Will Curt R20 Slider Stop Chucking With Curt A16 Head

Question:

I currently have the R16 slider with an A16 hitch on my 2020 Chevrolet 2500HD standard bed truck. There is a significant amount of slop between the rollers and rails on the R16, causing an annoying amount of chucking. The new S20 claims to reduce the chucking. Is there any way to verify this claim before I go and spend almost $xxx to replace the R16? Second, what are the dimensions, particularly the vertical height? In the pictures it shows one set of bolt holes for the S20, but the R16 has two sets on each side. With only one set of mounting holes, the dimensions are important to ensure I get enough vertical height with the A16 as it is set up right now. Thank you.

asked by: Barry C

Expert Reply:

Chucking will be reduced by switching from the Curt R16 to the Curt S20 Slider for E16, A16, and A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # C63DR.

I'm not 100 percent sure what type of verification you were referring to specifically, but I can tell you that the solid design of the S20 is going to help reduce chucking as it reduces the amount of slop where it slides. I've added a photo showing the very different designs of the sliders, and the S20 is a solid piece at its rollers compared to the open design of the R16. So it is going to be steadier with less flex and overall movement than the rod/roller design.

That said, will the Curt S20 Slider # C63DR "eliminate chucking in towing position" as their current marketing states? Of course not, because some chucking is just a part of towing a 5th wheel trailer, as you undoubtedly know. There are a lot of factors that contribute to chucking, like the quality of the hitch head/jaw system, where weight is distributed in the trailer, and how level you are when you tow.

As for the dimensions, the S20 # C63DR is actually taller than the R16, sitting 12" tall compared to the 11-5/8" height of the R16 so assuming you were using the top bolt holes of the R16 you'll actually gain a small amount of height.

expert reply by: Kyle S