Excessive Noise When Using Curt A16 Fifth Wheel Hitch On 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Question:

2015 Chevrolet 2500HD truck with 6.5 foot bed 2015 Heritage Glen 336 camper I purchased a 38 foot fifth wheel and the dealer installed the Q 16 hitch in my truck. When I take off and stop there appears to be considerable movement of the pin in the hitch jaws. I have not used a hitch like this in the past however I have driven a tractor trailer for over 30 years so I understand the fifth wheel hitch and how they work. I have also talked with some friends that tow fifth wheel campers and they do not seem to have this experience. I can apply truck brakes and I will feel the movement and hear the pop when the pin moves. I can also hear the same when I am starting to take off. I tried adjusting the trailer break box but nothing helped. I pulled the camper about 350 miles from the dealer home and this was somewhat an annoyance when breaking. The camper is new so I do not see any wear issue with the pin. Is this normal or are there an adjustment for the jaws

asked by: Terry H

Expert Reply:

There is not an actual adjustment that can be made on the A16, part # C16621. The hitch has a pivoting head that is cushioned so a bit of movement may be present when towing. If you can find the source of the noise it can help. It may be caused by the slider or by the jaws on the king pin, or the large pin that is in the middle of the hitch.

You may want to check out the Curt Fifth Wheel Rail Sound Dampeners, part # 16900. These are neoprene pads that fit between the hitch and the rails in your truck bed and help eliminate some of the clanking noises you said you are experiencing.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

Sam L.

5/28/2020

I too have had some noise from my curt A16 slider hitch. I have the rubbers that came with it that goes between the rails and the hitch but that's not where my noise is coming from. I've found that the slider itself has play, between where the rollers meet the rails. unfortunately I've found no remedy for the slop and the noise when taking off and braking. I ordered this hitch from this website and upon shipping found the head of the hitch to be dented on the bottom ( not affecting the performance) It didn't bother me so I never raised a stink. Also after the first trip out with the hitch one of the bolts actually fell out of one of the rollers that works the slide. Luckily it was still in the bed and I put new thread locker on it and checked every single bolt to ensure tightness. I am considering purchasing another hitch due to the aggravation of noise. One of the main reasons for buying this hitch was the 360 degree contact it makes with the kingpin only to find out it was just as noisy as our old hitch. On a good note, its super heavy and I like the height adjustments on the side. We take the head off and remove the hitch from the truck every season. Removing the head makes it easier to remove instead of trying to remove it as one piece.

Ronn

2/21/2021

@SamL I am having the exact same issue. Did you ever find any resolution? I spent a lot of money on this hitch and upset the play/slop is so bad.

Saml

2/24/2021

@Ronn I never did. I ended up switching brands. Lesson learned, for me to look for better reviews. I think I did read a review of someone making shims for the slop on theirs. But I know me and I know my luck. Keeping up with that might be more of a hassle. I now have a auto slider and I'm pretty happy with that.