Curt A16 5th Wheel Hitch Coupling Issue Troubleshooting

Question:

Jaws of hitch wont connect/lock onto 5th wheel trailer pin. I cant manually close it either unless extreme force and using a pipe as a trailer pin. What advice can you give me.....thanks

asked by: John S

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds to me like the Curt A16 hitch # C16120 may need to be lubricated. You might also have a spring or some other internal component that is about to fail.

Lubricate before each individual use and every 1,000 miles thereafter. Black graphite grease is recommended for the jaw, pins and the lower bearing assembly jaw. High-pressure wheel bearing grease is preferred for the skid plate. NOTE: In severe cold temperatures a lighter grease, such as white lithium, may be substituted for the jaw pins and the lower bearing assembly jaw. This will ensure that all mechanisms work as designed.

Each jaw pin is supplied with grease through a grease fitting located in each jaw. These grease fittings are visible from each side of the A16 5th wheel.

The lower bearing assembly is supplied with grease through the grease fitting centered in the cast base plate. This grease fitting is visible while looking down through the jaws in their locked position.

The spiral cam seated in the cast base plate requires the application of grease into its pocket. To access, the jaws must be open. Place the lock bar in its fully extended position and retain by seating the flip lock in its uncoupling position. Insert the safety lynch pin. Using a suitable probe, apply grease to the pocket under the spiral cam. When complete, remove the safety lynch pin, rotate the flip lock from its seat and allow the lock bar to retract inward into the coupling position.

I would also ensure your hitch is at the correct height so that it's as level as possible. This hitch comes with a 4" height adjustment. The manufacturer recommends trying a similar sized stick or pipe to your pin and seeing if it's working without the added weight of the trailer. They also recommend loosening the four bolts to the saddle head and attaching the trailer pin and then retightening the bolts to see if that helps with your sticking issue.

I also recommend replacing your 5th wheel trailer hitch lube plate # 16721.

If you find the springs are worn or broken we offer a replacement set # C16115-SK3.

If none of this helps there may be some broken/damaged levers inside your hitch that will need to be replaced. If so, send in some pictures and we can figure out what you need to replace for your hitch to properly work.