Can't get truck to uncouple from trailer......

like i said, its for everyone with similar problem. i've read this whole thread so it was for me too lol not just op

 

If you're asking for help, you need to post which 5th wheel you have. Fontaine, Holland, Jost, they're all different. You may even find a diagram on the google to get an idea of what might need banging on.

That is, after you have already confirmed the kingpin isn't in a bind by getting it on level ground, setting the trailer brakes, back into the trailer, then try pulling the handle again.

 

yeah i wish i knew how to tell the type of the fifth wheel. seems like the outer jaw unlocks but some metal inner piece stays in holding the pin. I attached the pic. Yeah, i tried rocking, moving, etc...

 

an update lol. i used justanswer.com:

Steven Steven Technician
That’s the primary lock jaw. The secondary is a wedge that holds the primary. You will have to look underneath the fifth wheel and try and move the jaw over a little to try and get it to start to swing open.
12 April 2019 10:54

move which jaw?
12 April 2019 10:54

outer or inner one?
12 April 2019 10:55

Steven Steven Technician
The inner. It is supposed to pivot once the wedge is out of the way
12 April 2019 10:56

pivot as in there is a spring pulling it open?
12 April 2019 10:58

Steven Steven Technician
No. It moves with the kingpin. So when you pull away from the trailer it is supposed to swing open.
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12 April 2019 11:02

so i poked it around. it easily wiggles, moves up or down left right. but i dont know how to get a grip on it in such a way as to move it full 4-6 inches in the same direction. and i feel like when i looked at it before after unlocking the pin, i didnt see that inner sliver. Feels like this is the first time i've seen it to stay after i unlocked the outer jaw
12 April 2019 11:04

ok, never mind. now that you said that it supposed to be pushed out by the pin, i tried disconnecting again. I am parked in a different spot now. Well, now it disconnected easy. who the #### knows lol?

 

It was in a bind. Either the trailer was pulling against the tractor, or the rig was on uneven ground causing a twist.

Judging by the picture you either have a Jost or Fontaine. Jost has a flat bar attached to the handle, that must be slid forward to pull out, then has a notch in it to lock it in the released position. Fontaine has a round bar and locks in the released position when you pull it out all the way (no extra notch or the like, just pull it).

 

jost then lol made me think fifth wheel was broken when i first used it on the truck. had to have a mechanic explain about the dam notch lol