Curt A20 5th Wheel Hitch Jaws Do Not Operate and Close Correctly
Question:
I have a Curt A20 hitch with a artic fox fifth wheel with an Reese airborne pin box. We have issues hooking up the pin to the jaws of the hitch . When we back up to line up the pin and jaws the jaws seem to close but not all the way and the left jaw is higher than the right After numerous trys , repositioning no low no rising the trailer it will make proper connection And when disconnecting the jaws will not open every time. What are we doing wrong
asked by: Don
Expert Reply:
It sounds to me like the Curt A20 hitch # C16541 may need to be lubricated. You might also have a spring or some other internal component that is about to fail.
Lubricate before each individual use and every 1,000 miles thereafter. Black graphite grease is recommended for the jaw, pins and the lower bearing assembly jaw. High-pressure wheel bearing grease is preferred for the skid plate. NOTE: In severe cold temperatures a lighter grease, such as white lithium, may be substituted for the jaw pins and the lower bearing assembly jaw. This will ensure that all mechanisms work as designed.
Each jaw pin is supplied with grease through a grease fitting located in each jaw. These grease fittings are visible from each side of the A20 5th wheel.
The lower bearing assembly is supplied with grease through the grease fitting centered in the cast base plate. This grease fitting is visible while looking down through the jaws in their locked position.
The spiral cam seated in the cast base plate requires the application of grease into its pocket. To access, the jaws must be open. Place the lock bar in its fully extended position and retain by seating the flip lock in its uncoupling position. Insert the safety lynch pin. Using a suitable probe, apply grease to the pocket under the spiral cam. When complete, remove the safety lynch pin, rotate the flip lock from its seat and allow the lock bar to retract inward into the coupling position.
If something does happen to fail, this hitch does have a ten year limited warranty.
When the jaws are open a little bit of the jaws will still be visible in the opening. This is normal. Make sure that you have the skid plate of the 5th wheel pin box about 1/2 inch lower than the skid plate for the hitch. When you back the truck up the trailer should basically ramp up the hitch and the king pin will seat in the proper position.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R20 Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17-1/2 - 21-1/2 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
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