Pullrite replacement hitch

[Drifty1]

We are one the first outing with our replacement hitch and so far I like it. It is a lot quieter the the reese slider we had that is for sure. You do feel a little movement when turning and the hitch starts to move back but I am sure we will get used to that. I did have a little trouble when trying to unhitch as it looks like I need to have most of the weight off the pin in order to pull the release lever. This seemed a little different but need to try it a few more times to see what is going on. But I do like it so far..

[BB_TX]

When you get the jacks down and wheels chocked, put the truck in reverse and let it back into the hitch slightly. It will take the pressure off the latch and make pulling the handle easy.

[Drifty1]

Bill, thanks I just saw that in the manual. We are at Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco Wa and we have no cell service so we had to make a trip into town so I could look it up. The only problem I have with that is I hate putting any stress on landing gear.. But I will try that next time.. Well it is time to head back to the trailer and a walk on the beach...

[brenkco]

Larry,
You need not put stress on the landing gear. I chock the wheels, having some of the weight on the front legs. I just put the truck in reverse, you'll see the plate slide back (it's only about 1/4 inch or so) and your handle will pull easily. I usually have DW put the truck in reverse for me, but when she's not around, I put it in reverse, set the e brake, then in park. The trick is that you just have to get the forward pressure off the pin.

Ken

[twindman]

Or sometimes you must pull forward.... Depends on whether you pulled in via a pull thru or backed in. Not always easy to tell whether to pull forward or back. (Oh, I level the old fashioned way and that usually will place forward stress if I pull UP on the blocks, etc)

[mail2us]

Larry, having the PullRite hitch for a few years took getting use to however, when parking I always placed a chock on the streetside in back of the front axle wheel; then backed slowly into the chock, with foot on the brake and engaging the emergency brake at the same time.. That then allowed the release handle to work freely, after taking tension or torque from the hitch. I then lowered the front landing gear and ultimately released the hitch from the kingpin. As you indicated time is on your side to learn and of course follow your manual until you become totally familiar with the setup. Good Luck. Dennis

[Drifty1]

Dennis, I think I will try that next time. I also see the trailer runs a couple of inches higher in the front with this hitch so am going to check and see if I need to rise the pin.

[pappy65]

I've had mine for 7 years and I think I only figured out to put the backward pressure on it maybe 3 years ago. I also chock both sides, then put in reverse and usually handle pulls easy. I'm sure you know, but you also have to be within 16 degrees of straight with truck and trailer to unhook. In a pinch you can pull the two pins that hold the head to the latching mechanism and lift the head with the trailer. If you cannot get within the 16 degrees when you hook up again you have to be at exactly the same spot where you unhooked. To me this is the biggest drawback to the pullrite. I've always been able to work with it, but it can be tricky in tight parking spots.

[rohrmann]

Just apply the manual trailer brake control and back the truck slightly prior to getting out to release the hitch jaw. Most of the time, that removes enough tension of the jaw to enable release without having to get in and out of the truck again.

[bigred715]

I have had problems with my Reece bought in 2002 with it not releasing pin. It just depends on the terrain. Sometimes it releases with very little effort and sometimes I have to raise the trailer and jerk until my shoulders ache trying to get it to release.

[racerjoe]

We also like our pull-rite hitch, now that I know it won't hit the window.
Drifty, a question a little off topic, can I ask if you sold your reese slider and what did you ask for it? You can e-mail me if you want, I need to sell mine,don't know what to ask. Thanks

[Drifty1]

Well made it home in one piece but tried everything to release my new hitch but it will not release without raising trailer enough to get pressure off it. I was about 10* off but I think in ranger to release. I pulled the pins on the head so I could see when I was lifting the head and it looks like it will release as soon as I get it high enough to take the weight off. I am going to pull the head to see if it is dry and needs a little lube and hope that helps. Our next pull is to Ukiah CA on the 12th and then up to Seven Feathers from there so will have to wait to test.

[BB_TX]

That is odd. I had a Pullrite in my previous truck for 5 years. After putting the truck in reverse and letting it bump back into the hitch it was always easy to pull the handle. Even with weight still on the hitch. Typically when I pulled out from under the trailer the pin box would slide down the hitch plate and be an inch or two below it. My new truck with the Reese Elite hitch is the same way. Both have the wrap around latch mechanism.
Don't know what is going on with your hitch, but something is not right.

[rohrmann]

Drifty1--I am assuming you have the new style PullRite, in that you have the plastic wear plates and you use WD40 on the slide ways and the top plate. You are using WD40?? If not, liberal WD40 is required, no grease or other lube, or you will gum up the works.