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Need help?Do you have a question about the curt R16 5TH and is the answer not in the manual?
Warning about exceeding vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
Identifies the product as the R16 5TH WHEEL ROLLER.
Read and understand instructions before using the product and instruct the end-user.
Avoid serious injury by keeping body parts clear of truck/trailer pinch points.
Never position yourself or others under the trailer's kingpin area during coupling.
Product complies with V-5 regulations and safety requirements of Wisconsin.
Inspect all parts for damage and verify that all items listed are present.
Check base rail installation and grease lock rod weldments before assembly.
Slide lock rods, attach outer tube, install spring, and secure with fasteners.
Secure cross member, place roller into base rails, and pin in place.
Test lock bar operation, check indicators, and address binding issues.
Mount 16515/E16 head to roller using bolts, nylock nuts, and hitch pins.
Mount 16520/Q16 head to roller using 14mm bolts and nylock nuts.
Reverse the steps from the '5th Wheel Head Installation' section.
Remove pins and clips from the base rails to detach the roller.
Instructions for aligning the vehicle and engaging lock bars for maneuvering.
Instructions for aligning the vehicle and engaging lock bars for towing.
CURT product warranty for original purchaser, subject to limitations.
Details CURT's obligation, liability exclusions, and conditions that void warranty.
Steps for returning a product for inspection and evaluation under the limited warranty.
Warning about exceeding vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
Identifies the product as the R16 5TH WHEEL ROLLER.
Read and understand instructions before using the product and instruct the end-user.
Avoid serious injury by keeping body parts clear of truck/trailer pinch points.
Never position yourself or others under the trailer's kingpin area during coupling.
Product complies with V-5 regulations and safety requirements of Wisconsin.
Inspect all parts for damage and verify that all items listed are present.
Check base rail installation and grease lock rod weldments before assembly.
Slide lock rods, attach outer tube, install spring, and secure with fasteners.
Secure cross member, place roller into base rails, and pin in place.
Test lock bar operation, check indicators, and address binding issues.
Mount 16515/E16 head to roller using bolts, nylock nuts, and hitch pins.
Mount 16520/Q16 head to roller using 14mm bolts and nylock nuts.
Reverse the steps from the '5th Wheel Head Installation' section.
Remove pins and clips from the base rails to detach the roller.
Instructions for aligning the vehicle and engaging lock bars for maneuvering.
Instructions for aligning the vehicle and engaging lock bars for towing.
CURT product warranty for original purchaser, subject to limitations.
Details CURT's obligation, liability exclusions, and conditions that void warranty.
Steps for returning a product for inspection and evaluation under the limited warranty.
The CURT R16 5th Wheel Roller is a towing product designed to facilitate the maneuvering and towing of 5th wheel trailers. This device is intended for use with 5th wheel trailers weighing up to 16,000 lbs, and it is crucial never to exceed this weight limit. A key feature of the R16 roller is its ability to reposition the 5th wheel hitch 12 inches rearward, which can be beneficial for achieving truck cab/trailer clearance during towing. However, users should note that this repositioning does not guarantee complete clearance in all situations.
The primary function of the CURT R16 5th Wheel Roller is to provide a movable platform for a 5th wheel hitch, allowing the hitch and attached trailer to shift fore and aft relative to the truck bed. This movement is particularly useful for maneuvering the trailer in tight spaces, such as during parking or low-speed turns, by providing additional clearance between the truck cab and the trailer. When the roller is in the "maneuvering position," the hitch and trailer are moved 12 inches rearward. For regular towing, the roller can be locked into the "towing position," where the hitch and trailer are moved 12 inches forward, ensuring a stable and secure connection.
The roller mechanism consists of an outer tube, lock rod weldments (for both passenger and driver sides), roller assemblies, a compression spring, and a handle. These components work together to enable the smooth sliding motion of the hitch along the base rails installed in the truck bed. The lock rod weldments, actuated by the handle, engage with specific locking grooves to secure the roller in either the forward (towing) or rearward (maneuvering) position. An indicator system, featuring red and green indicators, provides visual confirmation of the lock bar's status and the roller's position. When the lock bar handle is vertical and the green indicator is visible, it signifies that the lock bars are fully engaged, indicating a secure position. Conversely, if the red indicator is showing, it suggests the lock bar is not fully engaged.
The R16 roller is designed to be installed into existing base rails in the truck bed. These base rails must be properly installed and parallel to each other to ensure correct operation and secure fitment of the roller. The roller assembly is pinned into place within these base rails using supplied hitch pins and clips. The overall design complies with V-5 regulations and safety requirements for connecting devices and towing systems, ensuring a level of safety and reliability.
Operating the CURT R16 5th Wheel Roller involves a few distinct steps for both maneuvering and towing.
Before using the roller, it must be assembled and installed correctly. The process begins by inspecting all parts for damage and verifying their presence against the parts list. The mounting rail kit is sold separately and must be installed according to its manufacturer's specifications, ensuring the rails are parallel and properly positioned in the truck bed. The assembly involves greasing the ends of the lock rod weldments and sliding them into the respective roller assemblies. The outer tube is then slid over the lock rod weldments, and the compression spring is positioned. These components are secured with 6mm fasteners, and nylock nuts are tightened until fully engaged. The cross member weldment is then positioned between the roller assemblies and secured with 10mm flat head bolts, torqued to 35 foot-lbs. Once assembled, the R16 roller is placed into the base rails and pinned in place with the supplied hitch pins and clips. It is critical to ensure that all base rail hitch pins are correctly positioned and all clips are secured before towing to prevent accidental disengagement.
The R16 roller is compatible with specific 5th wheel heads, such as the 16515 E16 and 16520 Q16 models. The installation process involves sliding the 5th wheel head's cross member weldment into the R16 roller. The desired height is selected using adjustment holes, and the head is secured with bolts and nylock nuts. For the 16515 E16 head, four 1/2" x 1 3/4" bolts are used and torqued to 75 ft-lbs. For the 16520 Q16 head, four 14mm bolts are used and torqued to 100 ft-lbs. The 5th wheel head is then placed into the cross member weldment saddle and secured with hitch head pins and clips.
To engage the maneuvering position, the trailer and tow vehicle should be aligned in a straight line on a level surface. The operator pulls the handle out and rotates it counter-clockwise to place the lock bar in the ready-to-lock position. With the trailer brakes set, the tow vehicle is slowly driven forward until the R16 roller stops. The lock bars will automatically engage in the rear locking groove, moving the hitch and trailer 12 inches rearward. It is essential to visually confirm that the lock bar handle is vertical, both lock bars are fully engaged, and the green indicator is visible, signifying a secure maneuvering position.
To engage the towing position, the trailer and tow vehicle should again be aligned in a straight line on a level surface. The handle is pulled out and rotated clockwise to place the lock bar in the ready-to-lock position. With the trailer brakes set, the tow vehicle is slowly backed up until the R16 roller stops. The lock bars will automatically engage in the forward locking groove, moving the hitch and trailer 12 inches forward. As with maneuvering, it is crucial to visually check that the lock bar handle is vertical, both lock bars are fully engaged, and the green indicator is visible. After confirming engagement, the tow vehicle should be moved forward slightly to ensure both lock bars are fully engaged before commencing towing.
Throughout operation, extreme care must be observed to avoid serious injury. Users should never expose hands, body parts, or clothing between the truck and trailer or the truck's bed sides and trailer. It is also critical never to position oneself or others under the trailer's kingpin area during coupling and uncoupling, as this can result in serious injury or death. The device's warning labels, particularly those on the 5th wheel hitch mid-section, must be observed at all times.
The CURT R16 5th Wheel Roller is designed for durability, but proper maintenance is essential to ensure its continued safe and effective operation.
Users are advised to regularly inspect the product according to the specific instruction sheet. This includes checking the base rails for proper installation and parallelism, as well as ensuring all bolts are torqued to their specified values. If the unit binds during operation, checking bolt torques and verifying the squareness and parallelism of the base rails are the first steps to troubleshoot.
Maintaining correct torque on all fasteners is critical for the safety and performance of the roller. The 10mm flat head bolts securing the cross member weldment should be torqued to 35 foot-lbs. For the 5th wheel head installation, the 1/2" bolts for the 16515 E16 head require 75 ft-lbs of torque, while the 14mm bolts for the 16520 Q16 head require 100 ft-lbs. Nylock nuts should be tightened until fully engaged.
The instructions specifically mention greasing the ends of the lock rod weldments during assembly. This lubrication is vital for ensuring smooth operation of the lock rods and roller assemblies, preventing friction and wear that could impede movement or cause binding. Regular re-greasing of these components, as part of a routine maintenance schedule, would likely extend the lifespan and maintain the smooth functionality of the roller.
If the roller binds or does not operate smoothly, the first steps are to verify that all bolts are torqued to proper specifications and that the base rails are square and parallel. These checks address common issues that could affect the roller's movement.
For removal of the 5th wheel head from the R16 roller, the installation steps should be reversed. For removal of the R16 roller itself, the pins and clips securing it to the base rails should be removed, as detailed in the assembly instructions. This allows for easy removal when the roller is not needed or for maintenance purposes.
CURT Manufacturing, LLC provides a five-year limited warranty to the original purchaser, covering defects under normal use and service, excluding ordinary wear and tear. To maintain warranty validity, the product must be properly maintained and regularly inspected. Alterations or misuse, such as overloading or exceeding weight ratings, or improper operation, will void the warranty. This emphasizes the importance of adhering to all usage and maintenance guidelines provided in the manual.
In summary, the CURT R16 5th Wheel Roller is a robust and functional device designed to enhance the towing experience of 5th wheel trailers by providing crucial maneuverability. Its operation is straightforward, relying on a handle and locking mechanism to shift between towing and maneuvering positions. Proper assembly, adherence to torque specifications, regular lubrication, and diligent inspection are key to ensuring its safe, reliable, and long-lasting performance.
General| Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) | 16, 000 lbs |
|---|---|
| Vertical Load (VL) | 4, 000 lbs |
| Pin Weight | 4, 000 lbs |
| Fits Standard Rails | Yes |
| Material | Steel |
| Hitch Class | 5 |
| Finish | Powder Coat |
