What position do you leave your hitch in when unhooked for long periods of time

[yobigal]

If you are unhooked from your fifth wheel for a couple of months is it ok to leave the jaws open and lever in the pulled position during that time.

I believe there are springs that are stretched when the lever is pulled so it can snap back closed when hitched up and I didn't know if being in this stretched position for a period of time it would weaken the spring and not let it return to normal when hitched.

Thanks.

[Country Campers]

Good question, I have never thought about it although last year was my first with a 5er. I do leave my handle in the closed position though.
Interested to here others thoughts.

Brian

[Walaby]

Hadn't thought about it. Definitely interested in the answer.

Im a new (two week old) fiver owner. Right now, my hitch jaws are open. Never really thought about it. I

Definitely interested in answers... I suspect it won't be definitive, but good food for thought.

Mike

[FT4NOW]

I leave my hitch in the truck 24/7 with the jaws open while not in use. It's been there for about 2.5 years, no issues. I do have a cover I keep on it, everything is covered except the handle.

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[Cate&Rob]

I leave my hitch in the closed position to relax the jaw springs. (Whether it's in or out of the truck.)

Rob

[TucsonJim]

Allen: You don't list the brand of hitch you're using in your question. So I looked at a couple of different owner's manuals and they state the following:

PullRite SuperGlide:

"CAUTION: You may wish to keep the plate closed until you are ready to re-hitch to avoid injury or accidents tochildren or adults who attempt to operate the plate mechanism."

Reese:

"Close locking bar by pulling handle out and back.(Spring should close locking bar.)"

It sounds like the standard practice is to close the jaws to prevent damage or injury.

Jim

[yobigal]

I have the PullRite SuperGlide.

I think I will close the jaws just to be on the safe side.

Thanks everybody for your input.

[goducks14]

Six seasons with my B&W and I never paid any mind to which position the lever was in. It still works like new.

[Walaby]

I have the Superglide as well...

Think I'll close it.

Mike

[MarkRizRV]

I keep the Curt 16 closed over the winter, but I worry about remembering to open the jaws before the first trip, I may put Orange tape on the opening as a reminder
Mark