Will Reese 16K 5th Wheel Hitch # RP30051 Mount to Curt Base Rails

Updated 09/13/2013 | Published 09/12/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs

(396)

$787.38

Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Round Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs

(396)

$852.19

Question:

I have a curt hitch currently and looking to upgrade to the 30051 is this a recommended upgrade or is there a better model to go to. The curt slider that I have doesnt have the pivoting head and the slide portion doesnt seem very good to me. Also I assume that I can attach the 30051 to the rails I had installed when the curt was put in? thanks.

asked by: Gary R

Helpful Expert Reply:

Reese and many other brands of 5th wheel hitches (including Curt, Valley, Draw-Tite Reese and others) are mutually compatible with each others base rails. The Reese16K Square Tube Slider 5th Wheel Hitch, part # RP30051, will fit your existing Curt base rails.

The 4-way pivoting head included in the # RP30051 will make hitching easier than with a fixed head. This allows the head to move as you engage the king pin, making alignment slightly less critical as you back your tow vehicle up to your 5th wheel pin box. Do please note that this hitch will not fit trucks with beds shorter than 6 feet. It also will not fit trucks with flare-side or step-side beds. This square-tube slider hitch provides 10 inches for front-to-back travel. This is a good entry-level hitch but it may not deliver the kind of improvement you are looking for.

If you would like a hitch with more advanced features, such as a round tube slider (which typically is less likely to bind than square tube types) and a dual-jaw mechanism (which provides for less chucking), you will need to go for a hitch with a higher weight rating. The link provided will show you all 16K-rated sliding hitches (without base rails since you do not need these).

For example, Reese # RP30075 offers a 16K rating, 4-Way pivoting head, round slider, dual jaw locking mechanism and a longer range of slider travel than the # RP30051. This hitch with all of its upgraded features would provide for a more noticeable improvement in both convenience and handling. This hitch also will not fit trucks with beds shorter than 6 feet, nor trucks with flare-side or step-side beds.

If you care to provide specifics about your trailer and tow vehicle we will be happy to make further recommendations.