How to Upgrade From Curt A16 to A20 Sliding Hitch on 2018 Chevy Silverado 3500 With Factory Pucks

Question

Question:

Hello, I currently have the Curt a16 hitch with slider rails in my 2018 Silverado with the factory puck system. I will be upgrading to a heavier fifth wheel and will need to change to a hitch with a higher weight rating. My question is can I upgrade to curt a20 head unit on the same hitch and slide rails or must I buy all new? I dont really need or want the slide rail feature so what are my best options in your best opinion? Thanks

asked by: Mark B

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Okay, so there's a couple things to go over here, and I'll explain why to upgrade from the Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with R16 Roller for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package 16668 what you are going to need is the Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with R20 Slider # C16541.

The first thing is that the capacity of a fifth wheel hitch is determined by both the head unit and the base. So the A16's head unit and base are both rated for 16,000 lbs, so even if you could switch out to a higher rated head, the unit would still be rated for 16,000 lbs because that's what it's base is rated for (you have to go by the lowest capacity).

And while you mentioned that you didn't want the slider, for some reason that generation of Chevy trucks has slightly different puck spacing on the short bed and long bed models, so a fixed Curt A20 for the prep package won't work on a short bed.

The good news is, you can still use your Adapter Rails for Curt 5th Wheel Hitch with Slider - Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package # C16023 so you do not need to purchase that again, saving you some money there. I know that's a lot of information, so just to clarify, to upgrade from the Curt A16 to the Curt A20 on your 2018 Chevy Silverado 3500 with the 5th wheel prep package you will need:

- Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with R20 Slider # C16541

I have added a link to a video review for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S

1

Answer 1

From the info you told me it looks like the max 5th wheel/gooseneck towing capacities for your 2018 Chevy 2500HD is 9,000 lbs for a 3.73 axle ratio or 14,000 lbs for a 4.10 axle ratio. Either way you won't be able to safely tow a 16,000 lb 5th…

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Answer 2

The only solution that is going to allow your trailer to be towed level is going to be to lift the trailer as it sounds like your truck sits pretty high up. You will have to have your Trailair inflated to the inflation point that is designated on the…

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Answer 3

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 4

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 5

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 6

Hey Steve, so between the Curt #C16265 and the Pullrite #PUL36ZR I'd go wit the Curt but not the Q25. I'd go with the A25 #C24FR, which is basically the same thing as the Q25 but does not require the #C88KR adapter. Only the Curt is going to…

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Answer 7

Beds shorter than 8 foot do commonly need a slider hitch David, but a lot of modern fifth wheel trailers are now made with tapered noses to help and in a lot of cases a slider isn't required. So if the trailer you plan to tow has a tapered nose…

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Answer 8

Hey Jay. It sounds like you are on the right track here because a sidewinder pin box will be your only option for pulling your 5th wheel since you have a short bed truck with the Rambox. That said, you are right that the Reese Sidewinder cannot be…

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Answer 9

Gen-Y does offer a fifth wheel pin box to gooseneck coupler that can fit in place of the Lippert Turning Point pin box with the part #GY48GR. At this time they do not offer a pin box replacement (no gooseneck adapter) that can fit in place of the…

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Answer 10

As far as height adjustability and weight capacities the Curt Q20 #C16130 and the Curt A20 #C16140 are identical. They both have a Gross Towing Weight of 20,000 lbs, a Vertical Load Limit of 5,000 lbs, and a height range of 13-17 inches. When it…

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Answer 11

The Ram OEM 5th wheel puck system, shown in the linked photo and article, was launched in 2013 so what you have in your truck is likely to be an aftermarket installation of some kind. These newer Ram trucks with the factory prep can directly accept a…

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Answer 12

The head alone for the B&W Companion hitch #BWRVK3500 weighs about 70 pounds. Everything else weighs about 130 pounds. So the total weight of the hitch is approximately 200 pounds.

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