Reese R20 User manual

You can take it with you.
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
R20 - Fifth Wheel Hitch
Product No.
30867
(1) Provide this Manual to end user.
(2) Physicallydemonstrate hitching and unhitching
procedures in this Manual to end user.
(3) Have end user demonstrate that he/she
understands procedures.
DEALER/INSTALLER: END USER:
(1) Read and followthis Manual every timeyou use hitch.
(2) Save this Manual and Hitch WarningHang Tag for futurereference.
(3) Pass on copies of Manual and Hitch WarningHang Tag to any other
user or owner of hitch.
HEADASSEMBLY
HANDLE
SIDEBRACKETS
RAMP
JAWSTOHOLDKINGPIN
LUBE PLATE

FACTORY TRAILER + FULL WATER TANKS + CARGO, ETC.
= GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT
Fig. 1
15-25%
GROSSTRAILER
WEIGHT
(PINWEIGHT)
75-85%
GROSSTRAILER
WEIGHT
Fig. 2
GROSSTRAILER WEIGHT
WARNING:
Failure to follow these instructions may result in death or serious injury!
WARNING:
Trailerand its contents together must not exceed truck, hitch and/or trailer tow ratings.
Towingvehicle must have a manufacturer’s rated towing capacity equal to or greater than the gross trailer
weight (dry weight of the trailer plus payload of the trailer). (See Fig. 1)
Grossweight of trailer must not exceed 20,000 pounds.
King pin weight must not exceed 5,000 pounds (See Fig. 2). If in doubt have king pin weight measured by
qualifiedfacility.
1. Reese hitches are designed for use with recreational fifth wheel trailersonly. Hitch applicationsother than recreational fifth
wheel trailers must be approved in writing by Reese’s Engineering Department.
2. Use only a SAE 2-inch king pin with your Reese Fifth Wheel Hitch.
3. Approximately15%-25% of trailer weight should be on hitch (Pin Weight). See Fig 2.

4. Trucks come in manydifferent configurations.Reese hitches are designed for use in light trucks such as the Ford F-
Series, the Chevy Silverado and the Dodge Ram. Reese recommendsthe use of long bed (8ft) light trucks for the best
combinationin truck - trailer turning clearance.
5. If a short bed pickup (less than 8 ft. but longer than 6 ft.) is to be used for towing, Reese recommendsthe trailer be
equipped with an extended pin box to help gain additionaltruck- trailer turning clearance (See trailer manufacturerfor
options)(See Fig. 4). It also maybe helpful to add a Reese Slider for increased turningclearance for low speed, non-
highwaymaneuvering.
6. The height of the hitch and the pin box should be adjusted so the traileris approximatelylevel as it is towed. Allow
approximately6 inches clearance between the top of the pickup walls and the underside of the front of the trailer for pitch
and roll of the trailer. (See Fig. 5). Allow more clearance between pickup walls and trailer for off road use.
KING PIN
RV TRAILER
TRUCK
Fig. 3
ConventionalPin Box Extended Pin Box
Fig. 4
Rule of thumb:The distance from the back of the truck cab to the center of the rear truck axle (“X” in Fig. 3), should be
approximately 4 inches greater than one-half the trailer width (“Y” in Fig.3)
.
Approximately6 Inches
Level Trailer
Fig. 5

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:
•Connection for trailer wiring should be in the side of the truck bed between the driver’s
seat and the wheel well for the back truck axle
•Installationof connection rearward of the wheel well may result in user placing body
between truck and trailer. WHENEVER POSSIBLE,AVOID PUTTINGBODY UNDER TRAILER
OR BETWEEN TRUCK AND TRAILER!
•If you need to place any part of your body under trailer or between truck and trailer:
All trailer tires MUST be blocked in front and behind each tire AND
Trailer landing gear MUST be resting on firm ground AND
Truck MUST be stationary, in park, with emergency brake on!
Fig. 7
BASERAILS
WARNING:
DO NOT use this hitch for towing a trailer with a pin box that could come in contact with or interfere with the
latch of the hitch handle when turning! (See Fig 6) If the pin box contacts the hitch handle or its latch when
turning,the trailer may become unhitched.
HANDLE KING PIN
BOTTOMOF PIN BOX
Fig. 6
1. Reference Fig. 20 on back page. Number in parentheses refer to parts in Fig. 20.
2. R16 Fifth Wheelis contained in two cartons. Unpack and becomefamiliarwith parts on parts list. Base rail, brackets and
hardwareare in separate kits (Part no’s. 30035, or 30095 or 30153) with separate installationinstructionsfor Fifth WheelRail
Mounting Kit.
3. Place two base rails across bed of truck (See Fig 7). Select one leg and place tabs through the middlerectangular slot in the
base rails. Slip long pull pins through holes in base rails from the inside out as shown so the cotter pins are on the outside of
the base rails. Repeat for other leg. Secure pull pins with the spring retainingpins .
4. Select cross member(8) and installon leg aligning holes for hitch height desired. (Lowest position14” highest 18”). Installfour
½-13x4.5”Socket Head Cap bolts (9), with the heads towards the outside as shown, and lock nuts (10).
5. Torque½” nuts to 75 lb.ft.
6. Installbase railsand mountingbrackets as described in “InstallationInstructionsfor 5th Wheel Rail Mounting Kit.”

IMPORTANT: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFE HITCHING AND UNHITCHING OPERATIONS. DO NOT RELY ON
OTHERS TO PERFORM YOUR DUTIES. YOU MUST PERSONALLY MAKESURE THE FOLLOWING
STEPS ARE PERFORMED IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER!
WARNING:
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY.
BEFORE EACH TRIP:
HITCHING PROCEDURE:
Fig. 8
CORRECT
Skid Plate Ramp (C)
Hitch Skid Plate (B)
Bottomof Pin Box (A) Bottomof Pin
Box Above
Hitch Skid Plate
Fig. 9
WRONG
WARNING:
Failureto followthis instruction may result in king pin being too high and comingto rest on top of closed jaws or
not completelyinside jaws. (See Fig. 9). This could result in trailer separating from hitch. Trailerseparation may
result in death or serious injury if anyone is under the trailer or between truck and trailer when separation occurs.
Bottom of Pin Box (A) 1/2 To 1 Inch
Below Hitch Skid Plate (B)
1. A plasticlube plate is supplied with the R20 (see figureon cover of Manual). Do not use automotivetype chassis grease to
providethe lubricatedsurface.
2. DO NOT USE A ROUND LUBE PLATE WITHTHE R20. A PLASTIC LUBE PLATE IS STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE
R20.
3. Before each trip or maneuver, operate the handle and check that the jaws open and close freely.
4. See that all hitch pins (#16 on Fig.20) are in place and the springretaining pins (#17 on Fig.20) are installed.
1. Place blocks (sometimescalled “chocks”) firmlyagainst front and rear if each trailer wheel to prevent any possible forward or
rearward motion. DO NOT REMOVE BLOCKS UNTIL EACH OF THE FOLLOWINGSTEPS AND THE PULL TEST HAVE
BEEN COMPLETED. Lower tailgateif necessary.
2. Usingtrailer jacks, adjust trailer height followingthe directionsin the trailer manualso that bottom of trailer pin (“A” in Fig. 6) is
½ to 1 inch below skid plate (See “B” in Fig. 8). During the hitching maneuver, the bottom of the trailer pin box should come in
contactwith the skid plate ramp(“C” in Fig. 8).

Fig. 10b
Kingpin
3. Rotate hitch handle from locked position (see Fig. 10a) up to the unlocked position(See Fig 10b). This will unlockthe jaw
system. NOTE: Hitch jaws will not open and proper hitchingcannot occur if handle is NOT pointed up.
LOCKED
UNLOCKED
Kingpin
Kingpin
Kingpin Indicator– Out kingpin is
Locked in position
Fig. 11 Fig. 12
Fig. 13
4. Withhandle in the unlocked position(See Fig. 10b), back truck slowly intotrailer. As the trailer king pin enters the hitch it will
push the hitch jaws open and extend the handle (See Fig. 12). As king pin completelyenters head, jaws will spring closed
aroundking pin and handle will return to the closed position and king pin indicatorwill extend out from the head assembly (See
Fig. 13).
5. After king pin is latched rotate handle down to ensure jaws are locked around king pin (See Fig. 14).
6. Use only the method described above for hitching.
Fig. 14
Fig. 10a
WARNING:
Do not attemptto hitch by using trailerjacks to lower trailerand king pin. This could result in king pin comingto rest on top of skid
plate instead of within hitch opening where jaws are located. King pin could slide off hitch and trailer could drop, resultingin death
or serious injury.

Fig. 16
WRONG
Fig. 15
CORRECT
High Pin
No Space
KING PIN JAWSCLOSED
HANDLE IN LOCKED
POSITION
Fig. 17b
7. Withall trailer wheels still firmlyblocked, landing gear still resting on firm ground and supporting trailer weight, and truck
stationaryand in park with the emergency brake on: visually check that bottom of pin box is resting on top of the hitch. THERE
SHOULDBE NO SPACE BETWEENTHESE SURFACES (See Fig 15). If space exists, (See Fig 16) trailer has not been
properlyhitched. DO NOT TOW! Instead, repeat above steps until trailer is properly hitched. DO NOT PLACE BODY UNDER
TRAILER TO PERFORM THIS INSPECTION!
8. To ensure that the jaws are locked and closed, the handle must be rotated in the down position (See Fig 17a). IF HANDLE
DOES NOT ROTATE DOWN,THE TRAILER HAS NOT BEEN PROPERLY CONNECTED TO HITCH. DO NOT TOW!
Repeat above steps until trailer is properlyhitched. (See Fig 17b)
Fig. 17a
9. With:
• All trailer wheels still firmlyblocked in front and behind each tire, and
• Truck stationarywith the emergency brake on, and
• Trailer landing gear still resting on firm ground and supportingtrailer weight, and
• Truck stationaryand with emergency brake on:
10. Connect electrical cable between truck and trailer, connect breakaway switch cable from pin box to a permanent part of truck,
and raise tailgateof truck.
WARNING
•WHENEVERPOSSIBLE, AVOID PUTTING BODY UNDER TRAILAER OR BETWEEN TRUCK AND TRAILER.
•If you need to place any part of your body under trailer or between truck and trailer:
•All trailer tires MUSTbe blocked in front and behind each tire AND
•Trailerlanding gear MUST be resting on firm ground AND
•Truck MUST be stationary, in park, with emergencybrake on!

1. With:
• All trailer wheels still firmlyblocked, and
• Trailer landing gear still resting on firm ground and supportingtrailer weight, and
• Truck stationaryand with the emergency brake on:
• Return to cab of truck and release truck’s emergency brake. Apply trailerbrakes. After making sure no one is
between truck and trailer,try to pull trailer slowly forwardwith the truck. If the trailer is properly hitched, the wheel
blocks and trailer brakes should keep the truck from movingforward.
NOTE: If traileris not properly hitched, trailer will separate from hitchand truck will move forward leaving trailer behind. If the trailer
landing gear is still resting on firm ground supportingthe trailer weight and wheel blocked, trailer will not be able to drop or fall.
2. After successfullyperformingabove steps, fullyraisetrailer landing gear (see trailer manual).
3. Check and inspect all electrical circuits for proper operation. (Clearancelights, turn signals, stop lights, etc.).
4. Remove and store all trailer wheel blocks.
PULL TEST
WARNING:
Failureto perform this test may result in death or serious injury!
WARNING:
Failureto keep wheels blocked and landinggear down could result in trailer suddenly movingor falling. This could result in death or
seriousinjury!
UNHITCHING PROCEDURE:
PERFORM THE FOLLOWING IN THIS ORDER:
1. Place blocks firmlyagainst front and rear of each trailer wheel to prevent any possible forward or rearward motion.
2. Using trailer jacks, lower trailer landing gear followingthe directions in the Trailer Manual until feet of landing gear are resting
on firm ground.
3. Make sure truck is in park with the emergency brake on.
4. Lower trucktail gate.
5. Disconnect power cable and breakaway switch cable between truckand trailer.
6. Rotate hitch handle up to the unlocked position(See Fig 18) and pull the handle towards you so that the king pin is no longer
securely grasped by hitchjaws (See Fig 19 ). Traileris now free from hitchand truck. If handle does not pull out, there is
probablypressure against the jaws. To relieve this pressure, back the truck slightly.Reset truck emergency brake. Then pull
hitch handle out completely.
WARNING:
Trailersthat are not stable or properly hitched can falland kill you! To avoiddeath or serious injury:
•All trailer tires MUST be blocked in front and behind each tire AND
•Trailerlanding gear MUST be resting on firm ground AND
•Truck MUST be stationary, in park, with emergency brake on!
Fig. 18 Fig. 19

MAINTENANCE:
7. AFTER MAKING CERTAIN NO ONE IS STANDING BETWEENTRUCK AND TRAILER OR IN FRONT OF TRUCK, drive truck
slowly away from trailer.
8. Close hitch jaws by pushing handle forward and rotating down.
9. KEEP WHEEL BLOCKS IN PLACE. This will keep trailer from movingunexpectedly
WARNING
Wheneverpossible, avoidputtingbody under traileror between truck and trailer. If you need to place any part of your
body under trailer or between truck and trailer:
•All trailer tires MUST be blocked in front and behind each tire AND
•Trailerlanding gear MUST be resting on firm ground AND
•Truck MUST be stationary, in park, with emergency brake on!
1. Recheck tightness of all hardware every 1000 milesof use.
2. See “Before each trip” section in this manual.

1
14
2
3
54
5
6
7
8
9
10
7
17
12
17
11
13
15
4
16
ITEMNO DESCRIPTION PCS
1 HANDLEGRIP (1)
2 LUBEPLATE (1)
3 HEADPAN ASSEMBLY (1)
4 HEADPIN (2)
5 KLIKPIN (3)
6 1 1/4" CASTLENUT (1)
7 SURGEISOLATOR (2)
8 CROSSMEMBER (1)
9 1/2"-13 X 4.5" SOCKET HEAD CAP SCREW (4)
ITEMNO DESCRIPTION PCS
10 1/2"LOCK NUT (4)
11 SIDEBRACKETS (2)
12 PIVOTPIN (1)
13 PIVOTBEAM (1)
14 1/4"-20 SOCKET HEAD CAP SCREW (6)
15 HEADISOLATOR (2)
16 PULLPIN (4)
17 RETAININGCLIPS (4)
FIGURE 20