What Causes Trailer Jolting When Starting and Stopping with Curt A20 Hitch

Published 12/19/2019

Question:

Good Morning, I wanted to see if you could give me some advice on my curt a20 that I purchased from you. I have a Jayco talon 320t that is a 16000 lb trailer, and the first trip I took with the new fifth wheel it feels as though there is a lag during acceleration and hard stops. I have checked it several times and the pin seems to be locked in really well, it just has a slight give in the jaw. Theres no separation or anything, it just slides a little. I am using the lube plate that was provided with the hitch as well. Not sure if there is just an adjustment, or if this is a characteristic of the hitch. Ive used several hitchs and havent had this issue before, but this is my first Curt. Thank you so much for your help.

asked by: John T

Expert Reply:

The Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # C16140 is an excellent option with dual locking jaws that as you put forms a very tight grip on the king pin. There are not any adjustments to these jaws so if you are having issues with the trailer jerking back and forth when you make a stop, I would be willing to bet this has to do with a disconnect between the brakes on the trailer and brakes on the tow vehicle or that the trailer is not level.

The best way to combat this issue with the brake disconnect would be to use a proportional brake controller if you are not already dong so like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195. On the proportional brake controller you will then want to adjust the boost setting (if equipped like above) to a 2 or 3 level. The boost setting will allow for more aggressive braking on the trailer which will in turn lead the tow vehicles braking.

If you already have a proportional brake controller, check the settings of said controller and that the trailer and tow vehicle are both level.

expert reply by: Conner L