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Old 02-27-2013, 11:49 PM   #1
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Ensuring jaws are closed on 5w hitch

I have heard of some people painting or putting a piece of fluorescent tape onto the jaws on the 5w hitch to see that in fact they have closed. Has anyone done this or something similar? I've seen a couple of after market items, but the paint or tape route would seem like an easy way to go.

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Old 02-28-2013, 09:44 AM   #2
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After hooking up, I look to see if the hitch handle has retracted and therefore able to "flip" the safety latch into the handle groove (Husky hitch). If this happens, I know that the jaws are latched because the handle will not retract all the way unless the jaws are closed. But as a safety backup, I have installed a truck bed saving device from a place called Butch's Services (I think this is the website) www.butchsservices.com.
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Old 02-28-2013, 10:16 PM   #3
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I painted the jaws white.my Reese when hitching you watch the handle go out & in .i just like to look before pull test.
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Old 03-01-2013, 07:06 AM   #4
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I painted my jaws white also. There is no substitute for looking whether painted or not. The paint helps but the kingpin rubs it when hooking up and you will have to re-apply it from time to time.

When I back in, I watch the lever go out and then snap back in on my hitch. Then the closing the latch secure it. Visual that it is locked.

Just develop a procedure and make sure you don't deviate from it. That's when bad things happen.
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Old 03-01-2013, 07:45 AM   #5
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My Reese came with a flag that trips and allows you to install a safety pin on the handle once completely closed. I went with the claw type grab opposed to the plates in the signature head where painting would not help much on the visual from the front but rear I guess is where you are talking about the aide. I usually hear it locking up but I also perform the brake lock test before I retract the feet at every hookup regardless of what may seem to be correct.
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Old 03-01-2013, 12:38 PM   #6
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Great ideas. I think I'll end up adding a bit of white paint to the jaws. I know the safety latch won't go down properly if things are properly closed, but god forbid something with the jaws breaks, allowing the handle to go in and lock, but now allowing the jaws to fully engage.

I do have a pretty good system, that I don't deviate from. I've had the 5'er one summer, but I'm still a bit cautious and nervous, making sure things are done correctly.
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