Opinions on Curt 5th Wheel Hitches

[BaldwinScott]

Just ordered a new 2016 Ram 3500 with the tow package puck system and have to get a new 5th wheel hitch as we are full time RVer's. Am considering the Curt Q24 5th wheel hitch and looking for comments on them. I pull a 40 ft. Montana with Max. load rating of about 15,000 lbs.

Any suggestions or comments on the Curt Q24 Hitch would be appreciated.

Thanks, Scott

 

[Dieselnerd]

I never heard of the Curt until recently when they made a hitch for the RAM. I have been towing 5th wheels for almost 30 years and have used a variety of hitches. I used a B&W Companion for the first time on my '05 RAM. I used the same hitch on my 2014 RAM. It has been the best hitch I ever used and I'd never use another brand again.

I've recently upgraded to the B&W 3600 that fits the pucks on my '14 RAM. It's a 25K hitch that goes well with my new RAM's towing ability with the Aisin and 4:10 gears.

The Curt may well be a fine hitch but I've never seen one and don't know anyone that has one. Most of my friends that tow large 5th wheels are using the B&W too.

 

[Mingoglia]

I never heard of the Curt until recently when they made a hitch for the RAM. I have been towing 5th wheels for almost 30 years and have used a variety of hitches. I used a B&W Companion for the first time on my '05 RAM. I used the same hitch on my 2014 RAM. It has been the best hitch I ever used and I'd never use another brand again.

I've recently upgraded to the B&W 3600 that fits the pucks on my '14 RAM. It's a 25K hitch that goes well with my new RAM's towing ability with the Aisin and 4:10 gears.

The Curt may well be a fine hitch but I've never seen one and don't know anyone that has one. Most of my friends that tow large 5th wheels are using the B&W too.

Curt's been around awhile, though I've always considered it a Walmart brand, as that's the only place that I've seen it stocked. With that being said though, I do know they make some stuff for Reese and/or Drawtite.

Mike

 

[GSykes]

Curt Mfg. is based in Wisconsin and yes made in China. I have the Q-16 head with the puck leg system. Max trailer weight 16,000 with a 4,000 vertical load rating.
I purchased what was going to work for me. Both are covered by a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. Just returned from a three thousand mile trip, system was flawless. Buy what suits your needs and what you are comfortable with.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I would compare the two in these pics. B&W 1" thick machined jaws, Curt 1/2". Not sure how the latching works on a Curt. B&W is a simple handle, no color coding or handles to try to engage.

Close handle and lock look to see the jaws closed around the kingpin. You are hitched NO question. Simple rock solid design. Oh yea Rattle free! RVK3600 25K towing and 6,500# pin.

 

[KATOOM]

I've always understood that Curt makes a pretty decent product. I have a Curt 16k slider and it seems to be doing well for what I need. When I was looking around at other units I was kinda surprised how cheap some of the other brands looked. But really.....there are so many brand models that its hard to choose. Check out some RV forums like rv.net and you'll find plenty of threads where people compare their hitches and discuss the pro's and con's of those they have. I will say though, I've heard lots of positive feedback about Companion hitches.

 

[Dutch & Di]

We have a 26k curt hitch on our 2015 3500 Ram dually. When we 1st got it, we had a terrible time getting it to lock and unlock when hitching or unhitching the 5th wheel. After several dealership trips, a mgr felt we had a bad hitch head and replaced it. viola` we no longer have any problems with the Curt hitch. We pull a 38' triple slide, triple axle {wood frame} Carriage and feel it does a great job. Hugs, Di.

 

[Cummins12V98]

With a B&W there is NO "getting use to it" for sure! Very simple solid system. Just compare the two side by side.

 

[CWade]

Shopping for a new HO / Aisin Dually and was wondering how to mount my 5th wheel to the factory installed pucks. I see on Etrailer.com they sell a Reece above bed adapter rail that will fit the factory set up and let me use my older Reese 25K fifth wheel. Price is $370 for rail kit to fit the 2015 3500 Ram.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Shopping for a new HO / Aisin Dually and was wondering how to mount my 5th wheel to the factory installed pucks. I see on Etrailer.com they sell a Reece above bed adapter rail that will fit the factory set up and let me use my older Reese 25K fifth wheel. Price is $370 for rail kit to fit the 2015 3500 Ram.

If I remember correctly, TDR member Larry Willard did the same thing using his Reese 5th wheel hitch from a previously owned Ram. You might send him a Private Message asking about it.

Bill

 

[CWade]

If I remember correctly, TDR member Larry Willard did the same thing using his Reese 5th wheel hitch from a previously owned Ram. You might send him a Private Message asking about it.

Bill

Thanks, Bill, will do

 

[BaldwinScott]

CWade: I believe they call that set-up a "Picture Frame Mount" for those types of hitches. I know several who have them and they seem to work good! I just ordered a Curt Q24 for my 2016 Ram from ETrailer.com that fits the Dodge factory puck under bed mounts, should be here Monday or Tuesday.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I am very happy with the fit and quality of the B&W hitches I have for my 3500.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

And, by the way, the B&W products are made in Kansas, USA!

 

[Tuesdak]

First Curt 5er installed on our 2008 broke on the first trailer we tried to hook up. Broke in the device that latches and holds the trailer while hooking up. Horizon made a call to the local installer to help them 'warranty' it as they watched it fail in the 'test drive class'. It cost us our first RV load and 2 days. We put 115K miles on the replacement. With the initial lacking quality and sun fading of the paint coating in under 4 years I wouldn't buy another. Made in China is a double whammy.

 

[Cummins12V98]

All I can say is just LOOK at the pic of the Curt and the B&W, that should say enough.

 

[JR]

All I can say is just LOOK at the pic of the Curt and the B&W, that should say enough.

Comparing a 16k hitch to a 25k hitch isn't exactly an apples to apples comparison. The Curt 20k steps up to a 1" jaw, I believe the 16k is 5/8". Curt adheres to SAE J2638 so that tells me whatever they use is adequate.
B&W is probably a better quality hitch but then again they are close to double the price.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I did not notice it was a 16K, thanks. The Q16 and Q24 are identical from what I read on Etrailer except for the center section is smaller on the 16. The Curt Q24 is $889 and the B&W RVK3600 is $1,159 a $270 difference.

I just think people should compare hitches before making a decision.