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Whether youre a novice at fifth wheel towing or youve been doing it for years, REESE has the gear you need to connect your truck and trailer safely and securely. Designed with state-of-the-art equipment by top-of-the-line engineers, REESEs 16K fifth wheel hitches are built to last! Featuring wide-stance one-piece legs, a dual jaw locking system, side-to-side pivot action to better accommodate hook-ups on uneven ground, quick installation, and strong performance while on the road. When youre done towing, REESEs fifth wheel hitches are easy to remove as well, giving you full access to the bed of your truck in no time. So tow with the confidence that only REESE can provide and make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
| BRAND: | REESE |
| PART NUMBER: | 30051 |
| WARRANTY: | LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY |
| WEIGHT: | 158 LBS |
| CAPACITY: | 16,000 LBS. |
| PIN WEIGHT CAPACITY: | 4,000 LBS. |
| GROSS TOWING WEIGHT: | 16,000 LBS. |
| BASE LENGTH: | 26.12 IN. |
| BASE WIDTH: | 25.89 IN. |
| BASE HEIGHT: | 16.7 IN. |
| VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT: | 14.75 IN. TO 17 IN. |
| WELDING REQUIRED: | NO |
| LOCKABLE: | YES |
| WIRING HARNESS INCLUDED: | NO |
| JAW TYPE: | DOUBLE |
| FORE AND AFT PIVOT: | 15 DEGREE |
| DRILLING REQUIRED: | NO |
| MOUNTING HARDWARE INCLUDED: | NO |
| MOUNTING HOLE QUANTITY: | 4 |
| HITCH TYPE: | GLIDING |
| MATERIAL: | STEEL |
| SIDE TO SIDE PIVOT: | 4 degrees to 5 degrees |
| BOLT GRADE: | SAE 8 |
| COLOR: | BLACK |
Reese has designed towing equipment since 1952 and remains a benchmark for heavy-duty towing. The line covers fifth wheel hitches such as the modular M5, gooseneck couplers including the Goose Box, air-ride and short-bed pin boxes, weight distribution systems with active sway control, and the accessories that connect them, all built to exceed published industry standards.
Reese has been pioneering towing performance since 1952, when Margaret Reese asked her husband TJ to stop travel trailers rocking every time somebody walked through them. His answer, the first pair of stabilising jacks, was simple and effective enough to change the RV industry. From that starting point Reese grew into a designer and manufacturer of complete towing systems, and today it anchors the heavy-duty end of the Horizon Global towing portfolio.
Fifth wheel towing is where the brand's engineering is most visible. The M5 fifth wheel hitch uses a modular design that breaks into manageable sections for assembly, with a wider stance, tighter tolerances and a shock absorption system aimed at the jolts that travel up through a truck bed. For owners who would rather tow from a gooseneck coupler and keep the bed clear, the Goose Box 20K replaces the trailer's king pin with a gooseneck connection carrying its own air-ride cushioning.
Pin boxes are a Reese speciality. The 5th Airborne uses air-ride technology to dampen road shock and reduce the chucking motion that makes fifth wheel towing tiring, while the Sidewinder was designed for short-bed pickups, pivoting the connection point so the trailer can turn sharply without the front cap meeting the cab.
For conventional towing, Reese weight distribution systems restore load to the tow vehicle's front axle and control sway. The Pro Round Bar distributes weight evenly while damping sway, and the Pro Dual Cam II uses active cam-based sway control that works harder the stronger the sway force becomes. Complete kits pair bars, head and shank to a rated tongue weight, and dedicated sway control kits can be added to existing setups. The products suit RV owners, horse and livestock haulers and anyone towing near the upper end of a vehicle's rating.
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Reese® 5th Wheel Hitch Features & Benefits
The Reese 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch is designed exclusively for use with recreational fifth wheel trailers equipped with a SAE 2-inch kingpin. It is not approved for any other towing application unless written approval is obtained from Reese's Engineering Department. The hitch has a maximum gross trailer weight capacity of 16,000 pounds and a maximum kingpin weight of 4,000 pounds.
The Reese 16K hitch is designed for light trucks such as the Ford F-Series, Chevy Silverado, and Dodge Ram. Reese recommends using a long bed (8 ft) truck for the best truck-trailer turning clearance. Short bed trucks (longer than 6 ft but less than 8 ft) can be used with an extended pin box on the trailer and optionally with a Reese Kwik-Slide (part 30048) for improved low-speed maneuvering clearance.
Do not install this hitch on a short bed pickup truck shorter than 6 ft. For short bed trucks longer than 6 ft but less than 8 ft, the hitch can be used if the trailer is equipped with an extended pin box (consult your trailer manufacturer for options). Reese also recommends adding a Reese Kwik-Slide (part 30048) to gain additional turning clearance for low-speed maneuvering. Always monitor truck cab and trailer clearance during turns to prevent collision.
The maximum gross trailer weight is 16,000 pounds. This is the combined weight of the dry trailer plus all payload (water tanks, cargo, etc.). Your towing vehicle must have a manufacturer-rated towing capacity equal to or greater than this gross trailer weight.
The maximum kingpin weight is 4,000 pounds. Approximately 15–25% of the gross trailer weight should rest on the hitch (pin weight). If you are unsure of your kingpin weight, have it measured by a qualified facility.
Use only a SAE 2-inch kingpin with the Reese 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch. Other kingpin sizes are not compatible.
The hitch assembly includes: 4 long pull pins (11), 4 spring retaining pins (12), 2 jaws (13, 14), 2 pins (15), 6 retainer rings (16), 1 actuating handle (17), 1 latch (18), 1 3/8-inch bolt (19), 1 3/8-inch flat washer (20), 1 3/8-inch lock nut (21), 2 springs (22), 1 head assembly (26), 1 head support (27), 2 side brackets (28), 1 pivot beam (29), 1 pivot pin (30), 1 klik-pin (31), 4 1/2-13 x 4.5-inch hex bolts (32), 4 1/2-inch lock nuts (33), 1 cotter pin (34), 1 tubular handle (35), 1 handle grip (36), 2 rubber stoppers (42). Base rails, brackets, and additional hardware are in a separate kit (part 30035).
Yes. The hitch head assembly is sold separately from the base rail mounting kit. You must purchase part 30035 (Installation Instructions for 5th Wheel Rail Mounting Kit), which contains the base rails, brackets, and hardware needed to mount the hitch to your truck bed and frame. The base rails must be bolted through the truck bed floor to frame brackets; fastening to the floor alone is not sufficient.
The hitch height can be adjusted between 13 inches (lowest position) and 17 inches (highest position) by selecting the appropriate hole on the head support when installing the head support onto the leg assembly.
Using the trailer jacks, adjust the trailer height so that the bottom of the trailer pin box is 1/2 to 1 inch below the hitch skid plate. During the hitching maneuver, the bottom of the pin box should come into contact with the skid plate ramp. If the pin box is positioned above the hitch skid plate, the kingpin will not be properly captured by the hitch jaws and the trailer may separate from the hitch.
Allow approximately 6 inches of clearance between the top of the pickup walls and the underside of the front of the trailer to accommodate pitch and roll of the trailer during towing. For off-road use, allow more clearance.
The distance from the back of the truck cab to the center of the rear truck axle should be approximately 4 inches greater than one-half the trailer width. This helps ensure adequate turning clearance between the truck cab and trailer front.
1. Block all trailer wheels firmly in front and rear. 2. Adjust trailer height so the pin box bottom is 1/2 to 1 inch below the hitch skid plate. 3. Rotate the hitch latch toward the trailer and free of the groove in the handle. 4. Back the truck slowly into the trailer. As the kingpin enters the hitch, it will push the jaws open and extend the handle. When the kingpin fully enters, the jaws will spring closed and the handle will return to the closed position. 5. Visually check that the bottom of the pin box is resting on top of the hitch with no space between them. 6. Rotate the latch to the closed position in the groove of the handle to lock the jaws closed. 7. Connect the electrical cable and breakaway switch cable, then raise the tailgate. 8. Perform the pull test before towing.
If the kingpin is too high and comes to rest on top of the closed jaws instead of inside the jaws, the trailer may separate from the hitch. This occurs when the trailer height is not properly adjusted before hitching. To correct this, lower the trailer using the trailer jacks so the pin box bottom is 1/2 to 1 inch below the hitch skid plate, then repeat the hitching procedure. Do not tow until the kingpin is properly seated inside the hitch jaws.
Using trailer jacks to lower the kingpin can cause the kingpin to come to rest on top of the hitch skid plate instead of inside the hitch opening where the jaws are located. This allows the kingpin to slide off the hitch, causing the trailer to drop. This could result in death or serious injury. Always back the truck slowly into the trailer to allow the kingpin to enter the hitch naturally and engage the jaws.
Lubricate the skid plate surface of the hitch with automotive-type chassis grease, or use a plastic lube plate (Reese part 74295) to avoid mess. The plastic lube plate must not exceed 3/16 inch in thickness and must be 10 inches in diameter or larger to properly distribute kingpin weight. Use engine oil to lubricate the pivot points of moving parts within the hitch. Lubricate the yokes in the head support with heavy oil.
Install the outer tubular handle (35) over the solid inner handle (17) and pin them together with a cotter pin (34). Bend the cotter pin to hold it in place. Check that the latch bolt (19) is snug but not over-tightened; the latch (18) must be able to move with firm hand effort. Ensure all snap rings (16) are in place.
Install one rubber stopper (42) on the right side of the head support (27) and one on the left side using #8 machine screws and #8 nuts. See Figure 10 in the manual for details on placement.
Torque the 1/2-inch nuts to 75 lb-ft. This applies to the four 1/2-13 x 4.5-inch hex bolts (32) that secure the head support to the leg assembly.
Before each trip: 1. Lubricate the skid plate surface with automotive chassis grease or use a plastic lube plate (max 3/16 inch thick, min 10 inches diameter). 2. Use engine oil to lubricate pivot points of moving parts. 3. Operate the handle and check that the jaws open and close freely. 4. Verify that all hitch pull pins (11) are in place and spring retaining pins (12) are installed.
Never place any part of your body under the trailer or between the truck and trailer unless all of the following conditions are met: (1) All trailer tires must be blocked in front and behind each tire, (2) Trailer landing gear must be resting on firm ground and supporting trailer weight, and (3) Truck must be stationary, in park, with emergency brake on. Whenever possible, avoid placing your body in these positions.
The pull test verifies that the trailer is properly hitched before towing. With all trailer wheels blocked, landing gear down on firm ground, truck in park with emergency brake on, release the emergency brake, apply the trailer brakes, and try to pull the trailer slowly forward with the truck. If properly hitched, the wheel blocks and trailer brakes should prevent the truck from moving forward. If the trailer is not properly hitched, the trailer will separate from the hitch and the truck will move forward, leaving the trailer behind. Perform this test every time before towing.
If the hitch handle does not pull out completely, there is probably pressure against the jaws. To relieve this pressure, back the truck slightly. Reset the truck emergency brake. Then pull the hitch handle out completely until it latches in the open position. Do not force the handle.
After hitching, with all trailer wheels blocked, landing gear on firm ground, and truck in park with emergency brake on: (1) Visually check that the bottom of the pin box is resting on top of the hitch with no space between them. If space exists, the trailer has not been properly hitched—do not tow. (2) Rotate the latch to the closed position in the groove of the handle. If the latch is not aligned with the groove, the trailer has not been properly connected—do not tow. (3) Do not place your body under the trailer to perform these inspections.
After successfully performing the pull test and raising the trailer landing gear, check and inspect all electrical circuits for proper operation, including clearance lights, turn signals, and stop lights.
Recheck the tightness of all hardware every 1,000 miles of use. Before each trip, lubricate the skid plate and pivot points, and verify that the handle operates freely and all pull pins and spring retaining pins are in place.
If there is space between the bottom of the pin box and the top of the hitch, the trailer has not been properly hitched. This indicates the kingpin is too high and may be resting on top of the closed jaws instead of inside them. Do not tow. Lower the trailer using the trailer jacks so the pin box bottom is 1/2 to 1 inch below the hitch skid plate, and repeat the hitching procedure.
If the latch is not aligned with the groove in the handle, the trailer has not been properly connected to the hitch. The hitch jaws may not be fully closed around the kingpin. Do not tow. Repeat the hitching procedure, ensuring that the latch is rotated toward the trailer and free of the groove before backing into the trailer, and that the latch is fully rotated into the groove after hitching.
If the hitch jaws will not open, the latch may be in the groove of the handle. Rotate the latch toward the trailer and free of the groove in the handle. The jaws will not open and proper hitching cannot occur if the latch is in the handle groove.
The Reese Kwik-Slide is an optional sliding mechanism that works with the Reese 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch to provide additional turning clearance for low-speed, off-highway maneuvering such as backing an RV trailer into a tight campsite. It allows the hitch to slide 10 inches rearward from its normal towing position to a maneuvering position. The Kwik-Slide is recommended for short bed trucks (6–8 ft) to improve turning clearance when used with an extended pin box on the trailer.
No. The Reese Kwik-Slide (part 30048) is designed to be used with Cequent Towing Products fifth wheel installations only, specifically those using the base rail mounting kit (part 30035). It is not compatible with other hitch brands or models.
Cequent Towing Products recommends a minimum of a 13-inch pin box extension on the trailer to comfortably make normal turning maneuvers with a short bed truck when using the Kwik-Slide. Contact your trailer manufacturer for pin box extension options.
The trailer kingpin should always be directly above or slightly forward of the rear truck axle when towing. Trailers should never be towed with the kingpin rearward of the rear truck axle in highway conditions. The Kwik-Slide's towing position places the kingpin forward of the rear axle; the maneuvering position places it rearward and should only be used for low-speed, off-highway maneuvering.
The center lines of each base rail must be 21.94 inches (21 15/16 inches) apart. The diagonal dimensions (labeled 'x' and 'y') should be within 0.1 inch (1/8 inch) of each other. If this alignment is not met, loosen the hardware and realign the base rails, then retorque all hardware per instructions.
Before installing the Kwik-Slide, the leaf spring must be greased using white lithium grease or equivalent. For best results, use aerosol white lithium grease with a spray nozzle extension. Make sure the entire underside of the spring is coated. Repeat this application monthly during use.
Drill 2 holes as identified in Figure 6 of the manual (check for obstructions first). Drill all holes with a 3/16-inch drill bit and enlarge them with a 17/32-inch drill bit. Always use sharp drill bits. Install 1/2-inch carriage bolts into the holes, with slotted spacers above or below the bed to fill corrugations, and bolt plates below the bed with washers and nuts. These bolts are in addition to the 8 bolts used when installing the base rails per instructions 30035.
Before setting the Kwik-Slide into the truck bed, attach the handle shaft to the handle elbow (see Figure 1 in the manual). Insert the handle assembly through the left-hand slide assembly (driver's side) and then through the right-hand slide assembly (passenger side). If using the Kwik-Slide with a PRO-SERIES 15K head assembly, insert the handle through the right-hand slide assembly first, then through the left-hand side.
Set the Kwik-Slide into the base rails and pin it in position with the Kwik-Slide in the middle of the tubes. Loosely assemble the head support to the Kwik-Slide at the desired height; hardware will be staggered when assembled. Use 2 cotter pins to trap the handle in place, and install the indicator pin in the handle so it just goes through the bottom side of the handle.
Torque all 1/2-inch bolts to 85 lb-ft. Use a two-step procedure: (1) Start at a point and snug all hardware, noting the sequence and including connections under the bed at the frame. (2) Using the same start point and sequence, torque all hardware to 85 lb-ft.
Coat the top and side surfaces of the slide tube and the roller holes (6 places) in each slider assembly with all-purpose grease or Teflon lube as needed. Repeat this application monthly during use.
1. Position truck and trailer in a straight line on a flat, level area. 2. Place truck in park with emergency brake on. 3. Block front and back of all trailer wheels. 4. Lower trailer landing gear so it rests on firm ground. 5. Pull the handle forward. The indicator pin should be over the red unlocked range near the green locked maneuvering range. 6. Return to the truck, release the emergency brake, manually engage the trailer brake, and pull the truck forward until the Kwik-Slide stops at the bolt in the foot and the latch engages in the maneuvering position. 7. Perform the push test to verify the latch has engaged.
1. Position truck and trailer in a straight line on a flat, level area. 2. Place truck in park with emergency brake on. 3. Block front and back of all trailer wheels. 4. Lower trailer landing gear so it rests on firm ground. 5. Push the handle rearward. The indicator pin should be over the red unlocked range near the green locked towing range. 6. Return to the truck, release the emergency brake, manually engage the trailer brake, and back the truck rearward until the Kwik-Slide stops at the welded foot and the latch engages in the towing position. 7. Perform the pull test to verify the latch has engaged.
After moving the Kwik-Slide to the maneuvering position: (1) Manually engage the trailer brakes from the truck cab. (2) Back the truck into the trailer against the trailer wheel blocks. (3) If the Kwik-Slide does not move, the latch has engaged the tubes and the Kwik-Slide is locked in the maneuvering position. (4) If the Kwik-Slide does move, the latch has not engaged—do not tow. Repeat the positioning steps.
After moving the Kwik-Slide to the towing position: (1) Manually engage the trailer brakes from the truck cab. (2) Pull the truck and trailer forward against the trailer wheel blocks. (3) If the Kwik-Slide does not move, the latch has engaged the tubes and the Kwik-Slide is locked in the towing position. (4) If the Kwik-Slide does move, the latch has not engaged—do not tow. Repeat the positioning steps.
No. Never tow trailers at highway or high-speed conditions with the Kwik-Slide in the maneuvering position (rearward of the rear axle). Towing with the kingpin rearward of the rear axle can affect weight distribution and may interfere with the towing vehicle's handling and response characteristics, which could result in death or serious injury. The maneuvering position should only be used for low-speed, off-highway maneuvering such as backing into a campsite.
The indicator pin shows whether the Kwik-Slide is locked in the correct position. When in the maneuvering position, the indicator pin should be over the green range on the left side of the warning label. When in the towing position, the indicator pin should be over the green range on the right side of the warning label. If the indicator pin is over the red range, the latch has not engaged the tubes and the Kwik-Slide is not properly locked—do not tow.
Due to the heavy-duty nature of the Kwik-Slide assembly, it may not slide by hand when installed, especially if the base rails are not securely installed to be parallel and centered. Ensure the center lines of each base rail are 21.94 inches (21 15/16 inches) apart and the diagonal dimensions are within 0.1 inch (1/8 inch) of each other. If alignment is not correct, loosen the hardware, realign the base rails, and retorque all hardware per instructions.
The hitch and Kwik-Slide include warning decals that must never be removed. If a decal is damaged, contact Reese (1-888-521-0510 or www.reeseprod.com) for a free replacement. The warning decals provide critical safety information about proper hitching, unhitching, and operation.
The Reese 16K is designed for light trucks such as Ford F-Series, Chevy Silverado, and Dodge Ram. Long bed (8 ft) trucks are recommended. Short bed trucks (6–8 ft) can be used with an extended pin box on the trailer. Do not install on trucks with beds shorter than 6 ft.
Yes. You must purchase part 30035 (Installation Instructions for 5th Wheel Rail Mounting Kit), which contains the base rails, brackets, and hardware needed to mount the hitch to your truck bed and frame.
Drilling is not required for the hitch head assembly itself. However, if you are using the Kwik-Slide (part 30048), you must drill 2 holes (3/16 inch, enlarged to 17/32 inch) in the truck bed for additional mounting bolts.
Torque the 1/2-inch nuts on the head support bolts to 75 lb-ft. If using the Kwik-Slide, torque all 1/2-inch bolts to 85 lb-ft.
Yes. The pull test is mandatory before every tow. With wheels blocked and landing gear down, apply trailer brakes and try to pull the trailer forward slowly. If properly hitched, the truck should not move. If the trailer separates, do not tow.
Recheck all hardware tightness every 1,000 miles. Before each trip, lubricate the skid plate and pivot points with grease and oil, and verify the handle operates freely and all pins are in place.
No. The Reese Kwik-Slide (part 30048) is designed only for Cequent Towing Products fifth wheel installations using the base rail kit (part 30035).
Trailer separation indicates the kingpin was not properly secured by the hitch jaws. Possible causes: (1) Kingpin was positioned too high on the hitch (resting on top of closed jaws instead of inside them)—caused by improper trailer height adjustment before hitching. (2) Latch was not fully closed in the handle groove after hitching. (3) Pin box interfered with the hitch handle latch during turning. (4) Hitch jaws did not fully close around the kingpin. Always verify the pin box rests on the hitch with no space, the latch is aligned with the handle groove, and perform the pull test before towing.
If the handle will not pull out, there is pressure against the jaws. Back the truck slightly to relieve the pressure. Reset the truck emergency brake. Then pull the hitch handle out completely until it latches in the open position. Do not force the handle.
If the Kwik-Slide does not lock in the maneuvering position (indicator pin is over red range instead of green), the latch has not engaged the tubes. Do not tow. Repeat the positioning steps: (1) Position truck and trailer straight on flat level area. (2) Place truck in park with emergency brake on. (3) Block all trailer wheels. (4) Lower landing gear to firm ground. (5) Pull handle forward. (6) Release emergency brake, engage trailer brake, and pull truck forward until Kwik-Slide stops at bolt in foot. (7) Perform push test. If the problem persists, check that base rails are properly aligned (center lines 21.94 inches apart, diagonal dimensions within 0.1 inch) and that pull pin spring clips are on the outside of the base rails.
If the Kwik-Slide does not lock in the towing position (indicator pin is over red range instead of green), the latch has not engaged the tubes. Do not tow. Repeat the positioning steps: (1) Position truck and trailer straight on flat level area. (2) Place truck in park with emergency brake on. (3) Block all trailer wheels. (4) Lower landing gear to firm ground. (5) Push handle rearward. (6) Release emergency brake, engage trailer brake, and back truck rearward until Kwik-Slide stops at welded foot. (7) Perform pull test. If the problem persists, check that base rails are properly aligned (center lines 21.94 inches apart, diagonal dimensions within 0.1 inch) and that pull pin spring clips are on the outside of the base rails.
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