Curt PowerRide or Curt A30 5th Wheel Hitch For 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 With OEM Puck System

Question:

Really like the Curt 30k 5th wheel hitches. The 30k capacity just gives me more confidence than something closer to 20k. Not sure to go with the PowerRide or the A30? Is there a big difference?

asked by: Miles

Expert Reply:

There are just a couple of differences between the A30 and PowerRide 5th wheel hitches that fit your 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 with the OEM puck system - the use of a lube plate/grease and the finish. I'll detail that, but real quick, here are the part numbers for the hitches that fit your '23 Sierra 3500 with the OEM 5th wheel prep package:

- Curt PowerRide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package # C36WR

- Curt A30 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package # C16070

So in regards to the lube plate, that or grease is necessary for use with the A30 (in fact it comes with a lube plate), but not needed with the PowerRide. The PowerRide instead has integrated wear plates on the head unit that serve the same function of easing the wear the head unit receives. That makes the PowerRide overall a bit easer to set up than the A30, as you're eliminating a step.

The other difference is minor, and that's the color. The A30 # C16070 is black while the PowerRide # C36WR is gray, and while that likely won't be a big factor to most people, it is one of the differences so I thought it worth mentioning. Overall, the PowerRide is what I prefer and recommend due to those wear plates giving you a simpler set up.