not hard to do...a little more pressure with my left foot and the truck moves forward...then I don't need to pin the lever...but like racer4 said...sometimes you have to pin the lever open.

[racer4]

If I remember right, you made your step. I like it. If I could buy a bolt on step like that, I would be interested.

[Cummins12V98]

"I will say, with a dually it is a pain to reach far enough to get the pin in the other hole. It would be a big improvement to have an easier method to lock/unlock the coupler arm. "

Never have used the other hole to pin the handle open. This step will make it much easier.

[racer4]

Learjet wrote:

wallaceb wrote:
Update: I went through all the motions again and raised the camper a little bit more, had the DW hold the release bar full open and this time it finally released. I dropped and reattached three times to be sure and then drove to a B&W dealer and had them give it the once over. They said it is good to go and sometimes "it just happens" so ALL IS GOOD !! Thank you all for your help. Travel save and travel far.

So you never took the release arm locking pin and placed it in the hole that keeps the arm open...like i suggested before?

From the B&W manual:

"Lower landing gear and block the trailer wheels.
Raise the trailer until the tongue weight is removed
from the truck. Then, unpin the Coupler handle and
rotate to the open position to unlatch the jaws. If the
jaws do not open, readjusting the landing gear may
relieve pressure and allow them to open. Use the
safety pin to lock the handle in the open position and
when you are sure that the landing gear will support
the trailer, move the truck forward to release the
jaws from the kingpin. The jaws will always open
when the pressure of the trailer is taken off the
coupler as the truck pulls away"

X2 on Learjet's point.

Usually the coupler handle will stay open enough, that it makes no difference if it is pinned open. Other times the handle doesn't stay open far enough for the jaws to release. So the pin must go in the other hole to keep the arm open. More experience will show the difference.

I will say, with a dually it is a pain to reach far enough to get the pin in the other hole. It would be a big improvement to have an easier method to lock/unlock the coupler arm.

[cummins2014]

wallaceb wrote:
Update: I went through all the motions again and raised the camper a little bit more, had the DW hold the release bar full open and this time it finally released. I dropped and reattached three times to be sure and then drove to a B&W dealer and had them give it the once over. They said it is good to go and sometimes "it just happens" so ALL IS GOOD !! Thank you all for your help. Travel save and travel far.

All is good ?? Maybe ,until next time ,solve your problems with those monster heavy hitches, and go to an Andersen hitch

[Learjet]

wallaceb wrote:
Update: I went through all the motions again and raised the camper a little bit more, had the DW hold the release bar full open and this time it finally released. I dropped and reattached three times to be sure and then drove to a B&W dealer and had them give it the once over. They said it is good to go and sometimes "it just happens" so ALL IS GOOD !! Thank you all for your help. Travel save and travel far.

So you never took the release arm locking pin and placed it in the hole that keeps the arm open...like i suggested before?

From the B&W manual:

"Lower landing gear and block the trailer wheels.
Raise the trailer until the tongue weight is removed
from the truck. Then, unpin the Coupler handle and
rotate to the open position to unlatch the jaws. If the
jaws do not open, readjusting the landing gear may
relieve pressure and allow them to open. Use the
safety pin to lock the handle in the open position and
when you are sure that the landing gear will support
the trailer, move the truck forward to release the
jaws from the kingpin. The jaws will always open
when the pressure of the trailer is taken off the
coupler as the truck pulls away"

[Mortimer_Brewst]

Glad to hear that all is good. Enjoy your vacation!

[Cummins12V98]

You just need to hold your tongue just right!

A call to B&W is the best medicine!!!

[wallaceb]

Update: I went through all the motions again and raised the camper a little bit more, had the DW hold the release bar full open and this time it finally released. I dropped and reattached three times to be sure and then drove to a B&W dealer and had them give it the once over. They said it is good to go and sometimes "it just happens" so ALL IS GOOD !! Thank you all for your help. Travel save and travel far.

[Me_Again]

The Binkley head has similar jaws with a block that keeps them closed vs B&W dual cam. Chris