Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch With High Quality Ride for 2014 Ford F150 Towing 6500lb 5th Wheel

Question:

I have a 2014 F150 with a 6-1/2ft bed. I pull a 28ft. 6500lb. camper and Im getting a lot of chucking.from the Reese 16K slider hitch.I am planning a long trip in July and dont want to put up with a lot of the chucking. I plan to purchase a new slider hitch. I have been considering either the Curt Q16 slider or the Husky 16K slider to replace the loose joint Reese. Which would you recommend? or an alternative. Also if I were to need additional cushioning and a new cushioning pin box...what would you recommend.

asked by: John M

Expert Reply:

The first thing to consider changing when you're experiencing chucking is the hitch. What kind of jaw set up does it have? A slide bar jaw like what's used on the Curt E16 # 16516 is very susceptible to chucking because the jaw doesn't hold the king pin very tightly. There's no worry of the pin popping out, but it will move around in the jaw causing chucking.

A dual jaw like the # RP30051 will do better, but will still allow some chucking. An interlocking jaw like what's used in the Curt A20, part # C16541 would allow much less chucking and much improved ride quality.

If your hitch doesn't have the slide bar jaw, your ride quality could be dramatically improved by using an air ride pin box. The replacement pin box you need would depend on the manufacturer and part number of your existing pin box. This information should be listed on a sticker or plate somewhere on the pin box. I've linked you to an FAQ article which lists available air-ride pin boxes and the OEM pin boxes they replace.

Another option would be to go with a standard non-sliding hitch like the # RP30047 you mentioned and using a Air Ride Sidewinder Pin Box. A Sidewinder would eliminate the need for a slider by relocating the pivot point between the truck and the fifth wheel from the point where the king pin meets the jaws 22 inches rearward to the point where the pin box meets the turret. This will provide a high quality air ride, without needing to exit the cab of the truck to actuate the sliding mechanism. Like the Air Ride Pin Boxes, the fit is specific to the pin box currently on your fifth wheel. I've linked you to an FAQ article that lists available Sidewinder Air-Ride models.