CURT 16104 Industry-Standard 5th Wheel Hitch Rails Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The CURT 16104 Industry-Standard 5th Wheel Hitch Rails provide a robust and secure mounting foundation for 5th wheel trailer hitches in your truck bed. These rails are designed to be industry-standard, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of 5th wheel hitches, including most CURT models and many competitor brands. They are engineered to offer a solid attachment point for heavy-duty towing applications, with a gross trailer weight rating of 25,000 pounds.

Key features include a dual-coat finish for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance, and a design that facilitates quick installation and removal of the 5th wheel hitch, allowing for full use of the truck bed when not towing.

Figure 1: CURT 16104 5th Wheel Hitch Rails

Figure 2: Features and Benefits of CURT 5th Wheel Hitch Rails

2. Safety Information

Always prioritize safety when installing, operating, or maintaining towing equipment. Failure to follow safety guidelines can result in serious injury or property damage.

• Read and understand all instructions before installation and use.
• Ensure all fasteners are tightened to the specified torque values.
• Regularly inspect the hitch rails and all towing components for wear, damage, or corrosion.
• Do not exceed the maximum gross trailer weight (GTW) or vertical load (VL) ratings of the hitch, rails, or tow vehicle.
• Always use appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, during installation.
• Proposition 65 Warning: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

3. Components

The CURT 16104 kit includes the following components:

• Two (2) 5th Wheel Base Rails

Additional hardware, such as bolts, lock washers, and mounting brackets, are typically included with a CURT 5th wheel bracket kit (sold separately) which is required for installation.

Figure 3: Detailed view of CURT 5th Wheel Hitch Rails

4. Setup and Installation

Installation of the CURT 16104 5th Wheel Hitch Rails requires a CURT custom 5th wheel bracket kit (sold separately) specific to your truck's make and model. The following steps provide a general overview; always refer to the detailed instructions provided with your specific bracket kit for precise measurements and torque specifications.

Required Tools (May Vary):

• Socket set (various sizes)
• Wrenches (various sizes)
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Drill with 1/8" drill bit and step bit (or 9/16" drill bit)
• Center punch and hammer
• Tape measure
• Touch-up paint (for rust prevention)

Installation Steps:

1. Prepare the Truck: Remove the spare tire and any heat shields to provide adequate working space.
2. Position the Front Rail: Place one rail in the truck bed. Measure from the rear edge of the truck bed (not the tailgate) to the designated distance (e.g., 52 3/8" for long beds, 47 1/2" for short beds) and mark the position. Center the rail between the wheel wells.
3. Mark and Drill Holes (Front Rail): Mark all four attachment points using the outermost holes in the rail. Remove the rail. Center punch and drill a pilot hole (1/8") at one marked point.
4. Install Mounting Bracket (First Side): Raise a custom mounting bracket into position underneath the truck frame, aligning it with the drilled pilot hole. Confirm alignment, then remove the bracket.
5. Drill Remaining Holes (Front Rail): Center punch and drill pilot holes for the remaining three attachment points. Enlarge all four holes to 9/16" using a step bit. Deburr the holes and apply touch-up paint for rust prevention.
6. Secure Mounting Bracket (First Side): Reposition the mounting bracket. Insert 1/2" carriage bolts down through the rail, a U-shaped spacer (if provided), and the truck bed. Fasten from underneath with a spacer and hex flange nut. Tighten until snug.
7. Repeat for Opposite Side: Repeat steps 3-6 for the other side of the truck bed to install the second front mounting bracket.
8. Position the Rear Rail: Place the 5th wheel hitch (unassembled) into the installed front rail. Position the rear rail by inserting the tabs on the 5th wheel legs into the slots of the rear rail, pushing it tight towards the front rail.
9. Mark and Drill Holes (Rear Rail): Measure to confirm the rear rail is centered on the truck box floor. Using the second set of holes in on the rail as a template, mark the attachment points. Remove the 5th wheel hitch and rear rail. Center punch and drill pilot holes, then enlarge to 9/16". Deburr and apply touch-up paint.
10. Secure Rear Rail: Reposition the rear rail over the holes. Insert 1/2" carriage bolts down into all four attachment points. From underneath the truck bed, loosely fasten with a spacer and hex flange nut.
11. Final Tightening: Torque all hardware to the exact values specified in your bracket kit's instructions.
12. Reinstall Components: Reinstall any removed heat shields and the spare tire.

5. Operating Instructions

Once the CURT 16104 5th Wheel Hitch Rails are securely installed, they provide the necessary foundation for mounting your 5th wheel hitch. The rails allow for easy attachment and detachment of the hitch, enabling you to convert your truck for towing or cargo hauling as needed.

• Mounting the 5th Wheel Hitch: Align the legs of your 5th wheel hitch with the slots in the installed rails. Secure the hitch using the pins and clips provided with your 5th wheel hitch. Ensure all connections are firm and secure before towing.
• Detaching the 5th Wheel Hitch: Follow the instructions provided with your specific 5th wheel hitch for safe detachment. Typically, this involves removing the pins and clips, then lifting the hitch from the rails.
• Towing: Always ensure your trailer is properly loaded and secured. Perform a pre-trip inspection of all towing components, including the hitch, rails, and trailer connections, before each journey.

Figure 4: 5th Wheel Hitch mounted on rails in a truck bed

Figure 5: Truck bed with 5th wheel hitch and cargo

Figure 6: Truck towing a 5th wheel RV at a campsite

Figure 7: Truck towing a 5th wheel RV on the road

Figure 8: Truck towing a heavy trailer

6. Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and safe operation of your CURT 5th wheel hitch rails.

• Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the rails for any signs of wear, damage, cracks, or corrosion. Check all bolts and fasteners for tightness and re-torque as necessary according to the specifications in your bracket kit manual.
• Cleaning: Clean the rails regularly to remove dirt, road salt, and debris. Use mild soap and water, then rinse thoroughly and dry.
• Corrosion Protection: The rails feature a dual-coat finish (A-coat and powder coat) for rust resistance. If any scratches or chips occur, promptly apply touch-up paint to prevent corrosion.
• Lubrication: Consult your 5th wheel hitch manual for any lubrication requirements for the hitch components that interact with the rails.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your CURT 5th wheel hitch rails, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:

• Loose Hitch Fit: If your 5th wheel hitch feels loose on the rails, re-check the tightness of all mounting hardware for both the rails and the hitch. Ensure the hitch legs are properly seated in the rail slots.
• Difficulty Mounting/Detaching Hitch: Ensure the rails are free of debris or obstructions. Verify that the hitch legs are correctly aligned with the rail slots. Check for any bending or damage to the rails or hitch legs.
• Unusual Noises During Towing: Investigate any new or unusual noises. This could indicate loose hardware, worn components, or improper hitch engagement. Stop towing immediately and inspect all connections.
• Corrosion: Address any signs of rust or corrosion promptly by cleaning the affected area and applying touch-up paint to prevent further deterioration.

For issues not resolved by these steps, contact CURT customer support or a qualified professional.

8. Specifications

Figure 9: Approximate Dimensions of CURT 5th Wheel Hitch Rails

9. Warranty and Support

For specific warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official CURT website. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.