Is There a Way to Tighten Connection to King Pin With Curt E16 Fifth Wheel Hitch

Question:

I have too much slack in my fifth wheel. Is there an adjustment four of the E 16 to eliminate that? My instruction manual got destroyed in the rain. Can I get a new one?

asked by: Ron B

Expert Reply:

I have added a link to the installation manual for the Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Roller # 16516 or the fixed Curt E16 # C16115 for you to check out, though there are really no steps you can take to reduce the slack with this hitch. The reason for this is the jaw system of the E16 is called a slide-bar jaw, and while this jaw system does the job, it also has the loosest connection of any fifth wheel hitch on the market so there is going to be more rattling and more slack when you are towing. I have added a photo showing the E16's jaw system up close.

The only option, and one that will give you a much more pleasant towing experience, is to replace your E16 with a fifth wheel hitch that has a better, more secure jaw system. There are cost-effective options for this, and I recommend the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30047 for a fixed hitch if you have a long bed, or the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider # RP30051 for a sliding hitch if you have a short bed.

The Reese hitches both use a dual jaw system which is the next step up from the slide bar jaw, and if you compare the two photos you can see why the jaw system on the Reese hitches is so much more secure than the Curt E16 and similar slide bar jaw systems.

I have added links to a couple video reviews of the Reese hitches for you to check out.