CURT A16 5th Wheel Hitch Head | 16520 | 16K | Head Only

The CURT A16 5th Wheel Hitch Head (Part #16520) is the standalone head unit for the CURT A-Series 16K 5th wheel hitch system. Buy this if you already have compatible A-Series legs, an S20 slider, or need a replacement head for an existing A16 installation. Head only — legs, rails, and mounting hardware NOT included. Rated to 16,000 lb GTW / 4,000 lb vertical load. Patented articulating torsion head with poly-torsion inserts. Self-resetting single-throw handle. High-strength interlocking dual jaws. 3-position color-coded coupling indicator. Compatible with Sidewinder pin boxes. CURT limited lifetime warranty.

The CURT A16 Series — Premium 16K 5th Wheel Hitch

The CURT A-Series is CURT's premium 5th wheel hitch line — engineered above the entry-level E-Series with patented articulating head geometry, interlocking dual-jaw design, and self-resetting handle operation. The A16 is the 16,000 lb capacity variant. Meaningful highlights:

• 16,000 lb gross trailer weight (GTW) — handles most travel trailers, mid-size 5th wheel RVs, and lightweight commercial trailers
• 4,000 lb vertical load capacity
• ⭐ Patented articulating torsion head (Patent #8,827,298) — cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts suppresses shock loads and reduces noise
• ⭐ Self-resetting single-throw handle — pull once to couple/uncouple; handle automatically returns to ready-to-couple position after uncoupling
• ⭐ High-strength interlocking dual jaws — fully wrap the kingpin for minimal movement and noise, providing better king pin contact than single-jaw designs
• ⭐ Three-position color-coded coupling indicator — red (uncouple) / yellow (couple) / green (tow) — visible from the truck cab, eliminates getting out to check hitch state
• ⭐ Extra-wide head opening — makes coupling easier, especially in low-visibility conditions
• ⭐ Sidewinder pin box compatible — approved for use with Sidewinder-style turret pin boxes (E-Series is not)
• Four height adjustment settings (13"–17" range) for different trailer/truck combinations
• Carbide black powder coat finish
• Backed by CURT's limited lifetime warranty (one-year finish, one-year parts)

⭐ Head Only — Ideal Replacement / Upgrade Path

The A16 hitch head (#16520) is the same premium head used in every complete A16 configuration. Meaningful use cases:

• Upgrade an E16 setup to A16 performance — swap the head, keep the existing legs
• Replace a damaged A16 head — restore your hitch without replacing the whole assembly
• Build a custom A16 configuration — pair with compatible legs, slider, or roller
• Q16 upgrade path — the A16 is the successor to the Q16 (upgraded warranty from 10-year to lifetime)

⚠️ What This Head Requires (Sold Separately)

• 5th wheel legs — industry-standard rail-mount legs or CURT OEM puck legs
• 5th wheel base rails — required for industry-standard leg installations
• Custom under-bed brackets — required for industry-standard rail installations (vehicle-specific)
• Or a puck adapter — for puck-equipped trucks using industry-standard legs

Complete A16 Configurations Available

If you don't already have compatible legs/rails, browse the complete A16 configurations:

Base configurations (industry-standard rail mount):

• #16520 — Hitch Head Only ($599.95) ⬅ THIS UNIT
• #16120 — Industry-standard (rails sold separately) ($736.95)
• #16121 — Rails included ($775.95)

Direct-fit puck-system configurations:

• #16033 — Ford F-250/F-350/F-450 SD ($1190.95)
• #16043 — Ram 2500/3500 ($1365.95)
• #16063 — Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500 HD ($1233.95)
• #16091 — Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500 HD ($1277.95)
• #16073 — Nissan Titan XD ($1327.95)

Sliding configurations:

• #16052 — Sliding, universal rails ($1272.95)
• #16053 — Sliding, rails included ($1397.95)
• #16709 — 6.5' bed Silverado/Sierra puck ($1777.95)
• #16062 — Ram 2500/3500 Kit ($1794.95)
• #16681 — Chevy/GMC/Ford HD Kit ($1747.95)

A16 vs E16 — Why Choose A16?

The A16 and E16 are both 16,000 lb capacity 5th wheel hitches sharing the same puck-system compatibility and truck fitment. Meaningful A16 upgrades over E16:

• Articulating head + cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts — smoother, quieter ride than E16's basic dual-pivot head
• Self-resetting handle — fewer steps during hookup than E16's basic single-handle
• Interlocking dual jaws — better king pin contact vs E16's single slide-bar jaw
• 3-position color-coded indicator — vs E16's basic coupling status
• Sidewinder pin box compatible — E16 is not
• Slightly lighter overall — easier install/removal

The E16 remains the value option for buyers who prioritize price and don't need the A-Series comfort and convenience features.

Need Higher Capacity?

The A16 is capped at 16,000 lb GTW. For heavier trailers, CURT offers the A-Series in higher capacities and the flagship PowerRide:

• A20 (20K) — 20,000 lb GTW / 5,000 lb vertical load
• A25 (25K) — 25,000 lb GTW for large 5th wheels
• A30 (30K) — Maximum A-Series capacity for luxury 5th wheels and heavy toy haulers
• PowerRide (30K) — CURT's flagship — multi-directional head, strategic grip points

Each higher-capacity variant is available for the same puck-system trucks and universal industry-standard base rails.

Load Ratings

• Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): 16,000 lb
• Vertical Load Capacity: 4,000 lb

Weight capacities are limited to the lowest-rated towing component (head + legs + rails + trailer coupler).

Cross-Reference Part Numbers

• Part Number: 16520
• UPC: 612314165209
• Patent: #8,827,298
• Compatible with: CURT A-Series and Q-Series 5th wheel legs, S20 slider, R16 roller adapter

⚠️ Professional Installation Recommended

Head unit installation involves proper leg attachment torque and alignment. Installation should be performed by a qualified installer unless you have prior experience with 5th wheel hitch service.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Backed by CURT's limited lifetime warranty (one-year finish, one-year parts).

Genuine CURT OEM

Key Features

• Genuine CURT OEM A16 5th Wheel Hitch Head
• Part Number: 16520
• UPC: 612314165209
• ⭐ Patented articulating torsion head — cast yoke, poly-torsion inserts
• ⭐ Self-resetting single-throw handle — auto-returns to ready-to-couple
• ⭐ High-strength interlocking dual jaws — full kingpin wrap
• ⭐ 3-position color-coded indicator — visible from truck cab
• ⭐ Extra-wide head opening — easier coupling
• ⭐ Sidewinder pin box compatible
• Gross trailer weight: 16,000 lb
• Vertical load capacity: 4,000 lb
• Head unit only — legs, rails, brackets NOT included
• Finish: Carbide black powder coat
• Backed by CURT's limited lifetime warranty (one-year finish, one-year parts)

Specifications

• Brand: CURT
• Part Number: 16520
• UPC: 612314165209
• Product Line: A16 (A-Series Premium)
• Type: 5th Wheel Hitch Head Unit (Standalone)
• Patent: #8,827,298
• Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): 16,000 lb
• Vertical Load Capacity: 4,000 lb
• Head Design: Cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts, fully articulating
• Jaw Design: High-strength interlocking dual jaws (full kingpin wrap)
• Handle: Lockable single-throw, self-resetting
• Coupling Indicator: 3-position color-coded (red/yellow/green)
• Pin Box Compatibility: Standard + Sidewinder-style turret pin boxes
• Compatibility: CURT A-Series and Q-Series 5th wheel legs, S20 slider, R16 roller
• Height Adjustment: 4 positions (13"–17" range, requires compatible legs)
• Included: Head unit only
• Sold Separately: Legs, base rails, brackets, slider (as needed for configuration)
• Finish: Carbide black powder coat
• Warranty: Limited lifetime (one-year finish, one-year parts)