Is Slack/Play in Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch When Stopping and Accelerating Normal

Updated 07/08/2020 | Published 05/03/2018

Question:

There seems to be slack or play in the hitch when 5th wheel is in tow especially when starting/stopping....does this compromise the integrity of the hitch and/or the rails?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

Slider hitches have quite a few moving parts in them which can allow a bit of movement when starting and stopping. This movement is known as chucking and is considered normal. Especially on slider hitches like the Curt A16 part # C16521 that you referenced. Unless it's something that's getting progressively worse you are totally fine.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Brian

6/21/2020

I'm looking at buying a fifth wheel hitch before i buy my 34 ft. Fifth wheel. Lots of choices. Im looking at the Curt A16 with R16 slider .My truck is a Dodge ram 2500.6.4...2017. What do u think.

Chris R.

6/24/2020

The Curt A16 Slider # C16521 is honestly a really, really good choice. This is an excellent hitch that features a really solid jaw design to limit chucking and an articulating torsion head to contribute further to a smoother ride. I think you'd be really happy with this hitch. If you also need base rails the Install Kit # C16427-204 will work perfectly for your Ram.

Brian

7/4/2020

Thanks for info.One other question. Is it really that nessasary to have a slider hitch with a 6.5 length bed?

Chris R.

7/8/2020

That's a good question. Some applications wouldn't require it (if the trailer has a tapered nose or a pivoting pin box) but it's typically needed. A fixed, non-sliding hitch could be used regardless - but you would just need to be extremely careful when making tight turns. If you decided to go that route I would take the trailer up to an empty parking lot just to test your cab clearances so you know what kinds of turns you can safely perform. Have a buddy stand outside and yell at you if the trailer nose gets close to the cab.