Is Construction Of Curt E16 Fifth Wheel Hitch Reliable When Towing

Question:

I looked at the hitch slide that locks the trailer king pin to the hitch and noticed that the slider only engages the 3/8inch thick backing plate on the inside of the head with less than 1/8inch of bearing surface. The Weldment retaining the slide is only tack welded to the 3/8inch backing plate. This is on the latching handle side of the slide. If the tack weld parts I will have problems I dont want. This is a very similar design to the litl rocker and they engage an inch on each side of the backing plate and the slide retainer the is securely welded to the head frame and backing plate with 3/4inch welds. Do I have a problem?

asked by: John M

Expert Reply:

The curt E16, part # C16115 has been engineered and tested with the weight capacity of 16,000-lbs. Your concern about the welds breaking would be a concern if you were towing a trailer that has more weight than what the hitch is designed to handle.

While I understand your concern over the hitch and it failing, it has been tested to be able to handle the capacity listed for the hitch and I do not think the weld will be an issue for you.

You may want to consider a more heavy-duty hitch that uses thicker jaws and have 360-degree jaw-to-king-pin contact like the Curt A20, part # C16140. This hitch has dual jaws that surround the king pin and will work with the rails you have for the E16 hitch.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L