Differences Between Curt Q24 A30 and Reese M5 5th Wheel Hitches

Question:

What's the Difference Between the Curt Q24 and the Reese M5 Series 5th Wheel Hitch for a 2020 Ford F350 long bed with the factory hitch mount system?

asked by: William

Expert Reply:

There are some differences between the Reese # RP30922 M5 Series and the Curt Q24 # C16545-16017 fifth wheel hitches. The M5 has a higher capacity at 27,000lbs versus 24K for the Curt Q24. The M5 series offers less height adjustment at 2-1/2 inches than the 4 inches offered by the Q24, but the M5 has the tallest available adjustment at 18-1/4 inches which is sometimes important. The M5 has a 4 way pivoting head, front to back and side to side while the Q24 uses a unique spherical bearing set up that allows the head to fully articulate.

The largest advantage I'd give the M5 series is its one-piece jaw. When latched, the jaw pulls the king pin very tightly allowing the pin to rotate but not rattle around which gives a superior ride. The Q24 uses a 2 piece jaw that doesn't hold the pin nearly as tightly, so the ride quality won't be quite as good.

There's also a Curt A25 available with a 24K capacity, part # C16036. The head uses a different mechanism to rotate than the Q24 uses, but it still fully articulates. The height adjustments are the same. The big difference is the jaw system. The A25 uses an interlocking jaw which holds the king pin almost as tightly as the M5 Series hitch does.

So, unless you really need that extra 1-1/4 inches of height offered by the M5, you'd be best served by saving a little money and going with the # C16036 Curt A25.