Dennis M M
Geneva, IL
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Joined: 11/06/2004
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Probably Reese says don't use the lube plate because with some fivers the pin is slightly shorter and the lube plate can cause binding and even failure to lock properly - just saying "don't use it" makes the problem go away.
Way to solve that problem is to hit the plate with a belt sander and make it thinner.
I wonder if lack of grease is aggravating the problem, I would think you should use a lube plate or grease, not dry.
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BruceStarkey
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 05/02/2004
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The signature series is a good head and works similar to the Holland or Fontain commercial heads.
Questions: 1st/ You say you cannnot pull out of the head when the release handle has been pulled all the way or, 2nd/ are you unable to pull the release handle all the way to un-lock the jaws?
The sidewinder extension has a wedge welded to the underside of the king-pin plate directly behind the pin which fits into the throat of the hitch head and keeps the extension from turning (hence the lack of required lube or lube-plate) while the pivot point is moved back 22" to right beneath the trailer pin-box framing for short-bed P/U's. Could that wedge actually be slightly too big for the throat of the head and jamming in there?
* This post was
edited 11/03/09 06:30pm by BruceStarkey *
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sailor53
Anywhere, USA
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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2bit wrote:Thanks for all your comments..Reese told me not to use the lube plate on this signature series I don't need it and I have no grease on the hitch because we also have the sidewinder on the king pin..if that changes things...
We have a DrawTite 18K Signature hitch, actually the same as yours other than the name. We have used a 12" lube plate in about 10,000 miles of towing and have had no problems from day one. I can't imagine not having some sort of lube on the plate. Maybe you use grease.
As someone mentioned, lubing the working parts is only good preventive maintenance. The only difference is I use spray white grease instead of using oil.
When I unhitch, after chocking and putting the legs down enough to unload the truck vertically, I put the truck in neutral momentarily and then put it in park. This unloads the hitch horizontally for me and I then pull the handle to release the hitch from the king pin.
This has worked without fail for me.
P.S. I was also an OTR truck driver.
* This post was
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edited 11/04/09 06:58pm by sailor53 *
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DW Barbara for 12 yrs
08 Ford F350 Lariat, PSD 6.4L, Ext Cab, 4X4, Line-X, DrawTite Signature 18K hitch, RDS 40 gal. Tank/Tool Box Combo, Garmin 7200 GPS
09 Montana 3000RK, 10th Anniversary Add.,Mor/Ryde suspension/pinbox, Spendide 2100XC W/D 
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BruceStarkey
Ontario, Canada
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Sailor53. He's using the sidewinder addition which doesn't pivot on top of his hitch head and the pin doesn't rotate in the jaws in turns but simply stays in line with the truck with all of the pivoting taking place 22" further back under the pin-box. No rotational friction on the hitch head. the only friction taking place on the head is when he's sliding under to hook-up and unhook.
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rick83864
Sandpoint, ID
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Bruce,
I am not sure about the sidewinder or signature but from your statement"the only friction taking place on the head is when he's sliding under to hook-up and unhook." seems to be the exact problem the OP is having. Try some lube.
So Bruce, you haul the bike on the sleeper part of the tractor? Looks sweettttt.
06 Dodge 3500 Laramie 4x4 Dually
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06 Grand Junction 34' Mor/ryde, 5500 Onan genny, Dual A/C, Fireplace
21500 GVW
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Vulcaneer
Northern New England
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Sounds to me like you might be raising the trailer too high when unhitching. The lever may pull. But the bottom of the jaws may be hanging up on the top of the larger diameter hub at the bottom of the king pin. If raising the trailer too high, this hub rises up against the bottom of the jaw, and clamps it in the closed/locked position. So the jaw cannot open. Even though the lever is pulled, the jaws are still held closed. you should be able to look at the back of the hitch, to see if this is the case. If so, raise the trailer just high enough to take SOME of the load off the hitch. But not all of the load.
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jdog
Some Place
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happycampersweare wrote:RCMAN46 wrote:You need to contact Reese. I have a Reese 16K signature series hitch and never have had any trouble hitching or unhitching. Most of the time when I unhitch there is a little forward pressure from the TV. When I pull the lever the trailer and TV will separate about an inch or so. Your hitch probably has a problem. i had the same problem when ours was first installed had to take it back to dealer to fix .been using it now for 7 yrs What did the dealer do to fix it? Please tell us!
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wittmeba
Roanoke, Va
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Joined: 02/02/2001
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I would contact Reese and explain what you know about hitching and unhitching.
Find your instructions here:
http://members.cox.net/bruce.wittmeier/technical/LinksRelatedRVing.html
Reese assistance: 1-800-758-0869
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happycampersweare
lincoln park michigan
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Joined: 01/31/2004
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jdog wrote:happycampersweare wrote:RCMAN46 wrote:You need to contact Reese. I have a Reese 16K signature series hitch and never have had any trouble hitching or unhitching. Most of the time when I unhitch there is a little forward pressure from the TV. When I pull the lever the trailer and TV will separate about an inch or so. Your hitch probably has a problem. i had the same problem when ours was first installed had to take it back to dealer to fix .been using it now for 7 yrs What did the dealer do to fix it? Please tell us! all they told me is they ajusted something they did not say what but never had a problem after that,sorry I can't be of more help
 
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2008 35ft.Denali 31sbbs-m5
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BruceStarkey
Ontario, Canada
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Rick: I wouldn't think the friction from the pin-weight of the trailer would be enough to prevent un-hooking but you never know. My guess is that wedge to prevent the sidewinder from turning with the trailer is doing just that, "wedging" itself into the throat of his hitch head. If so, a simple fix.
Yes, the bike barn has worked well. Completely separate from the trucks cab. No weather on the bike and bike clothing, 2 full sets of golf clubs with Sun Mountain folding carts, 7' step ladder, trucks air tanks, 32 gal "blue buddy" tank, and a bunch of other stuff. I have a vice on a small fold down work surface so the place functions as a bit of a workshop for those ever necessary RV repairs while travelling without bothering the neighbours. It was really the answer for us.
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