To Center Rail Bolts have to be Installed to Reach Max Capacity for Curt Gooseneck Hitch Plate

Published 01/13/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Above-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Fifth Wheel Rails - 3" Offset - 25,000 lbs

(514)

$224.86

Curt Spyder Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Fifth Wheel Rails, 25,000 lbs GTW

(507)

$316.00

Question:

IN THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE 1/2inch BOLTS BE ADDED TO THE CENTER OF THE FIFTHWHEEL FRAME RAILS FOR ADDED SUPPORT. MY QUESTION IS HOW MUCH TOWING CAPICITY IS LOST IF THE 1/2inch BOLTS ARE NOT ADDED? WHAT IS THE NEW TOW RATING? I HAVE A 2005 F250 CC 4X4 SUPERDUTY 6.0 W/ 3.73 GEARS and AUTMATIC.

asked by: MIKE

Expert Reply:

The rating of the Curt gooseneck hitch plate # 16055 doesn't change if the center bolts are not installed on the 5th wheel rails. However since the Curt gooseneck plate mounts to the inner-most set of slots on the rails the center bolts would help with stability, especially if and when the trailer coupler pulls up on the ball while traveling.

Many 5th wheel rail kits use the center bolts already but if yours does not then I do recommend it.

Another option is to use a gooseneck plate with a wider stance. For that I recommend # 16085. I have linked videos of it and the first plate for you.

expert reply by: Michael H