Troubleshooting Curt A20 Fifth Wheel Hitch That Doesn't Want to Latch

Question:

I have this hitch in a 2017 GMC 3500, Hitch is about 1 year old with average uses 1-2 times a month to pull a 40ft Toy Hauler. Sometimes when I back into the trailer the jaws close but the handle does not move to the latched position. I have pulled forward and backed into the camper multiple times with the same problem. I know I am backing hard enough because I get concerned that I am going to knock the nose of the camper off the blocks. Any suggestions as to what to check/look for? The hitch is covered when not in use. Thanks

asked by: Bryan S

Expert Reply:

Sounds like the jaws of your Curt A20 fifth wheel hitch # C16064 are in need of lubrication. I attached a chart that has the maintenance schedule for the hitch.

If you are still having issues after following that chart let me know and we can go from there.

expert reply by: Jameson C

click to enlarge

Leroy H.

1/12/2021

I am having same problem but my hitch is an older hitch with single jaw. I don’t think lack of lubrication is the issue. When trying to hook up as looking from back of bed the left side of latch needs to pop up for jaws to align and latch arm to lock. It doesn’t want to do that.

Jon G.

1/15/2021

How old is your 5th wheel hitch and when was the last time you performed maintenance? If you haven't added any grease or serviced parts and you've owned the 5th wheel for a while then that very well could be the issue.

Leroy H.

1/15/2021

@JonG I have had the hitch for a long time. It sat up for over 12 years while we had a motorhome. We bought another 5th wheel a year and a half ago and had it reinstalled then and began using it. I took top off and greased all serts before using first time and have greased at least once since then as well as spray lubricant under hitch plate each time before hooking up. We do not move very often - maybe 6-8 times in last year and a half. And I do remember hating hooking up before we quit 5th wheeling. Always a problem getting it to latch. This is a 20K hitch that has really not been used that much and I hate to replace it. If I do it certainly won't be a Curt. We had a different hitch before the curt but it wasn't heavy enough when we went to a larger trailer. Never had any problems then.