Is the Curt A20 5th Wheel Hitch Compatible with the Lippert Rota-Flex Pin Box

Updated 05/01/2024 | Published 01/24/2019

Question:

Is the Curt A20 hitch compatible with the Lippert Rotaflex pinbox? And if so, does it require any additional components like a wedge, etc.?

asked by: Alexus S

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Curt who said that the A20 5th Wheel Hitch # C16140 is compatible with the Trailair Rota-Flex 5th Wheel Pin Box without any additional components.

He did say that they have heard of instances where the rubber pad on the Rota-Flex pops out of place which results in it prematurely wearing down the head unit of the A20 but since that problem is with the pin box you would have this same issue with any 5th wheel hitch.

If you are replacing your pin box and this makes you want to go a different direction just let me know what your pin box number is (like Lippert 1621) and I can help you find a similar replacement. Otherwise the A20 is an excellent 5th wheel hitch!

expert reply by: Jon G

Paul

5/1/2024

Hi Jon. I have a Columbus palomino with a rota flex pin box. 3 years ago I bought a Curt A 20 hitch puck system for my dodge.We probably have put 4500 miles a year on it. It started making shucking noise this year and found that the casting where the long pin goes thru has play in it. Do I need a new hitch ? Is the rota flex Not compatible ? Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Jon G.

5/1/2024

@Paul It kind of depends on how much play you're seeing and where exactly that play is. If the Yoke Support Pin # C77UR is pretty loose then that sounds more like a warranty issue to me and you'll want to reach out to Curt about that. If you're just able to wiggle the head of your A20 around a little then that's normal and is designed to do that to accommodate different angles while you're driving.

Paul

5/1/2024

@JonG I put new rubber torsion inserts in....then checked again...it's good side to side...it's front to back that's loose...it makes a lot of noise. I bought it new used from an individual 3 years ago ??

Jon G.

5/1/2024

@Paul If that's the case then I recommend replacing it with the 18K B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # BWRVK3255 which has robust 1" thick jaws and a superior cushioning system.

Paul

5/1/2024

What are your thoughts on a goose neck hitch?Are they better than fifth wheel hitches?

Jon G.

5/1/2024

@Paul Generally speaking, 5th wheel towing is better than gooseneck towing because the 5th wheel hitches are able to provide a smoother ride quality. This is a little subjective though because there is a good group of people out there who prefer to gooseneck tow and will swear up and down that it's more comfortable. What I recommend doing is seeing if any of your friends has a gooseneck setup that they'd be willing to let you tow so you can see for yourself which style you prefer before switching things up with your truck and trailer.