Reese Hitch problem and Tech Bulletin

[pnwham]

While unhitching my Montana HC, the handle on my Reese 16K hitch all of a sudden became loose in my hand. Luckily, the jaws were still open and I was able to pull the truck out. Upon investigating, I found that the "C clip" on the top of the handle was missing (found it laying on the bed of the truck) and that the handle had come out of its hole on the release linkage. I called Reese and they were happy to send me new C clips along with a Technical Bulletin (TB-15-03) describing the problem and the fix. This problem could affect their 16K and 20K Pro Series and their 16K Select Series hitches according to the TB. It affects those mfg between 1/1/2012 and 8/15/2014. If you have one of these hitches, I suggest you take a look at it, it sure is unnerving to have that handle come loose in your hand.

Rich - 2014 Montana HC 293RK pulled by a 2014 Chevy 250 Gas

[Blrmaker]

Thanks for the heads up! I will check my 20k when I get home. (tx)

[pnwham]

Just a little more info on the problem. The TB implies that under certain conditions, the jaws could actually open while driving. I can see how this is possible as the handle, in the locked position, is what actually locks the jaws closed. I'm sure glad mine came out while disconnecting as opposed to while driving. They say the problem was caused by incorrect installation of this particular C clip. I'm surprised more hasn't been made of this problem, as it could be a real disaster if it came out while driving.

Rich

[Blrmaker]

Do you have a picture of the clip and its installation? :eek:

I should look at that area for sure! Again thanks.

[jsmith948]

To the OP - could you share where you found the TB? I went on Reese's website and was unable to find the bulletin. (tx)

[notanlines]

I also could not find the bulletin. Maybe you could take a photo of yours and post it for us.

[pnwham]

I received the TB with the new C clips from Reese. I also looked for it on the net when asked for pictures, as it would be very difficult to photograph the actual unit. The TB must have been sent to all Reese dealers as it tells them to inspect all units with the problem mfg dates. It also states "Warning: do not use or sell prior to replacing C-Clip!". It is a 4 page TB so not easy to post, and not sure if that would even be OK due to copy rights, but it should be available at any Reese dealer or give Reese a call at 800-632-3290 and ask for it. Hard to believe that it is not available to all of us who have this product. Again, it is TB15-03.

Rich

[hankpage]

I guess the confusion must be that the TB is made under the parent company name. Tekonsha in 2010.

TSB Number:
TB15-03
NHTSA Number:
10058054
TSB Date:
March 1, 2015
Date Added to File:
July 27, 2015
Failing Component:
Equipment
Summary:
Cequent performance products: bulletin information involving service and inspection recommendation for pro series/reese select series 5th wheel.

[pnwham]

Thanks, Hank for the NHTSA number. I still can't find the actual TB on the net however. Seems to me NHTSA should have the actual TB's there, but it seems that if you want to actually see them you have to pay 3rd party sites. Notice the Issue date of the TB of March, 2015 as opposed to the problem mfg dates of January, 2012 thru August, 2014. I wonder how many were sold before the TB was even issued. I know I got one, but no one keeps records as to who bought one like they do for cars, so we can't expect to hear about it from our dealer.

Rich