Forum Discussion

jerem0621's avatar
jerem0621
Explorer II
May 24, 2015

Curt Q20 Jaws Operation

I'm visiting my Mom and Dad this weekend and I created a video of my Dads Curt Q20 Jaws operation.

This hitch has about 20k miles on it pulling a 14k fiver.

Video

Petty interesting design. The jaw on the right side of the video is "fixed" and only opens and closes. The term fixed seems to refer to the vertical position.

The jaw on the left has a cam that lifts and opens the jaws when the hitch handle is opened. I have mentioned that the pivot point on these jaws is somewhat behind the jaws compared to the Reese. While this is still true... there is NO WAY for the jaws to be forced open when they are locked shut. If the handle is locked then the jaws are locked.

Rough Measurement of the jaws are 1/2 inch thick... 20k miles at 14k lb fiver and there is very little wear on the jaws other than some surface rust.

Hope this helps someone who is trying to understand how these things work.

While I can't speak for the slide bar Curt, the dual jaw Curt is NOT junk.. this is a very solid and heavy hitch.

Thanks!

Jeremiah
  • vietvet66-67's avatar
    vietvet66-67
    Explorer
    Jun 02, 2015
    I have a Q20 for 3 years now and now problems at all. I would advise the OP
    to put some lubrication on the pin to reduce the rust where it has taken
    the finish off the jaws.
  • rattleNsmoke's avatar
    rattleNsmoke
    Explorer
    May 31, 2015
    There are colored markings and mortised section on the round release rod that are clear indicators whether or not the jaws are locked and ready. I always do a visual from the rear of the truck just as a redundant system. The Curt, although made over seas, is assembled in the USA and a quality and HEAVY hitch for it's size. We've had ours for 4 seasons and well over 10,000 miles traveled with ZERO wear shown. The grease-able zerks help too.
  • SanMarMor's avatar
    SanMarMor
    Explorer
    May 31, 2015
    I have the Q5 20k and love it. Once the jaws are closed when the pin comes in, they are automatically locked. You can't forget to lock them. The handle comes in by spring, and they are locked. There is a safety catch to Locke the handle in place, but even if this is not in place, the jaws are locked. You pull the handle, against the spring pressure, to unlock the jaws. I don't think the pin could force the jaws to push the handle back out to unlock it. Too much mechanical advantage, or disadvantage in this case.

    It's the only hitch I've had, but I haven't seen one I like better. But I haven't seen them all.

    Mark
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    May 31, 2015
    jerem0621 wrote:
    I'm visiting my Mom and Dad this weekend and I created a video of my Dads Curt Q20 Jaws operation.

    This hitch has about 20k miles on it pulling a 14k fiver.

    Video

    Petty interesting design. The jaw on the right side of the video is "fixed" and only opens and closes. The term fixed seems to refer to the vertical position.

    The jaw on the left has a cam that lifts and opens the jaws when the hitch handle is opened. I have mentioned that the pivot point on these jaws is somewhat behind the jaws compared to the Reese. While this is still true... there is NO WAY for the jaws to be forced open when they are locked shut. If the handle is locked then the jaws are locked.

    Rough Measurement of the jaws are 1/2 inch thick... 20k miles at 14k lb fiver and there is very little wear on the jaws other than some surface rust.

    Hope this helps someone who is trying to understand how these things work.

    While I can't speak for the slide bar Curt, the dual jaw Curt is NOT junk.. this is a very solid and heavy hitch.

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah


    The statement is RED above, is interesting, No Way to Open IF Locked!


    What if you forget to lock the handle. :S

    I have forgot to lock the handle TWICE on my Reese 16K!
    First time drove about 300' before I remembered that I didn't.

    Second time drove over 20 miles of city roads, Freeway, and back country roads, the Reese held tight, because the harder you pull the tighter they close.

    In addition I don't need to cock the jaws to connect, if the handle isn't locked the jaws will open and shut tight around the pin.

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