Troubleshooting A Clunking Noise Between A Fifth Wheel Hitch And Base Rails While Towing
Question:
In reading on the Curt A16 hitch is to reduce clunking. I am getting what I think is a lot of clunking when stop and starting. Even hear it driving from time to time on PA bumpe roads. Is there something that Im missing to prevent this. The rails are tight. I pry up on hitch at rails and have slack. I would say that the hitch is moving in rails. Do you have any advice. Im using in short bed truck and have a MORRIDE you turn pin box.
asked by: Bryan C
Expert Reply:
It's totally normal for a bit of movement between any fifth wheel hitch and the base rails. The feet on the hitch are typically a bit smaller than the slots they slide into for mounting otherwise you'd have a hard time getting your hitch in or out of the base rails. This does cause a bit of noise and would allow you to pull up on the hitch slightly. If you're getting a lot of movement then it leads me to believe that either an incorrect sized pin is being used to mount to hitch into the rails or the rail slots have been worn in leaving a larger gap than normal.
The correct pins should be 1/2" thick, so I recommend measuring the pins you're using to make sure you have the right ones. If not, you can use part # C16902 to get some replacement pins. You can also use some sound dampeners # 16900 to cushion the space between the rails and hitch to reduce the noise and slack.
If the rails just need to be replaced then I'll need to know the brand just to confirm a correct replacement.
Products Referenced in This Question
Fifth Wheel Rail Sound Dampeners
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sound Dampeners
- CURT
more information >
Replacement Rail Pins and Clips for Curt 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches and Gooseneck Adapters - Qty 4
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Pins and Clips
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned 360-Degree
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13 - 17 Inch Tall
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Q&A: Why Is Curt PowerRide 5th Wheel Hitch Making Clank Noise When Taking Off From Stop?
- Shop: Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Search Results: fifth wheel hitch
- Q&A: Troubleshooting a Demco Hijacker Autoslide Hitch That Is Making a Clunking Noise
- Shop: JR Products Automatic Changeover 2-Stage Propane Regulator
- Shop: MB Sturgis Propane Pigtail w/ Back Check - RV Type 1 x 1/4" Male NPT - 1-5/8'
- Shop: MB Sturgis Propane Pigtail w/ Back Check - RV Type 1 x 1/4" Male NPT - 1'
- Shop: Propane Hose with Back Check - Type 1 x 1/4" Male NPT - 20"
- Search Results: lube plate
- Search Results: curt lube plate
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Jaws On Hitch Being Out Of Alignment
- Q&A: Can the Jaws on the Curt E16 5th Wheel Hitch Be Adjusted
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt A25 and Curt Q25 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches for 2018 Ram 3500
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt A25 and Q25 Fifth wheel Hitches
- Q&A: Maintenance on Curt A20 5th Wheel Hitch
- Video: B and W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Review
- Video: Curt Fifth Wheel 16900 Review
- Video: Curt Fifth Wheel Rail Sound Dampeners Review
- Video: Review of CURT Replacement Base Rail Galvanic Isolators For 5th Wheel Hitch - C83FR
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Video: Choosing the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: 5th wheel hitch
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Video: B and W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch with Slider Installation - 2022 GMC Sierra 2500
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
on Fifth Wheel Hitch
