Reese R16 Hitch, Slack In Bushings

[JanAndBill]

We bought one of the new R16 hitches from Reese. Cast Iron plate, jaws and trunions. Everything has been great with it except I've noticed that it has about a 1/4" play in the side busings, that wasn't there a month ago. When I called Reese they told me I could have from 60-90/1000 play, anything more and the bushing are probably worn and will need to be replaced. Kind of annoyed because i've only got about 2500 miles on the hitch. Any one else notice this??

 

[JanAndBill]

Finally able to pull the hitch apart, and it appears that the side isolator bushings have almost a 1/4" gap between the rubber and the center insert/bushing. It appears that the material used is to soft for the application. Time to get Reese on the phone again. Hopefully they've changed the design because the hitch is only 5 months old, and 2500 miles on it.

 

[sengli]

whats the warranty on the those hitches?

 

[JanAndBill]

Apparently I am not alone. Found the same issue posted by others on another forum //heartlandowners.org/showthread.php/41400-Reese-R16-Hitch-Slack-In-Bushings Suggest anyone who has a Reese R16 or R20 hitch, do a careful examination of the side yellow bushings on the hitch. These two bushings take the full load of the trailer, both vertical and front to rear, failure of one or both would be catastrophic.

 

[JanAndBill]

whats the warranty on the those hitches?

When I talked to Reese last week, they said if it was the bushings they would replace them under warranty. In looking at the other sites where this problem is being discussed, it appears that Reese is aware of the problem and are replacing them without question. Hopefully they have an improved design by now.

 

[JanAndBill]

Talked to Reese this morning, there is a problem with the formulation on rubber compound used in the isolator bushings. The current formulation crushes under the weight allowing a gap between the center insert and the rubber. According to Reese they are still 60 to 90 days out from having an improved bushing in stock. In the meantime they are sending old style replacement bushing and will forward the new ones when they become available.

Again, for any of you that have the R16 or R20 hitch, I strongly urge you to inspect the yellow isolator bushings on the sides of your hitch. With your trailer unhooked, lift up on your fifth wheel plate you'll know immediately how bad they are. If you have movement the bushings are bad.

 

[JanAndBill]

Replacement temporary bushings received. I'm back in business until hopefully they get the permanent replacements.

 

[Ray LeTourneau]

Jan & Bill, Thanks for all the updates. Hopefully Reese gets this resolved soon.