Recommended Usage Of The Maneuvering Position On A Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch

Question:

So I drove approximately 5 miles from site to site with my slider in the maneuver position. There is no visible damage , it pulls fine in the drive position now, is there anything I need to check or be concerned with ?

asked by: Robert R

Expert Reply:

Pulling with the slider in the maneuvering position will put unnecessary strain on your truck and hitch. This is why the hitch manufacturer and I both highly recommend not pulling for more than the turn and below 10 mph. The slide lock isn't rated for going at higher speeds and having to brake. Depending on the speed the hitch may not hold if it goes sliding forward and you could potentially have a loose 5th wheel barreling down the road. As for the truck you could damage your axle and suspension components because the weight of the 5th wheel isn't being evenly distributed. I recommend checking out your axle and suspension components for any cracks or any other signs of visible damage and checking the slide lock and the slide rails of your Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider # C16521.

expert reply by: Kevin C