How to Upgrade From Curt A16 to A20 Sliding Hitch on 2018 Chevy Silverado 3500 With Factory Pucks

Published 04/02/2020

Question:

Hello, I currently have the Curt a16 hitch with slider rails in my 2018 Silverado with the factory puck system. I will be upgrading to a heavier fifth wheel and will need to change to a hitch with a higher weight rating. My question is can I upgrade to curt a20 head unit on the same hitch and slide rails or must I buy all new? I dont really need or want the slide rail feature so what are my best options in your best opinion? Thanks

asked by: Mark B

Helpful Expert Reply:

Okay, so there's a couple things to go over here, and I'll explain why to upgrade from the Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with R16 Roller for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package 16668 what you are going to need is the Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with R20 Slider # C16541.

The first thing is that the capacity of a fifth wheel hitch is determined by both the head unit and the base. So the A16's head unit and base are both rated for 16,000 lbs, so even if you could switch out to a higher rated head, the unit would still be rated for 16,000 lbs because that's what it's base is rated for (you have to go by the lowest capacity).

And while you mentioned that you didn't want the slider, for some reason that generation of Chevy trucks has slightly different puck spacing on the short bed and long bed models, so a fixed Curt A20 for the prep package won't work on a short bed.

The good news is, you can still use your Adapter Rails for Curt 5th Wheel Hitch with Slider - Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package # C16023 so you do not need to purchase that again, saving you some money there. I know that's a lot of information, so just to clarify, to upgrade from the Curt A16 to the Curt A20 on your 2018 Chevy Silverado 3500 with the 5th wheel prep package you will need:

- Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with R20 Slider # C16541

I have added a link to a video review for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S