Why Does The Curt M20 Hitch Head Flex When Turning With A Sidewinder Pin Box

Updated 09/29/2025 | Published 07/15/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Torsion Inserts for Curt A-Series 5th Wheel Hitches

(10)

$17.37

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Ram Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs

(5319)

$1399.00

Curt A30 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 30,000 lbs

(67)

$1251.95

Question:

I recently installed a 69220 Sidewinder pin box on my camper with a 16994 wedge. I have a factory installed M20 Ram hitch in my 2023 Ram 2500. I am have some turning or pivoting issues at my fifth wheel before the pin box starts to turn. I watch close when this is happening and the pin and wedge seem to be working properly (hitch and pin pox stay straight), it is actually the head of the fifth wheel hitch flexing on the bushing. Is there anything I can do about this? is there a different head available, should I just swap out the hitch with something that has a more solid configuration? I opted for the sidewinder over a slider for ease of use and I already had the hitch in my truck. I am towing a 38ft toy hauler, 16.5K GVWR, approx 3200lb pin weight. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Corey T

Expert Reply:

Hey Corey,

The pivoting you're seeing in the hitch head is likely just the torsion inserts # C62NR on the head compressing from the weight of the trailer pushing on it. The hitch head has a bit play to allow for easier hookup so the little bit of wiggle room is just a side effect.

If you're wanting to go with a trailer hitch that's better known for its integrity then B&W's Companion # BWRVK3600 would be the best option if you have Ram's in-bed puck system. If you have base rails you could just increase the capacity of the hitch to the A30 # C66HR for a stiffer head, but that would also stiffen up your ride quality when towing so it could potentially cause more harm than good.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Torsion inserts
(click to enlarge)

Tom O.

9/27/2025

I also have an M20 hitch (bought it because it was a bargain, $700 brand new for my Ram 2500 puck system).. Now I’m reading it’s NOT compatible with my Reese Revolution pin box, but the guy above says he’s using the same hitch with the 16994 wedge… Will this (hope) work for me?? From what I’ve read the jaws would be damaged… Expert advice needed!!!

Jerred H.

9/29/2025

@TomO Unfortunately the Mopar M20 hitch you bought has a spherical axial bearing to improve the pivoting of the hitch head. Since it has a 360-degree pivot, it is not compatible with a pivoting pin box like the Reese Revolution also know as the Reese Sidewinder item # RP34FR. I can't speak for the guy who sent the question above in but it is not possible to lock out the head with any type of wedge. There's still going to be two pivot points in the towing setup, which won't work. You'll need to get a compatible hitch like the B&W Companion item # BWRVK3600 and use the 5th Airborne Custom Wedge for B&W Fifth Wheels item # SWW-06.