curt 16315 User manual

CURTMFG.COM •PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634 •16315-INS-RA •03/31/2021 •ECN8138 •PAGE 1
INSTALLATION MANUAL 16315
Tools Required
Ratchet Torque wrench
Socket set --
Product Photo
Torque Specifications
M8 bolt 16 ft-lbs.
M14 bolt 100 ft-lbs.
Use above torque setting unless otherwise noted
Product Registration
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Level of Difficulty
Moderate
DANGER ZONE PRECAUTIONS
Block all trailer tires in front and behind with appropriate wheel chocks. Do not
substitute objects such as, but not limited to: stones, wood blocks, etc. Front
trailer lifting jacks must be supporting the trailer and resting on a firm and level surface.
Towing vehicle must be stationary with automatic transmission
in park (manual in neutral), emergency brake applied and engine off.
Parts List
Item Qty Description
1 1 Main body / Head assembly
2 1 Handle assembly
3 1 Handle lock bar
4 2 Button head cap screw,
M8 - 1.25" x 30
5 2 Lock washer, M8
6 1 Latch spring
7 4 Hex bolt, M14
8 4 Lock washer, M14
9 4 Flat washer, M14
10 4Nylock nut, M14
11 4Base rail mounting clip
12 4Base rail mounting pin, 1/2"
Weight Capacity
Gross trailer weight (GTW) 30,000 lbs.
Vertical load 7,500 lbs.
WARNING
Fully instruct and demonstrate the operation of this 5th wheel hitch to the end user. Include the
importance of observing all warnings contained herein, including warning labels on 5th wheel
hitch main body. Provide this manual in its entirety to the end user. Serious injury or death may
result if the warnings above are not observed.
Do not expose hands, body parts or clothing between the truck and
trailer or the truck's bed sides and trailer. If you must place any part
of your body under trailer or between truck and trailer, you must:
1. Block all trailer tires with wheel chocks.
2. Make sure trailer landing gear / jacks are resting on a firm, level surface.
3. Towing vehicle must be stationary with auto transmission in park
(manual in neutral), emergency brake applied and engine off.
Never exceed the towing capacity (trailer and contents combined)
of any towing system component or your vehicle.
Improperly coupled trailers can separate or drop without notice,
causing serious injury or death. To reduce the chance of serious injury or death:
Never attempt to couple trailer without reading and following all instructions thoroughly.
Always follow operating instructions to secure trailer to tow vehicle.
Make sure the hitch is secure before towing.
Prior to towing, ensure all components and hardware are structurally sound and secure.
Always chock the trailer to prevent movement while coupling the hitch.
Always ensure lynch pins are installed through handle and center pivot pin before towing.
Always keep hands clear of the 5th wheel jaws when operating the handle.
Always perform a pull test prior to towing. See 'pull test' later in this instruction manual.
Never position anyone under the trailer's kingpin area during coupling and uncoupling.
This is the second of two manuals
required to complete this installation.
The first manual is included with
your mounting system.

CURTMFG.COM •PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634 •16315-INS-RA •03/31/2021 •ECN8138 •PAGE 2
Before you begin
Assembly includes measuring the height requirement for the 5th
wheel head in relation to the trailer ride height at the kingpin box and
skid plate. Ideally, the trailer should ride as near to level as possible.
The 5th wheel is adjustable from the truck bed to the top of its skid
plate. Adjustment is attained by adjusting the main body up or down,
in relation to the mounting system, in 1-1/4" increments (typical
clearance between the truck bed rails and the trailer should be a
minimum of 5-1/2"). Follow the next steps to measure.
Step 1
With the trailer on a firm and level surface, set chock blocks
in front of and behind the tires. (Do not substitute wood blocks,
rocks, etc. for chock blocks.) Extend front trailer lifting jacks,
adjust as required to set trailer at or near level.
Step 2
Measure from the ground to under the trailer's kingpin
box skid plate or lube plate, if used. This will be the portion
in contact with the 5th wheel's skid plate once coupled.
Step 3
Measure from the ground to the surface of the truck bed.
Subtract the measurement taken in Step 2 from Step 1.
This value will be near the height requirement for the 5th wheel.
CALCULATING HEIGHT
2
10
12
11
ASSEMBLY
34
5
8
7
1
9
6
Parts List
Item Qty Description
1 1 Main body / Head assembly
2 1 Handle assembly
3 1 Handle lock bar
4 2 Button head cap screw,
M8 - 1.25" x 30
5 2 Lock washer, M8
6 1 Latch spring
7 4 Hex bolt, M14
8 4 Lock washer, M14
9 4 Flat washer, M14
10 4Nylock nut, M14
11 4Base rail mounting clip
12 4Base rail mounting pin, 1/2"
NOTICE
Visit www.curtmfg.com for a full-color copy of this instruction manual, as well as helpful videos, guides and much more!
Before you begin installation, read all instructions thoroughly.
Proper tools will improve the quality of installation and reduce the time required.
Periodic inspection of your product should be performed to ensure all hardware and / or components remain secure.
To help prevent damage to the product or vehicle, refer to the specified torque specifications when securing hardware during the installation process.

CURTMFG.COM •PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634 •16315-INS-RA •03/31/2021 •ECN8138 •PAGE 3
Step 1
Locate the provided handle assembly and hardware pack.
WARNING
The jaws on the 5th wheel head are spring loaded. The jaws will
open rapidly when the safety pin is removed and the handle is
moved to the unlock position. Keep hands clear of the jaws at all time.
Place the head on a flat surface upside down and slide the handle
assembly (#2) over the end of the handle mount bar on the 5th wheel head.
Step 2
Insert the latch spring (#6) into the slot on the handle mount bar
and compress slightly to allow the first M8 cap screw (#4) and
lock washer (#5) to be lifted into position behind the spring.
Step 3
With the first M8 cap screw (#4) in place behind the latch spring,
align with the threaded hole on the handle lock bar (#3) and finger
tighten. Pull back slightly on the lock bar to further compress the
spring and align the second hole with the small slot in the handle
mount bar on the head.
Install the second M8 cap screw (#4) and lock washer (#5)
through the handle assembly (#2) and into the second
threaded hole on the lock bar (#3)
Step 4
With the handle and latch plate loosely installed over the
handle mounting bar on the head, rotate the head to the
vertical position and torque the M8 bolts to 16 ft-lbs.
Complete the handle installation by inserting the
safety lynch pin, locking the handle in the tow position.
HANDLE ASSEMBLY
3
2
2
6
5
5
4
4
3
6
5
4
2
Parts List
Item Qty Description
2 1 Handle assembly
3 1 Handle lock bar
4 2 Button head cap screw, M8 - 1.25" x 30
5 2 Lock washer, M8
6 1 Latch spring

CURTMFG.COM •PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634 •16315-INS-RA •03/31/2021 •ECN8138 •PAGE 4
COUPLING & LOCKING
Preparing the vehicle and trailer to couple
It is advised to perform trailer connections to the 5th wheel
on a firm and level surface. Multiple wheel chocks should
be used in front of and behind the trailer tires. Do not substitute
objects such as, but not limited to: stones, wood blocks, etc.
Open or remove the tailgate as required to safely back the
tow vehicle under the trailer and center the trailer kingpin with
the opening on the hitch head. Do not engage the kingpin into
5th wheel at this time. Stop the tow vehicle when the trailer's
skid plate is approximately 4" from the 5th wheel's skid plate.
Set automatic transmissions to park and activate
the emergency brake. Set manual transmissions
to neutral and activate the emergency brake.
Adjust the front trailer lifting jacks so the trailer's kingpin
skid plate is approximately 1/2" below the top surface of
the 5th wheel's skid plate lead-in ramp. See the diagram
below for proper height setup prior to coupling.
Note: Trailer height setup is critical to allow the 5th wheel
jaws to engage the kingpin and lock properly. Never attempt
to lower the trailer's kingpin into the 5th wheel.
4"
1/2"
Locked Handle
GREEN indicator (circle)
Unlocked Handle
RED indicator (octagon)
Coupled Handle
YELLOW indicator (triangle)
Preparing the 5th wheel to couple
If the yellow indicator is visible, visually check that the jaws are open
as illustrated in the 'COUPLED HANDLE' diagram above. If the jaw's
are open and the handle is in the unlocked position, the 5th wheel is
ready to couple. Skip to the 'Coupling' section on next page.
If the green indicator is visible and the jaw's are closed, they must be
unlocked prior to use. The 'LOCKED HANDLE' diagram illustrates the
jaws and handle in the closed and locked position.
Remove the safety latch pin from the 5th wheel's handle. Open the
jaws by pulling handle out about 1/2" and then swinging it back
toward the front of the tow vehicle. The handle will latch in the
unlocked position and the yellow indicator will be visible from the tow
vehicle cab.
If the 5th wheel handle will not latch in the unlocked position, or the
red indicator is visible, go to the troubleshooting section to resolve the
issue before attempting to couple your trailer.
WARNING
Attempting to couple your 5th wheel in any configuration other then
the yellow couple position may result in damage to you trailer or 5th
wheel. Always ensure the jaws are open and unobstructed prior to
coupling to your trailer's kingpin.

CURTMFG.COM •PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634 •16315-INS-RA •03/31/2021 •ECN8138 •PAGE 5
Coupling
Back-up the towing vehicle while remaining centered and aligned
to trailer's kingpin. The trailer's kingpin skid plate will compress
the towing vehicle's suspension and ramp up onto the 5th wheel
skid plate. Refer to the 'HANDLE' diagrams on the previous page
while observing the following:
• Trailer kingpin fully seats into opening on the 5th wheel head
• Yellow indicator will change to green indicator
(when viewing from cab)
• Operating handle will swing rearward
toward the trailer to the locked position
Visually confirm the trailer's skid plate is resting completely on the
head of the 5th wheel. Also confirm the jaws are indeed locked around
the trailers kingpin. A gap may indicate the kingpin is not engaged
into jaws properly or has high-sided and is resting on top of the jaw.
After visually confirming the jaws are properly engaged
and locked, insert the safety pin through the locking
handle to ensure it cannot be unlocked while towing.
WARNING
Never tow without visually ensuring the kingpin is properly
coupled and the safety pin has been installed. This will
ensure the handle cannot be unintentionally unlocked.
If the kingpin is resting on top of the jaws, immediately lower the trailer
jacks to lift the kingpin off the jaws. Inspect the 5th wheel for damage
that may have resulted from the improper coupling attempt. Under no
circumstances should the 5th wheel unit be used if damage exists. If
no damage exists, review coupling instructions and repeat procedure.
Preparation troubleshooting
WARNING - RED INDICATOR WITH JAWS OPEN - DO NOT TOW
Do not tow in this configuration. The jaws will close, but will not lock.
Follow the steps below to correct the issue and prepare for coupling.
The red indicator signifies that the jaws are unlocked and the
operating handle is latched in the unlock position (see 'RED HANDLE'
diagram on the previous page). The red indicator will remain visible if
the jaws are unable to fully open and reset the operating handle to the
yellow couple position. Follow the steps below to attempt to reset the
operating handle to the couple position.
COUPLING & LOCKING (CONT)
Step 1
Check for any signs of damage to the locking mechanism. Ensure
the jaws are open and the indicator, jaw, handle and torsion springs
are all attached and undamaged. If any of the springs are missing or
damaged, do not attempt to use the hitch until it has been repaired.
Before you couple
Your PowerRide™is supplied with an integrated wear plate that
eliminates the need for grease. To extend the life of the wear plates
on the hitch, the system may also be used with a 3/16" lube plate
attached to the trailer kigpin. If the integrated wear plates supplied
with the hitch have worn to the point the lines are no longer visible
they should be replaced. Never operate your 5th wheel without the
integrated lube plates installed.
WARNING
Never position yourself or others under the trailer's kingpin area
(danger zone) during coupling and uncoupling. If for any reason, you
must position any part of your body under the trailer or between the
truck and trailer or between the trailer kingpin and 5th wheel hitch,
you must follow the steps in the 'Danger Zone Precautions' on page 1.
Step 2
Ensure the locking mechanism is free of excessive dirt, rust, grease,
snow, ice or other foreign material preventing it from cycling properly.
Clean excessive dirt, snow or ice with warm soap water. Lightly
lubricate exposed surfaces with a rust inhibitor to restore proper
operation. Components with excessive amounts of rust may require
replacement to restore proper functionality.
Step 3
If cycling the handle is unsuccessful, apply pressure to the front of
the jaw to manually reset the locking pawl. If the handle drops to the
couple position and the indicator turns yellow, you are ready to couple.
Step 4
If all components are undamaged and can freely move, apply pressure
to the operating handle, as if unlocking, and release. If the handle
drops back to the couple position and the indicator turns yellow, you
are ready to couple.
Apply pressure
to unlock handle
and release
Apply pressure to jaw
to reset locking pawl
Torsion
spring
Jaw springIndicator spring
Handle
spring

CURTMFG.COM •PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634 •16315-INS-RA •03/31/2021 •ECN8138 •PAGE 6
UNCOUPLING & RESETTING
Step 1
Park on a firm and level surface. Set automatic transmission vehicles to
park and activate emergency brake. Set standard transmission vehicles
to neutral and activate emergency brake.
Chock the trailer wheels. Multiple wheel
chocks should be used, both in front and
behind the tires. Do not substitute objects
such as stones, wood blocks, etc.
Disconnect all harnesses, lanyards, safety
devices, etc. as required to separate the
trailer from the tow vehicle. Lower or
remove truck tailgate as required.
Begin extending the front trailer lifting
jacks. The lifting jacks should be extended
just enough to remove the weight of the
trailer from the 5th wheel skid plate.
Note: Creating a gap between the trailer skid plate and the
5th wheel skid plate is not necessary or recommended. If a
gap is present, it should be minimal and no more than 1/16".
Excessive gap while coupled can damage internal components
of the 5th wheel hitch as well as components of your trailer.
Step 2
With the trailer jacks down and wheels chocked, reduce any remaining
load on the jaws and kingpin by backing the tow vehicle up slightly
and pushing the kingpin completely into the opening on the 5th wheel
head. Hold the position by applying your vehicle's parking brake
before putting the vehicle in park and releasing the standard brake.
Step 3
Remove the safety lynch pin from the handle of the 5th wheel.
Unlock the jaws by pulling the locking handle out about 1/2" and
then swinging it forward until it latches in the unlocked position.
The red unlocked indicator will be visible from the cab.
Note: If the operating handle fails to latch in the unlock position
while the kingpin is in the jaws, refer to steps 1 and 2 in the
'Preparation Troubleshooting' section on page 6. Never attempt
to uncouple without the handle being in the unlocked position.
Step 4
Remove the safety lynch pin (#9) from the handle (#4) of the 5th wheel.
Remove the parking brake and slowly drive the tow vehicle out
from under the trailer. If resistance is encountered, determine the
corrective action and repeat uncoupling steps.
As the kingpin moves out of the 5th wheel jaws you will
see the handle drop back slightly to the couple position.
The indicator will also change from red to yellow.
Your 5th wheel hitch is now safely uncoupled and
is ready to be recoupled the next time you tow.
Preparing to tow
Confirm handle safety latch pin has been installed.
Attach electrical harnesses.
Attach lanyard and insert electric brake break-away
plunger. If hydraulic surge brakes are present, attach
lanyard from the surge brake assembly as required.
Fully retract front trailer lifting jacks.
Close truck tailgate or reinstall tailgate as required.
Remove tire chock blocks.
Check running lights, directional signals
and brake lights for proper operation.
Pull forward a few feet and apply brakes to check that trailer brakes
are activating. Adjust the electric brake controller if necessary.
Pull test
After coupling and prior to removing trailer wheel blocks
and / or raising front trailer jacks, you must do the following.
Set towing vehicle in a forward gear and lightly tug on the trailer
to ensure that 100% coupling has taken place. If resistance is felt,
release forward pressure, set vehicle to park (if equipped with an
automatic transmission) and activate the emergency brake. Place
in neutral if equipped with a standard transmission and activate
emergency brake.
If resistance is not felt, trailer may not be coupled correctly. Do
not continue applying forward pressure, immediately stop and back
towing vehicle into original position. Do not allow the truck and trailer
to separate. Separation can cause damage to the towing vehicle,
5th wheel hitch and / or trailer. Serious injury or death may result
if all warnings are not observed.
Review coupling instructions, apply
corrective action and repeat coupling steps.
COUPLING & LOCKING (CONT)
4
9

CURTMFG.COM •PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634 •16315-INS-RA •03/31/2021 •ECN8138 •PAGE 7
Component Frequency Instructions
Inspect integrated
wear plates
Before each use and
every 1,000 miles
Inspect the condition of the integrated wear plates on the skid plate's top surface (#1).
When the grooves have worn flush they should be replaced. (CURT# 19269) If you prefer,
you may use a lube plate installed on your trailer's kingpin (CURT# 16722) to further reduce wear.
Lubricate the
center pivot point
Before each use Remove the center pivot pin (#2) and apply a light coating of high-pressure wheel bearing grease.
Replace the pin and ensure it is secured with the safety lynch pin.
Torque the
M14 hex bolts
Before each use and
every 1,000 miles
Torque the four M14 leg hex bolts to 100 ft-lbs. Re-torque after initial
500 miles and every 1,000 miles thereafter and prior to each individual use.
Lubricate the
locking pawl
Before each use Open jaws and apply a small amount of grease to the curved surface of locking pawl (#5).
Pawl will be accessible through the operating handle opening in the head side plate.
Lubricate the
jaw pivot point
Every 3,000 miles Use a grease gun to apply grease to both zerks (#6) located on the front of each jaw.
The jaws must be in the closed and locked position for the zerks to be accessible.
Lubricate the
linkage pivot
points
Before each use Use an aerosol applicator to spray a small amount of rust inhibitor
or lubricant on the lock handle (#7), linkage bar (#7) and pawl pivot points (#7).
Lubricate the
head pivot points
Every 3,000 miles Use a grease gun to apply grease to both zerks (#8) located on both sides of the head.
Clean the
5th wheel hitch
After each use
and before long term
storage
For optimal service life, clean your 5th wheel hitch after each use with warm soapy water
and dry with towels or compressed air. It is also recommended that the 5th wheel is removed
from the vehicle or covered when not in use for extended periods of time. Spray exposed
surfaces with a light coat of rust inhibitor before long term storage.
Maintenance
The CURT 5th wheel hitch has been designed to offer years of safe and reliable service.
To achieve the best performance and the longest possible service life, please follow the maintenance schedule below.
2
7
7
7
1
5
6
8 8 7
MAINTENANCE