How To Remove the Head on the Curt Q20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch

Updated 05/22/2020 | Published 07/12/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Head Unit for Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 20,000 lbs

(37)

$622.95

Question:

I have a new Q20 installed on the slider, I cant get the header unit off. I did take the pins and caps out. Is there something else from the factory holding it in place?

asked by: Edwin H

Expert Reply:

If you are trying to remove the head from the center section on the Curt Q20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R20 Slider part # C16530-16020 then you will need to remove a pin, clip and cap from each side as you can see in the attached photo. If you have already done this then most likely you will just need to use more force in order to do so as they can be rather hard to remove.

If you will be frequently removing the head then the Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # C16540 would have been a much better option for you as the head is able to be removed with only one pin and it does not require as much force as the Q20 head.

expert reply by: Conner L

click to enlarge

Duane H.

5/19/2020

looking at buying a 5th wheel hitch. My trailer vendor suggested a Curt 16530 (Q20) head plus the 16020 slider. After reading a review I saw someone suggested the 16540 Head (A20) for a quick release system over the 16530 (Q20). It sounded like the A20 Head would work on the 16020 Slider. is this correct??? what are the advantages of the A20 over the Q20 Head???? And what would the price be for this combo???

Chris R.

5/22/2020

Yep - the Curt A20 Head # C16540 can be used with the Sliding Base # C16020 for the Ford puck system. The A20 head does indeed offer a really quick removal process with its literal 1-pin design. Simply pull the pin and lift the head off. The A20 is essentially the upgraded/newer version of the Q20, so it also provides a smoother ride during travel due to its interlocking jaws and fully articulating head.