To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.
This hitch is designed for serious towing, rated for 16,000 lbs gross towing weight and a 4,000 lbs vertical load limit. The steel construction and carbide powder coat finish give it lasting strength and durability. It’s a solid setup that feels secure under load and stays that way over long hauls. The included base rails and mounting kit make for a straightforward installation so you can get towing with confidence.
The interlocking 2-jaw system wraps around the king pin for 360-degree contact, cutting down on rattle and movement compared to slide-bar models. You get a quieter, more stable ride with less chucking between the truck and trailer. The fully articulating torsion head helps control coupling and smooth out road shock, so every mile feels steady and controlled.
The color-coded lock indicator takes the guesswork out of hitching up. Red means uncoupled, yellow means ready to couple, and green means you’re locked in for towing. The indicators are visible from the cab so you can double-check your connection without climbing into the bed. When you unhook, the handle automatically resets to the ready-to-couple position, saving time for your next hookup.
The S20 slider provides 12 inches of front-to-back travel to create extra clearance when making slow turns with a short-bed truck. It automatically latches in both directions so you only have to step out once when setting up for tight turns. The non-binding design lets it move smoothly even on uneven ground, helping prevent contact between the cab and trailer during sharp maneuvers.
When it’s time to clear the bed, this design makes it easy for one person to remove. The head lifts off quickly with a single pin, breaking down into manageable pieces without tools. Two built-in zerk fittings keep everything lubricated for smooth operation, and the included plastic lube plate ensures the king pin glides in easily each time you hitch up.
Alternate Instructions
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Hi everyone, Aidan here with etrailer. Today we're gonna be taking a look at this replacement fifth wheel head for your A16 or your Q16 fifth wheel hitches from Curt. So if you're getting this as a replacement head it's gonna function just like your old one. You can see right away It's got the same torsion system that's acting as a sort of cushioning system. When we're hooked up to our trailer it's gonna help us create a smoother ride going down the road with that side to side, front to back and even on the diagonal movement, all absorbing that shock but also helping us with the hookup process by moving and meeting the kingpin as we're guiding it back. The dual jaw system here, they overlap with each other to create really solid contact on the kingpin 360 degrees around.
And if we move over to the side here those jaws can be controlled by the handle secured in place by a pin and clip that can be swapped out for a padlock if you want that security aspect, pulling the handle out and back, we'll open up those jaws or in the coupling mode I've got a dummy king pin here that will slide back in. The open flare here will guide it into position and then as it backs up, we're hooking up to our trailer. The handle will snap back into place fully locked in and we can just resecure it with our pin and clip. Now a good way to know if we're fully coupled is the indicator on the back. You can see it's green right now which means we're positively coupled and good to go.
But if I undo that handle here, partially you'll see it switched to that red and in the fully open position it'll switch to yellow letting us know we're ready to back up to our trailer. And then as we back up that kingpin slides in, it'll swing past that red and when it's fully latched in, go back to green. With the positioning of this, it's easy to see from the cab of the truck so you don't have to get out to check on it. You can just look back there and see if you've got a good couple. With the fifth wheel head here we are gonna have a weight capacity.
It can handle 16,000 pounds of gross trailer weight rating. That's how much weight it can pull and has a vertical load limit, that downward pressure of 4,000 pounds. Be sure to check whether it be the leg kit, the slider base or your truck and go by the lowest rating component in the system but know that that's what the fifth wheel head can handle. You've got your three different points of height adjustment on the side. Again, depending on whether you're using the slider base like we are today or the just regular legs that are fixed, that height may change but you do have three different options for the adjustment.
What I can tell you though is that the whole spacing is 2" apart for each interval of that height adjustment. So just take that into account whenever you're setting this up for your truck and trailer combination. The whole fifth wheel head is gonna be a steel construction with a carbide black powder coat finish over top of it to help it resist rust and corrosion over time. Now with any sort of finished scratches and scuffs can be a danger to it because if you scratch away the finish it's way more susceptible to rust and corrosion over time. It does come included though with a lube plate which will sit between the head of the fifth wheel and your pin box with the kingpin right in the center here and reduce that metal on metal contact to make sure that the finish hopefully lasts a lot longer, keeping your whole fifth wheel looking like new. Speaking of keeping things operating like new you do have two zerk fittings on that dual jaw design here. So you can apply grease regularly to keep them operating smoothly. If you don't wanna leave this in your truck bed full-time and you want to take it out, it can be pretty heavy but you can separate the head into two pieces by taking out that first pin and clip and this large pin that runs through the center of the fifth wheel head. And that will allow us to actually separate the head from the body of the fifth wheel here. So it makes everything a lot lighter and easier to get in and out. And with it out you can see the rubber isolators that are located inside. That's part of the torsion system that we're talking about earlier. And what helps cushion the whole movement here and keep everything operating nice and smoothly as well as reducing noise. Being able to break it down really helps with the installation process because you can do it all on your own relatively easily. So let's go ahead and walk through that process with you now. Now since this is a replacement head you could be replacing it on a standard fifth wheel rather than this slider kit that we're doing this with in which case you'll be needing to use the hardware that came with your fifth wheel originally that bolt, lock washer and flat washer that threads into the legs on your A16 hitch. With that being said, if you are missing these, you will need to get new hardware because the hardware that comes with the replacement head is going to be that bolt and nut. Getting this installed, it might be a little easier to have a second set of hands, but if you can grab it by the center and get one of your bolts started just to help hold it in place on either end, that would be ideal and then we can get the nuts installed later after repeating this on both sides. Now at this point you wanna take your wrench and socket and actually start to tighten these down in all four corners and then we can torque it to the specifications found in our instructions. For the torque wrench, it's pretty easy to rent these out or borrow them but if you wanna get your own you can find those here at etrailer. Just make sure to find the proper torque spec and your instructions and repeat that for the other three bolts. With everything torqued down we can take the head unit and drop it down into place, securing it with the large pin going in through the back of the whole assembly and securing out front with our smaller pin and retaining clip. And that's really all there is to it for the installation process, it's gonna be a very basic easy to use replacement for your A16 or your Q16 fifth wheel hitches. Just deep in mind that if you're replacing one with the standard legs that you do have the appropriate hardware either reusing the old one or getting new hardware. And if you're gonna be dropping it in place in a situation like this with the S20 slider, know that the hardware it comes with is gonna be exactly what you need. But that'll do it for our look at this replacement fifth wheel head for your A16 or your Q16 hitches from Curt. Thanks for watching.
Ratings & Reviews
What a Pain in the Butt. Watch the Video. It will help. Be ready to order additional parts/spacers if needed. You can do it by yourself but could really use another person at times. The rear tire removal is very helpful. Drop the rear drivers side shock tower. Then the back is pretty easy. The front is a pain. My brackets didn't reach up to the bed so I had to use spacers on top and bottom. Didn't have enough to do it so I had to order more. The screws for that location were too short so I had to go to Lowes to get longer ones. Those were a pain to get the nut on. I am still working on getting that done. Other than that, it does work.
This is the second time I used this hitch mount. It wasn’t too hard to install on the ground. A vehicle lift, as shown on the product video, makes it look a lot easier but install is still very doable. The video is necessary to have in addition to the enclosed instructions.
The ordering staff has always been friendly and knowledgeable about the product.
etrailer will continue to be my first stop for all my RV products.
It installed just as advertised, the video was helpful but the one I found on YouTube shows an actual install which was even more help by showing some of the minor issues during installation. The written directions were well done too. Also a quality product with a very good website to help order the right parts with ease.
The worst hitch I have ever installed! All the pieces are nicely built and appear that they will hold up well, but I would rather install a universal hitch any day.
While I did not have to drill any holes in the frame, it was still a nightmare to put in. The bolt locations are next to impossible to get to with an end wrench much less a torque wrench.
The worst part is the exhaust hits heavy on one of the brackets. No fixing this....
I spent a few hours researching hitches before i settled on the Curt installation kit to go with my Anderson hitch. The directions were easy to follow, but i recommend watching the video as well. I installed this on my 2007 Dodge 2500 on my garage floor. I am sure this added a bit more time to the install, but for my first ever hitch install I had it installed and cleaned up in about 3 hours. I would definitely recommend this installation kit. etrailer was also very responsive to make sure they had my correct mailing info since I use a P.O. box for mail.
Etrailer is a company that I will recommend to anyone that has the need for trailer equipment. Thank you to the team that got my order shipped ahead of schedule. As for the Curt Q20/R20 hitch and installation kit it was a fairly easy installation on my Dodge Ram 2500. Everything was exactly as the videos on the etrailer site had stated.
Fish wire was too short for long bed installation. Instructions did not address how to clear my brake lines on the left side front bracket. Overall the installation was not as easy as the video depicts. I am a professional mechanic for over 30 years.
This kit fit my 2004 Ram 2500 exactly as advertised. Took way longer than the 90 minutes the directions state, to install, but I took my time and made sure all steps were done correctly. Something I should have done, that is not mentioned in the directions, is to "pre-mount" the hitch on these rails, prior to drilling and bolting. If you get it even a bit off parallel, you have binding..like I do..when trying to dismount the hitch. I will have to fight it, to put back on these rails also. My fault, not the kit. Etrailer is very helpful, quick and responsive. They have me as a repeat customer already.
Received my parts to install my 14K Reese 5th wheel hitch in a timely manner and free shipping .. Started the installation on my 2005 Ram 3500 Dually and the parts all fit GREAT... Installation time was exactly what the instructions said ... The following week we hooked up to our 2010 Cougar 34ft RV and left the Wet Coast of the Pacific Northwet and made the 2600 mile adventure to Northern Michigan.... E-TRAILER is AWESOME........
If you are towing with a Dodge with a boxed frame...This kit works perfectly. Every bend...every bolt hole...every piece and par of this kit fit perfectly....No holes to drill...
Super good seller, Super good price, Very fast shipping. Everything that I have ever bought from etrailer has been great quality, and I don't think that anyone can beat their price.
I bought a Curt 5TH wheel hitch and it took a bit longer to install then I planned for but It has worked great the customer service is fantastic! I have told my friends about Etrailer and two of them have bought their hitches from Etrailer you will not find a better price.
So here I am 1 year later and 7000 + miles later having towed/hauled a 30' Keystone Cougar with the Curt E16K hitch and bed rails.
I installed the item and it was fairly easy with the help of a friend to help tighten bolts and nuts. On the rails I have the E16K Curt Hitch in a 2007 - 2500 Dodge Ram Cummins. I used to remove the Hitch after every trip. That lasted for the first 2-3 times. It is darn heavy to remove and put back in. So now I leave it installed in the truck and remove it when/if I need to haul something in the bed.
Hope this helps your decision and Happy Hauling :o)
Took some time to install but overall wasn't horrible. I'd recommend these rails to anyone looking for this mounting style. Didn't have to remove tires or drill any holes besides through the bed of the truck. They are very strong and solid. etrailer.com is a great place to order from. Great customer service and tons of information for all your trailer and towing needs. I'll be ordering more in the near future. Overall a great shopping experience and a quality product!
Very pleased etrailer.com and very appreciative with customer service because when receiving order from UPS the box was torn open and majority of hardware was missing. After taking inventory i called customer service explaining how it arrived the representative immediately ordered another hardware kit shipping out same evening, the install took about four hours with one small modification to a mounting bracket. Works great and very pleased so far
2005 Ram 2500 Quad Cab Short Bed. Xlnt kit, easy install. The installation instructions could have been better. I suggest watching the video on youtube and setting up the rails and hitch on the garage floor first. Take measurements between rail hole rows (row 2 to row 3 - 17 3/4") and add 3/4" for front bed support clearance - 18 1/2". Looking over a rear tire and measuring from the front bed support, My row 2 needed to be rear of center by 1/2". This puts my rear rail at 26 1/4 instead of 26 3/4" from the tailgate. Then everything lined up perfect. The fish wire provided really works great ( threads on to the bolt like a nut). My only problem was the spacer that gets fished with the carriage bolt was to wide for the large hole in my frame. I cut a 1/4" off the spacer and that was the only modification I made to this kit. Not all trucks are the same. XLNT kit, I was impressed !
Installed on a 2012 Ram 3500 long box. The rail kit itself is excellent and appears to be very strong. I was able to install with the truck on the ground and the tires on. I did have to remove the inner fender liners to access some of the bolts for torquing. I do not see how the nuts can be brought to proper torque without the use of a 3/4 inch crowsfoot, as it is impossible to get a socket on some of the nuts. The shock mount welded to the frame on one side is an example...it prevents the use of a socket. The single most important step is measuring properly because there is very little margin for error. The etrailer.com video was very helpful. Took me about 6 hrs without jack stands or a lift, but I'm very happy with the finished product and they went on without interfering with my AIR LIFT 57295 LoadLifter 5000 Series Rear Air Spring Kit.
Takes a bit longer than expected. Figure in a day for the above bed install kit. I'll post back after I make a 2000 mile trip with the 40' RV. Have a great day everyone!
Product was as described. Fit and price were great. Just wish shipping would treat the package as their own. First couple pictures are from damage due to shipper carelessness.
2012 ram 3500 mega cab short bed! Well from all the reviews I’ve read, and the video, I gathered about 5-6 hours to install by myself, which was very accurate, directions say 90 min instal, not! It was the 5-6 hour range, regardless it went in as the directions and video said! Take your time measure it out double check everything, the kit is great, follow directions and watch the video you can do it in your driveway!
Sadly, my truck has air shocks installed and the front brackets would not fit
The product is well built and came with everything needed to install on my 2006 Dodge ram 3500. The video was very helpful and installing the rails.
This is a well put together package. The fact that you do not have to drill the frame makes things much easier. That said, it is still a lot of work and if you do not have all the tools needed and a lift you will be at this install for quiet some time.
The spare tire has to be removed and if there is a spare tire shield it will have to go as well. The inner fenders need to come out and at that point you will find it is easier if the tires and wheels are out of the way. It is a bit of work to get the right rear bracket in with the tail pipe in place. Also the spacers that go into the frame are also hard to get in place. Lastly, you will still have to drill holes in the bed.
With all this work required, I am very glad that I did not have to drill the frame also.
THE RAILS AND BRACKETS WERE JUST AS DESCRIBED AND CAME VERY QUICKLY AND REASONABLY PRICED. THE INSTRUCTIONS WERE VERY HELPFUL INCLUDING THE VIDEO ONLINE. INALL IT TOOK ME ABOUT 5 HOURS TO INSTALL WITH TAKING MY TIME TO DOUBLE CHECK EVERYTHING. IT FIT JUST AS IT SAYS AND FIT MY PICKUP PERFECTLY. GREAT PRODUCT AND GREAT COMPANY
Looks good just opened the box. Waiting for mounting brackets.
Do you have a question about this 5th Wheel Hitch?
Info for this part was:
At etrailer we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.