Curt
Curt A16 Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch (16K, short bed)
CURT's 16K A-Series slider for short beds, built for a quiet ride: poly-torsion inserts and jaws that wrap the kingpin, on the S20 slider that moves 12 inches and latches itself in both directions. It replaces the discontinued 16521.
16K lbs
Max Trailer Weight
4.0K lbs
Max Pin Weight
12" slide
For short bed clearance
Our Assessment
Stupid Simple Score
DIY or Pro?
Installation
Availability
Where to Buy
Requires
ISR Rails
Expert Take
A 16K A-Series sliding fifth wheel for short-bed trucks, bolting to standard rails and sliding manually to clear the cab in tight turns. The articulating head and price make it a strong value, though the manual slide adds a step at hookup.
About This Product
The 16052 is CURT's A16 fifth wheel head mounted on its S20 slider, sold as one kit for short-bed trucks with standard base rails. It replaces the 16521, which CURT has discontinued. It's rated for 16,000 lb gross trailer weight and 4,000 lb vertical load.
CURT built the A16 for a quiet ride. The head sits on a cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts to soak up shock loads, it fully articulates, and the interlocking jaws wrap all the way around the kingpin. The handle is lockable and resets itself to ready-to-couple after you unhook, a three-position indicator shows coupling status, the head opening is extra wide, and the head comes off with one pin so you move it in lighter pieces. A polyethylene lube plate is included, so there's no grease on the plate.
The S20 slider moves the coupling point 12 inches toward the tailgate for cab clearance in tight turns, works off a lift-style lever you can reach over the bed side, and latches automatically in both directions. CURT says the hitch works with kingpin extension boxes, including common pivoting pin boxes. Three height positions, carbide powder coat, tested to SAE J2638, limited lifetime warranty (one year on finish and parts). Not compatible with CURT's X5 adapters.
Details
Specs & Details
| Part Number | 16052 |
| Head Type | Sliding |
| Slide Travel | 12" |
| Finish | Black powder coat |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
| SAE J2638 | Certified |
Compare Options
Related Products
B&W
20K Companion
Weight Rating
20,000 lbs
Head Type
fixed
Mount
ISR Fifth Wheel
MSRP
$899
PullRite
20K SuperGlide
The 20K SuperGlide rail unit is the auto-sliding short-bed solution for rail-equipped trucks pulling up to 20,000 lbs. It moves the pivot automatically on turns to keep the trailer off the cab; you'll need rails in the bed and the slider adds heft.
Weight Rating
20,000 lbs
Head Type
auto sliding
Mount
ISR Fifth Wheel
MSRP
$1,765
PullRite
24K SuperGlide
The 24K SuperGlide rail version brings PullRite's automatic short-bed slider to trucks set up with standard rails, self-sliding on turns for full cab clearance. Tows great for 24,000 lbs, but you need the rails installed and the auto-slide head is heavy.
Weight Rating
24,000 lbs
Head Type
auto sliding
Mount
ISR Fifth Wheel
MSRP
$2,163
PullRite
14K SuperGlide
The 14K SuperGlide is the lightest-duty auto-slider, made for short-bed trucks pulling smaller fivers up to 14,000 lbs on standard rails. It self-slides during tight turns to protect the cab and tows quiet; you just need the rails and accept the slider's extra mass.
Weight Rating
14,000 lbs
Head Type
auto sliding
Mount
ISR Fifth Wheel
MSRP
$2,152
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
The Curt A16 Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch (16K, short bed) is rated for 16,000 lbs gross trailer weight (GTW) and 4,000 lbs vertical tongue weight (VTW — the pin weight your truck carries). Always verify your truck's tow rating before purchasing.
This hitch is considered DIY-friendly — most owners can install it with basic tools.
The Curt A16 Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch (16K, short bed) is available from Amazon, Curt directly. Use the "Where to Buy" buttons above for current pricing and availability.
The Curt A16 Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch (16K, short bed) has a sliding head. For tight, low-speed turns the head moves back toward the tailgate, which moves the pivot point of the trailer away from the cab. That extra clearance is what short-bed trucks need.
This is the 20K Companion configured for industry-standard rails, so it needs rails already bolted in the bed. Once mounted it tows with the same cushioned, articulating head and chucking-free ride as the puck versions.