How to Fix Ride Quality Issues with My Curt Poweride 5th Wheel Hitch
Updated 01/28/2026 | Published 01/06/2026
Question:
Ive got the new Poweride 30K 5th wheel hitch and the combined jaw thickness is 1-3/16inch but the kingpin recess for the jaws is 1-15/16inch so theres basically 1/2inch gap to allow the pin to bounce up and down on certain roads or during certain maneuvers when the weight transfers. No thicker jaws are available according to the site, so whats the solution? Ive already dealt with the sloppy fitment for the hitch pins that hold the base legs to the adapter, Curt part 16027. I was able to run a 9/16inch end mill thru the holes and replaced the 1/2inch pins they supply with the hitch with a new 9/16-18 cap bolt and nylon locknut, all Grade 8 for strength, in the four previous pin locations, then applied red thread-loc on assembly and torqued to 160 ftlb. No more play, no more movement from any part except the pivoting head unit. Now Ive got to find a solution to this hitch jaw thickness vs. kingpin recess. Ill probably go with a nylon hitch plate til I can figure out a better way to go. That will at least fill part of that gap. I tried to contact Curt to run all of this past someone there but I wasnt able to find any link or department to send it to. Its almost as if they dont care if their products work together smoothly or not. I wont buy Curt stuff again. Its turned out to be poor quality control type issues Ive encountered, which is tough to believe but Ive been living it, and fixing the booboos they made that eventually found their way to me. I still cant believe Ive paid $2,000+ for these frigginfoot headaches, when I should be getting paid to fix the compatibility issues Ive encountered. I wasnt supposed to have to modify, repair or fab this stuff. eTrailer is gonna end up getting a bad rap for their nonsense, because I know its not a one time thing nor am I an isolated customer with these issues due to manufacturing. Their quality control people mustve been off the day this stuff came off the assembly line. I dont know anyone who wouldve put their stamp of approval on these parts. Alone they look good, but as they say, beauty is only skin deep.
asked by: Kevin H
Expert Reply:
Hey Kevin,
I totally understand your frustration here. I'm sorry you've had to troubleshoot so many issues with your setup. I would love to help you get squared away so you can get back on the road headache-free.
For the gap at the king pin connection point, what kind of ride quality issues have you noticed from it? Is it noisy or feeling clunky while towing your 5th wheel?
While the jaw-to-kingpin clearance itself can't be mechanically reduced, there are some options to help minimize movement and improve your overall ride quality.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt PowerRide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ford Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 30,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Fixed 5th Wheel
- OEM - Ford
- 7500 lbs Vertical Load
- 30000 lbs GTW
- No Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13 - 17 Inch Tall
- CURT
more information >
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on 5th Wheel Hitch
Josh B.
1/27/2026
Hey Kevin, how did things go after you tried using the nylon hitch plate with your PowerRide 30K? Did it help reduce the movement or noise you were getting from the king pin connection? Your update could make it easier for others dealing with the same gap issue.