Comparing the B&W Patriot 16K, Curt A16, and Reese 16K 5th Wheel Hitches

Helpful Expert Reply:

The B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # BWRVK3200, Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # C16120, and Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # RP30047 all have fully articulating hitch heads so there won't be much of a difference in hitching/unhitching at an angle. I recommend the Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # C16120 over the others for a few different reasons.

The first of which is that the A16 has 1" thick, dual interlocking jaws which will do a phenomenal job of reducing chucking. The second reason is that it has an easy one pin head removal system that allows you to remove/install the unit in two pieces. This then makes it possible for one person to remove/install the unit themselves.

The difference in price mostly has to do with the manufacturer and country of origin. The B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch is the only one of the above options that are made in the USA so you can expect to pay more because of this. If you don't like the Curt A16 then this would be my next recommendation.

Please note that the B&W Patriot and Curt A16 5th wheel trailer hitches install on 29" centers (side to side) whereas the Reese 5th wheel trailer hitch installs on 20.5" centers (side to side) so you may need to check you rails.

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order to use the Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # C16120, you will need to get a different set of base rails and frame brackets that can accommodate the 29" centers (side to side) of the mounting feet. The reason you must replace the frame brackets as well is because the ones you have now most likely won't line up with the new rails.

For your 1996 Dodge Ram 2500, you can use the Curt Universal Fifth Wheel Base Rails with Installation Kit part # C16100 or the Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit part # RP30035 in order to install the above Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, whichever you prefer.