Differences Between Curt Q, A and E Series 5th Wheel Hitch Offerings
Question:
Installing on a 2017 Ram long bed. What is the difference between the Q24 and the E or A series hitches other than price?
asked by: Robert C
Expert Reply:
The differences between the Curt Q, A and E series hitches come down to the quality of the jaw system and damping offered by the hitch head.
• The Q24 that you'd looked at, part # C16545-16021 features a standard 2 piece jaw that does a good job
of holding the king pin tightly for minimal movement of the king pin in the hitch jaws. The spherical axial
bearing provides some cushioning and allows the hitch head to tilt in a 360º diameter. This hitch isn't
compatible with rotating pin boxes like the Reese Revolution/Sidewinder or the Lippert Turning Point.
• The A25, like part # C16046 features an interlocking jaw that holds the king pin super-tight, allowing
almost no movement of the king pin. The fully articulating torsion damped hitch head also serves to isolate
the tow vehicle from much of the road shock the 5th wheel experiences for more comfortable towing than
the Q series. The A series IS compatible with rotating pin boxes such as those mentioned above.
• The E series, like part # C16515-16021 is only available in a 16K capacity and uses a slide-bar type jaw.
Although there's no danger of the king pin coming loose when the hitch is properly latched up, this type of
jaw allows quite a bit of movement. While towing, you'll experience quite a bit of shock and noise during
acceleration and braking caused by the king pin moving around in the hitch. The E series is a good choice
of you're on a super-tight budget, but you won't have a very comfortable experience while towing. No
damping is offered by the hitch head.
All three hitch options mentioned above are compatible with the OEM Ram puck system. If I had to recommend between the three, I'd go with the A series, because of the better ride you'll experience.
I've linked to description videos for the three hitches mentioned above.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt A25 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ram Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ram
- 6250 lbs Vertical Load
- 25000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 14 - 18 Inch Tall
- CURT
more information >
Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ram Towing Prep Package - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ram
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Economy - Slide-Bar Jaw
- 12-1/2 - 15-1/2 Inch Tall
- CURT
more information >
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