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This hitch is rated for 20,000 lbs gross towing weight and a 5,000 lbs vertical load limit, giving you the strength and stability needed for heavy fifth-wheel trailers. The interlocking 2-jaw system wraps the king pin for full 360-degree contact, keeping the connection tight and secure. That solid steel build and carbide powder coat finish stand up to long hauls and rough roads without flex or rattle.
The fully articulating torsion head moves with the trailer to control coupling and help absorb road shock. It suppresses noise and vibration so the ride feels more stable and less choppy when you hit bumps or uneven pavement. You can feel the difference on long interstate runs—everything just tracks smoother and quieter behind you.
For slow-speed turns where clearance matters, the S20 slider gives you 12" of fore-and-aft travel to prevent the trailer from contacting the cab during sharp maneuvers. The non-binding design moves easily in both directions and automatically latches so you only have to get out once. It’s a dependable solution for short-bed setups that need extra turning room when maneuvering in campgrounds or storage lots.
The three-point indicator shows red for uncoupled, yellow for ready to couple, and green for towing—so you always know the hitch’s status before pulling away. The color can be seen right from the cab or beside the bed, making it easy to confirm that everything’s locked in correctly. The handle also resets itself after you uncouple, so it’s ready to couple again right away.
When it’s time to clear out your bed, pull a single pin to lift off the head—it’s designed so one person can manage it without tools. Two built-in zerk fittings make lubrication quick and straightforward. With sturdy steel construction, a lockable handle, and an included plastic lube plate for smooth hookups, this hitch is built for straightforward use and dependable performance every trip.
Alternate Instructions
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Hi everyone, Aidan here at etrailer. Today we're gonna be taking a look at and showing you how to install this replacement fifth wheel head for the Curt A20. This is going to be just the head assembly here today. So if you already have a sliding base or the legs for it, and you're looking to replace a broken or damaged head, or maybe you're just adding it to a sliding base, like the S20 we're using today, then this is gonna be the one for you. If you need the full kit, be sure to check out one of those full kits on our website. But as for this replacement head, let's check it out.
This is gonna operate just like your standard A20 fifth wheel head with the 360-degree dual jaw design. It's gonna get full contact around the kingpin here and those jaws are controlled by this lever on the outside of the fifth wheel hitch. We can unpin this handle right here. The pin could be swapped out for a padlock, if we wanna keep it secured when you're not around. Pull the handle out and back to open up those spring loaded jaws, and then we can back up to our fifth wheel.
That will drop into place. The kingpin will slide in. And it'll snap into place and you can see that 360-degree contact. Repin that handle or relock it back up to secure it, and then we're ready to hit the road. Now as we're hooking up, you probably saw a lot of movement in the fifth wheel head here.
Now it's by design. It's got a torsion system built into it, which gives us front to back, side to side, and even diagonal movement, really all around in a 360-degree motion. It can move around and adapt. So what it's gonna do is a number of things. It's gonna help guide the kingpin in so if we're not perfectly backed up to our trailer, this can kind of move and meet the kingpin where it's at to make hookup a lot easier.
But then when we're driving too, that's gonna act as a shock absorber, helping to reduce the hitching and just any of that road shock we're experiencing going down the road, but also limiting noise. To keep things operating smoothly, we've got our Zerk fittings located on the jaws here, so you can apply grease and keep them operating smoothly for a long time. The indicator at the back, visible from the cab of the truck will let us know if we're properly latched and coupled ready to tow. So we right now, we've got it locked in ready to tow. I'm gonna pull the handle out and back. And you can see right now we're in the coupling mode. And as I bring that dummy king pin back in, it's not fully coupled yet. And when it finally snaps in, (wheel head snaps) you can see it's got that green indicator. We can pin it in place and then we're ready to tow. So it's nice that you have that built-in and then it's visible from the cab of the truck. As for your weight capacity here, the fifth wheel itself can handle 20,000 pounds of gross towing weight and 5,000 pounds of your vertical load limit. Be sure to check on if you're using a sliding base like this one that it can handle that weight as well as your truck and go by the lowest rating component in your whole system. All around, you got a very durable steel construction with a carbide powder coat finish on top to help it resist rust and corrosion over time. Now that doesn't make it immune to things like scratches because that can scratch away the finish and cause it to rust and corrode quicker. But your kit does come included with a grease plate here that will slide in between the head of the fifth wheel with your kingpin in the middle here and help reduce that metal and metal contact. Keeping the head of this hopefully looking new for a lot longer and keeping those scratches and scuffs away. If you don't wanna leave this in your truck bed all the time, getting it removed can be a bit of a pain because of how heavy it is, But the head will separate from the main body here with this pin and a very large pin running through the center of everything. That is completely removable so that we can take the head on its own and lift it from the main body. So it's a lot easier to get in and out of the truck bed on your own like this. And if we look a little closer there where the pin runs through, you can see those rubber isolators that help dampen that impact and act as shock absorbers when we're going down the road. Now whether you're upgrading or replacing your existing head, it is going to be a very straightforward installation process. You will need a torque wrench for it, but aside from that everything's pretty straightforward and easy to do straight out of the box. So let's check out that process now. It comes pretty much fully assembled in the box. You will only need to attach the handle to the head, but I chose to also separate the head from the main body here, just to lighten the load a little bit and make it easier to attach. For our application today, we're attaching it to our sliding base here, the S20. So I'm just gonna get it dropped in place. And then, loosely get these bolts installed, line them up through the outer holes at whatever height setting we want, (metal clanging) and then attaching the nuts on the inside. (metal clanging) And at this point, once you've got it set to your proper height, you can tighten it down and torque it to the specifications found in your instructions. (metal clanging) (wrench rattling) If you don't have a torque wrench at home, they are pretty easy to rent, or you can find them here at etrailer. And repeat that process for all your other hardware. And then the head simply drops in place in the center and secures with the large pin feeding in through the back to the front. And then secures in there with this pin and retaining clip at the front. Now you're ready to hook up. And as far as the replacement head for the Curt A20 goes, that's really all there is to it. It's a very simple installation process. It comes with all the hardware you need. So if you already had an A20 fifth wheel hitch and you're just looking to replace a broken or damaged head, this is gonna drop right into place and do that for you. Or maybe you've got the S20 slider like we do here and you've got one of the kits maybe with the A16 and you're looking to upgrade the head to really max out the weight capacity potential of the slider itself. You can do that too. Like you see it is dropped in place Bolt it in with the included hardware and you're good to go. But that'll do it for our look at an installation of this Curt A20 fifth wheel head replacement. Thanks for watching.
Ratings & Reviews
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........
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.
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!
Arrived fast works well
The hitch has worked very well. It is very sturdy, and I have had no problems. I would recommend this to someone with a short bed for the ability to slide the hitch.
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 was an easy install. Very heavy and ready to pull my trailer!
An excellent experience with etrailer.com
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.
First, the is a very heavy duty hitch. I watch the etrailer videos and the installation was simple. No issues at all. Second, I order from Matt who was very helpful an knowledgeable on the product. He said it would be delivered in two days. I laughed but low and be hold it was delivered in two days and the packing was incredible. I Thank you Matt for all you assistance.
Easy to install and works perfectly!
Matt
7/9/2026
One year and zero issues after many trips pulling our 43ft toy hauler.
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
Cammi, my customer support person was awesome. I told her what I needed and she recommended to perfect hitch. I was impressed with her knowledge of their products and how fast it was delivered. Installation was simple as long as you follow the very well written directions.
Brooke M.
2/5/2025
Cammi is going to love to see this review, Scott. Thanks for taking the time to write it! Ill be sure she gets to see it, and Im so happy to hear installation went off without a hitch! ;) Please let either me of Cammi know if we can help you out with anything else!
Scott
2/2/2026
My hitch is working great still. Easy to use no issues.
I previously owned the Curt A16. We needed a larger tow capacity so we purchased the A20 and decided to buy the S20 slider base as well. Too many sharp turning issues with our 6’8” Chevy standard bed HD3500 during maneuvering. The S20 slider should eliminate this issue. Also I love the design of both the A20 and S20.
Harvey
4/8/2026
This was a great purchase and it’s made backing into tight camping spots so much easier. 100 satisfied with this hitch and slider system!
Do you have a question about this 5th Wheel Hitch?
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Gwendolyn Y.
4/17/2025
The New hitch looks great in your truck, Frank! Have you taken it out for a spin yet?