5th wheel jaw not staying open.

Looks like excessive grease and crap in there.

On the Fontaine models, they can not tolerate excessive grease and crap in the jaws area. This would cause issues with closing and locking.

 

Watch the video.
It will explain how it should work.

 

I would guess a spring wore or gone. Thats underneath and it could be hanging. Sometimes the spring will hang by the end that didn't break, or get caught up in old grease residue. Or its just at the end of its days.

 

Look under the handle area and make sure the spring is in place.

 

Please take a picture of the handle. I would like to know what kind of 5th wheel you have. It can't be positively identified by looking at the back of the 5th wheel. But a good start would be to completely pressure wash it and re grease it. If you are still having the same issue. The jaws maybe worn out. The way to check this is to lock the 5th wheel with out a trailer. Then pry the jaws apart with a screw driver. The jaws should be ribbed, If the jaws are smooth, the 5th wheel needs to be rebuilt or you need a new 5th wheel. I have rebuilt several, and they are rather easy, just messy to do

 

Looks like a Volvo.

Could be out of adjustment???

 

OK, that is not a jost. Looks like a Fontaine. It's been about 10 years or so. But last time I rebuilt a Fontaine it was $289 for the kit