Best Fifth Wheel Hitches For Short Bed Trucks: 10 Models Compared

#1 · Best Overall

1. PullRite 4100 SuperGlide

• Material: Alloy Steel
• Material Type: Alloy Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Trailer, Truck

Best for: Automatic turning clearance.

Why it ranks #1: Explicitly made for short-bed trucks, it offers 16,000-pound capacity and automatic movement up to 14 inches while turning.

The PullRite 4100 SuperGlide automatically moves up to 14 inches during a turn, providing 50 percent more travel than manually adjusted slider designs. That movement makes it a short-bed option for drivers seeking turning clearance without stopping to reposition a conventional slider, within its 16,000-pound weight capacity.

Automatic operation links the SuperGlide’s movement to turning, so drivers do not have to manually adjust the slider to gain its stated travel. The 14-inch movement exceeds the travel cited for manually adjusted slider designs by 50 percent, a useful distinction for short-bed maneuvering. PullRite lists a 16,000-pound capacity, and the hitch is identified for short-bed trucks. Its alloy-steel construction and 175-pound listed weight are practical considerations for handling and installation.

Skip it if you want a lighter hitch to handle; the CURT 16600 CrossWing lists an 86.7-pound total weight.

The 4100 suits short-bed owners who value automatic travel through turns and whose trailer falls within its 16,000-pound capacity. Its 175-pound listed weight is an important handling consideration when planning installation.

Listed on Amazon as: PullRite 4100 16K SuperGlide 5th Wheel Hitch

#2 · Highest Capacity

2. CURT A20 Slider

• Material: Alloy Steel
• Material Type: Alloy Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck

Best for: Higher-capacity CURT short-bed slider.

Why it ranks #2: Specifically listed for short-bed trucks, this slider has a 20,000-pound capacity, articulated head, and interlocking jaws.

The CURT A20 raises capacity to 20,000 pounds while retaining a short-bed slider format, giving drivers more stated towing capacity than the A16 model. A cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts helps suppress shock loads and noise, while interlocking jaws wrap fully around the kingpin for a secure coupling arrangement.

The fully articulating torsion head supports controlled coupling and stable towing, and the extra-wide opening makes alignment easier when coupling. After uncoupling, the lockable handle resets to its ready position, simplifying the next hookup. Its cast yoke and poly-torsion inserts are specified to suppress shock loads and reduce noise. The hitch is listed at 212 pounds, with a 20,000-pound capacity, making both its towing limit and handling weight relevant to short-bed buyers planning installation.

Skip it if you prioritize a lighter hitch body; the CURT 16600 CrossWing lists a 60-pound main body and 20,000-pound capacity.

The A20 suits short-bed owners who need a 20,000-pound listed capacity and value quieter coupling features. Its 212-pound listed weight is a practical handling consideration when planning installation or removal.

Listed on Amazon as: CURT 16531 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 20,000 lbs

#3 · Best Puck-System Fit

3. CURT A25 Slider

• Material: Alloy Steel
• Material Type: Alloy Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck

Best for: OEM puck-system short beds.

Why it ranks #3: Its 25,000-pound capacity and 12 inches of slide suit select 2500 and 3500 OEM puck systems; verify truck-year compatibility.

The CURT A25 pairs a 25,000-pound capacity with 12 inches of slider travel, giving short-bed owners substantial stated capacity and added turning clearance. Its quarter-turn anchoring system is made for compatible OEM truck-bed puck systems, supporting quicker hitch installation and removal without a conventional rail-mount description.

The quarter-turn anchors connect to compatible OEM puck systems and are adjustable to eliminate chucking between the legs and puck system, addressing both installation and movement at the mounting interface. The slider provides 12 inches of travel in the bed for short-bed turning clearance. A lockable handle resets to ready-to-couple after uncoupling, streamlining repeat hookups. At 328 pounds, the listed assembly is heavy to handle, and compatibility is limited to select 2500 and 3500 puck systems with year-specific fit.

Skip it if you want a lighter listed hitch; the B&W Companion Slider RVK3405 weighs 287 pounds and offers 12 inches of slide.

Choose the A25 if your truck has a compatible select 2500 or 3500 OEM puck system and you need 12 inches of slider travel. Its 328-pound weight and year-specific fit are important installation boundaries.

Listed on Amazon as: CURT 16058 A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch, 25,000 lbs, Compatible with Select 2500, 3500 Puck System

#4 · Best 16K Option

4. CURT A16 Slider

• Material: Alloy Steel
• Material Type: Alloy Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck

Best for: Quiet short-bed towing.

Why it ranks #4: A direct short-bed listing, 16,000-pound capacity, and articulating head make this a well-specified choice for compatible setups.

The CURT A16 combines a short-bed slider hitch with a cast yoke and poly-torsion inserts, helping suppress shock loads and reduce noise while towing. Its 16,000-pound gross trailer capacity serves buyers who want controlled coupling and a quieter ride, with interlocking jaws that wrap fully around the kingpin.

The fully articulating torsion head supports controlled coupling and stable towing, while the extra-wide head opening makes lining up to couple easier. After uncoupling, the lockable handle resets to the ready-to-couple position, simplifying the next hookup. Its slider configuration is intended for short-bed trucks, and the supplied description lists a 16,000-pound gross trailer capacity and up to 4,000 pounds of vertical load. These features suit frequent towing where quieter operation and repeatable coupling matter.

Skip it if you need a listed capacity above 16,000 pounds; the CURT 16531 A20 is rated for 20,000 pounds.

Choose the A16 for short-bed towing when its 16,000-pound capacity meets your trailer needs and quieter coupling is a priority. Its self-resetting handle and wide opening suit repeat hookups, but capacity remains the key boundary.

Listed on Amazon as: CURT 16053 A16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch with Base Rails for Short Bed Trucks, 16,000 lbs

#5

5. B&W Companion Slider

• Material: Alloy Steel
• Material Type: Alloy Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck

Best for: Turnoverball short-bed slider.

Why it ranks #5: The slider provides 12 inches of travel and a fully articulating head, but the listing does not state capacity or short-bed fit.

The B&W Companion Slider provides 12 inches of slide, adding turning clearance for short-bed towing while attaching to the B&W Turnoverball under-bed mounting system. Its fully articulating head pivots front to back and side to side, giving the trailer room to move as the truck changes direction.

The 12-inch slider travel addresses turning clearance in a short bed, while the Turnoverball attachment defines the required truck mounting system. The head’s front-to-back and side-to-side articulation allows movement in two directions during towing. A cam-action latching handle supports release, including when parked on unlevel sites, according to the Companion feature description. At 287 pounds, this is a substantial assembly to handle during installation; buyers should plan around both its weight and the specified under-bed system.

Skip it if you need a substantially lighter listed hitch; the CURT 16600 CrossWing weighs 86.7 pounds overall.

The RVK3405 fits short-bed owners with a B&W Turnoverball system who need the stated 12 inches of slide. Its 287-pound listed weight is a practical installation boundary, as is the required mounting system.

Listed on Amazon as: B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch – RVK3405

#6

6. Andersen Ultimate Toolbox

• Material: Aluminum
• Material Type: Aluminum
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck

Best for: Gooseneck-system versatility.

Why it ranks #6: The product description identifies short-bed use and two height positions, but it requires a compatible gooseneck hitch and lists no travel.

The Andersen Ultimate Toolbox Model works with standard brands of gooseneck hitches, giving short-bed truck owners a fifth-wheel connection that can use an existing gooseneck setup. Its remote latch and unlatch cable lets you release the trailer without climbing into the truck bed, while two height positions support adjustment.

Two settings place the top of the ball mount 16-1/2 or 18-5/16 inches above the truck bed, giving buyers a choice when setting hitch height. The remote latch and unlatch cable moves release operation outside the bed, simplifying access at hookup and departure. At 45 pounds and made from aluminum, the listed hitch is notably manageable to handle. The supplied title gives a 24,000-pound GTWR and 4,500-pound tongue weight, while compatibility is stated for standard gooseneck hitch brands.

Skip it if you need a rail-mounted hitch; the B&W Patriot RVK3255 fits industry-standard mounting rails.

This is a strong match for short-bed owners whose trucks already use a compatible gooseneck hitch and who want remote release. Check its two height settings against your setup; the connection method is the defining fit boundary.

Listed on Amazon as: ANDERSEN HITCHES | Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection (Toolbox Model) | 13" Tall Base, 24,000 lbs GTWR, 4,500 LBS Tongue Weight | 3220-TBX

#7

7. CURT CrossWing

• Material: Carbon Steel
• Material Type: Carbon Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck

Best for: Lighter high-capacity handling.

Why it ranks #7: Its 20,000-pound capacity and 60-pound main body are useful specifications, but the listing does not establish short-bed clearance.

The CURT CrossWing combines a 20,000-pound capacity with a 60-pound main body, which the supplied description says is 65 percent lighter than most traditional fifth-wheel hitches. That lower body weight can make handling the hitch easier while retaining substantial towing capacity for truck owners.

The CrossWing’s 60-pound main body is the handling distinction, while its overall listed weight is 86.7 pounds; both figures help set expectations for moving the hitch. The 20,000-pound capacity pairs that lighter construction with a substantial stated towing limit. Made from carbon steel and identified for trucks, it is a choice for buyers balancing hitch weight with capacity. The supplied information does not specify slider travel or a short-bed clearance mechanism, so those details should not be assumed from its capacity alone.

Skip it if you require listed slider travel for short-bed clearance; the CURT 16058 A25 specifies 12 inches of travel.

Consider the CrossWing if reducing the weight of the hitch body matters and 20,000 pounds meets your towing requirement. Short-bed buyers should treat its unspecified slider travel as a key boundary before choosing it.

Listed on Amazon as: CURT 16600 CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Hitch, 20,000 lbs.

#8

8. B&W Companion RVK3500

• Material: Alloy Steel
• Material Type: Alloy Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck

Best for: Turnoverball system owners.

Why it ranks #8: It offers a 20,000-pound gross trailer rating and articulating head, but is not listed as a slider for short beds.

The B&W Companion attaches to a B&W Turnoverball under-bed mounting system, letting owners use that same system for a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch. Its fully articulating head pivots front to back and side to side, while polyurethane bushings help deliver a quiet, rattle-free towing experience.

The Turnoverball attachment is central to fit: this Companion is for owners using that under-bed mounting system, rather than a rail-based installation. Sharing the system between fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitches gives the truck owner a stated way to support either hitch type. The pivoting head articulates in two directions, and polyurethane bushings help reduce rattling during towing. Its listed ratings are 20,000 pounds GTW and 5,000 pounds VTW; the cam-action handle supports release on unlevel sites.

Skip it if you need a short-bed slider with listed travel; the B&W Companion Slider RVK3405 specifies 12 inches.

Choose the Companion if your truck has the Turnoverball system and you want its dual-use hitch arrangement, articulating head, and quieting bushings. Its fit depends on that under-bed system, and no slider travel is specified.

Listed on Amazon as: B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch – RVK3500

#9

9. PullRite 2400 SuperLite

• Compatible with Vehicle Type: RV

Best for: Four-point rail mounting.

Why it ranks #9: The listing gives a 20K capacity and rail-mounted design, but does not confirm short-bed fit or slider travel.

The PullRite 2400 ISR is identified as a four-point rail-mounted fifth-wheel hitch, giving rail-system owners a direct mounting style for their truck. Its listed capacity is 20,000 pounds, a stated limit buyers can use when matching the hitch to a trailer and planning a short-bed setup.

The four-point rail-mounted description makes the mounting style its clearest fit detail, while the 20,000-pound capacity provides the stated towing threshold. Its listed weight is 98 pounds, a useful handling figure when considering installation and removal. The supplied details do not list slider travel, automatic movement, head articulation, or other short-bed clearance features. Buyers therefore have concrete capacity and mounting information, but should not treat the product name alone as confirmation of a particular turning-clearance mechanism.

Skip it if you need specified short-bed slider travel; the CURT 16058 A25 lists 12 inches of travel.

The 2400 ISR suits buyers seeking a PullRite four-point rail-mounted hitch with a 20,000-pound listed capacity. For short-bed use, its unspecified slider travel is a significant boundary to resolve within your setup.

Listed on Amazon as: Pullrite 2400 Isr Series Superlite Four Point Rail Mounted Fifth Wheel Hitch

#10

10. B&W Patriot 18K

• Material: Metal
• Material Type: Metal
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Trailer

Best for: Industry-standard rail systems.

Why it ranks #10: It fits industry-standard mounting rails, but its listing does not establish short-bed clearance and includes conflicting capacity information.

The B&W Patriot fits industry-standard mounting rails, giving rail-equipped trucks a defined installation path for this 18,000-pound hitch. Its fully articulating head pivots front to back and side to side, which supports movement at the connection during towing rather than fixing the head in one plane.

Industry-standard rail compatibility is the Patriot’s clearest fit advantage for trucks already equipped with that mounting style. The articulating head pivots in two directions, while the cam-action latching handle supports release; together, these features address trailer movement and uncoupling workflow. B&W lists an 18,000-pound model designation, and the hitch weighs 138 pounds. The supplied short-bed information does not specify slider travel, so rail compatibility and articulation should not be mistaken for a stated sliding-clearance feature.

Skip it if you need a rail-mounted slider with specified travel; the B&W Companion Slider RVK3405 lists 12 inches of slide.

The Patriot suits rail-equipped truck owners seeking an articulating B&W hitch with an 18,000-pound model designation. Short-bed buyers should note that the supplied details do not state slider travel or a clearance mechanism.

Listed on Amazon as: B&W Trailer Hitches Patriot 18K Rail Mounted Fifth Wheel Hitch – RVK3255