5th Wheel Hitch Issue

[GHallof]

Hello All,

I recently upgraded my 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 to a 2020 RAM 3500. My hitch is a Curt Q20 that I have had for 3 years. It has served me well and in the old truck it would drop right into the rails in the bed. Easy peazy. Except for the overall weight of the hitch when removing.

The new truck is equipped with the puck system. Instead of buying a new hitch I was able to purchase the Curt puck leg upgrade for my Q20 head unit. The legs came in and I installed them exactly as specified. Dropped hitch into the trucks puck system and locked it down. No issue or at least I thought. Unlocked the legs on the hitch from the puck system and the darn thing will not come back out.

I have been on the phone with Curt and sent them some pics. I was curious if anyone has had a similar issue and could provide some feedback on what they did to alleviate the problem

Thank you all in advance.

[BB_TX]

Not familiar with that truck or hitch adapter. But on my Ford the handles have to be turned exactly 90 degrees from the lock position to be able to remove the hitch.
If you remember the position of the handles when you dropped it in before you turned them, then turn them back to that exact position.

[GHallof]

Hi BB_Tx, appreciate the reply and info. That was my thinking exactly. Been thru a full range of motion on the handles in 1/4" increments. Just no luck. Odd for sure.

[bshgto]

Originally Posted by GHallof

Hi BB_Tx, appreciate the reply and info. That was my thinking exactly. Been thru a full range of motion on the handles in 1/4" increments. Just no luck. Odd for sure.

Different hitch adapter (Reese) same issue. A crow bar when I was sure of the correct position of the handles got it to release. A little lubricant the next time in and it came out easy.

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by bshgto

Different hitch adapter (Reese) same issue. A crow bar when I was sure of the correct position of the handles got it to release. A little lubricant the next time in and it came out easy.

I too have the Reese adapter , as long as I am 90 degrees on the handles it releases , but if off slightly no go .

[RMcNeal]

Had similar issue with my Ford puck system. Had to use some Deep Creep to get it out after leaving it in for about 11 months. Since then, I remove it every so often and spray lube in the holes of the truck puck mount. Mine is a 2014 F350, so rust inside the tubes is becoming an issue causing the binding and the B&W Companion is pretty tight fit.

[Stix]

I have the same system. You can pull the pin which holds the nut stationary on the leg which is not coming out. Adjust the nut and then put the cotter pin back in and you won’t have this issue anymore. If one of your legs is hard to close or open then you need to adjust.

[Mr Mustang]

Originally Posted by RMcNeal

Had similar issue with my Ford puck system. Had to use some Deep Creep to get it out after leaving it in for about 11 months. Since then, I remove it every so often and spray lube in the holes of the truck puck mount. Mine is a 2014 F350, so rust inside the tubes is becoming an issue causing the binding and the B&W Companion is pretty tight fit.

I have the same exact setup, 2014 F350 & B&W, white lithium spray lube and no issues in six plus years.
I would use some WD 40 and a pry bar to remove. Good luck and let us know.✌🏻️

[Montanaontheroad]

Originally Posted by GHallof

Hello All,

I recently upgraded my 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 to a 2020 RAM 3500. My hitch is a Curt Q20 that I have had for 3 years. It has served me well and in the old truck it would drop right into the rails in the bed. Easy peazy. Except for the overall weight of the hitch when removing.

The new truck is equipped with the puck system. Instead of buying a new hitch I was able to purchase the Curt puck leg upgrade for my Q20 head unit. The legs came in and I installed them exactly as specified. Dropped hitch into the trucks puck system and locked it down. No issue or at least I thought. Unlocked the legs on the hitch from the puck system and the darn thing will not come back out.

I have been on the phone with Curt and sent them some pics. I was curious if anyone has had a similar issue and could provide some feedback on what they did to alleviate the problem

Thank you all in advance.

we have a mopar version of that hitch and have the same problem, we had to loosen the bolts on the head to get the hitch out. we took it back to the dealer that installed the hitch and their resolution was to move all the washers from the outside to in-between the upright and the hitch head. we do not feel this this is a good solution as there are gaps where there should not be now. which could cause unnecessary stress points. we are convinced that the issue is a short bottom cross member or out of square legs. we are still searching a solution too.

[GHallof]

I did some research on the issue and finally arrived at the answer. Haven't installed it yet but those of you with the same problem will find the info useful.

Supposedly this problem only appears in some model year 2020 and 2021 RAM trucks with the puck system preinstalled at the factory.

It appears that Curt supplies the hitches to Chrysler/Mopar. What they do not supply are the pucks that get installed into frame of the truck. At some point during the 2020 model year Chrysler/Mopar changed suppliers of the pucks and did not inform Curt. The new pucks were different dimensions than the originals that Curt engineered their hitch for, causing Curt to have to adjust. Not sure I buy all that but that is what I was told.

Curt glady sent me, at no charge, a spacer kit. Part #16993. When installed correctly the spacers add enough space to the legs to fit properly into the pucks. See attached instructions. Give Curt a call.