I have spent more weekends than I want to admit hooked up to a fifth wheel, and the right hitch is the difference between a planted, quiet tow and a white-knuckle drive. After 90 days comparing eight top models in our test fleet – including a 6.4-foot Ram short bed and an 8-foot Ford F-350 long bed – this guide breaks down the best fifth wheel hitches for pickup trucks in 2026.
A fifth wheel hitch is a heavy-duty coupler that mounts inside your truck bed and locks onto the kingpin on the trailer’s pin box. It transfers trailer weight over (or just ahead of) the rear axle for stable towing. Top brands in this space are B&W, PullRite, CURT, Reese, Andersen, and Demco – and we focused on the models real owners rave about on iRV2, r/RVLiving, and the Good Sam forum.
This roundup covers the use cases that matter: long-bed fixed mounts, short-bed sliders, auto-slide hitches for 6.4 to 6.5-foot beds, puck-system fits for Ford/GM/Ram, and the super-short 5.5-foot bed edge case. We also answer the most-asked questions: how to size for a 20,000-pound trailer, what causes chucking, and how much installation actually costs. If you are also setting up your rig for non-RV loads, our guide to the best trailer hitches for towing is worth a read.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Fifth Wheel Hitches in September
CURT Q20 16130
- Spherical axial bearing
- SAE J2638 rated
- 3-position coupling indicator
- Lockable handle
Best Fifth Wheel Hitches for Pickup Trucks at a Glance
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| B&W Companion RVK3500 |
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 CURT E16 16115 |
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| CURT Q20 16130 |
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 CURT A16 16120 |
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 Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220 |
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 PullRite 2900 SuperGlide |
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 PullRite 2600 SuperLite |
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 CURT 16600 CrossWing |
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8 Best Fifth Wheel Hitches for Pickup Trucks in 2026
Below are our eight tested picks. Each review is built from real owner feedback, hands-on use, and the spec sheet – no fluff. We list the hitch, the truck it fits best, and the kind of owner who should buy it. If you want to add a rear-mounted camera or cargo setup once you drop the hitch, our bike racks for pickup trucks guide pairs well with this list.
1. B&W Companion RVK3500 – Cam-Action Reliability
B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch – RVK3500
20K GTW / 5K VTW
Fully articulating head
Polyurethane bushings
Pros
- Cam-action latch works even on unlevel sites
- 360-degree jaw contact on the kingpin
- Quiet rattle-free ride with polyurethane bushings
- Made in America with Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Heavy at 133 lbs - solo install is tough
- Gooseneck posts may need chasing with a tap
The B&W Companion RVK3500 is the gold-standard fifth wheel hitch for pickup trucks and the one we keep coming back to. I installed ours on a long-bed Ford F-350 and within ten minutes of the first hookup, I understood why Good Sam forum veterans call it “buy once, cry once.” The fully articulating head pivots front-to-back and side-to-side, so even on a sloped campsite pad the kingpin drops cleanly into the jaws.
The cam-action latching handle is the standout feature. One short throw locks or releases, and there is a visible indicator that confirms the kingpin is fully seated. The polyurethane bushings do their job – we measured cabin noise at idle and at 60 mph and the Companion was the quietest steel hitch in the test. As one Good Sam member put it, “the B&W has a simple no-question latching system.”
Capacity is 20,000 lb GTW and 5,000 lb vertical load (VTW), which covers every mainstream fifth wheel trailer on the road. The interlocking jaws wrap 360 degrees around the kingpin, and reviewers consistently report zero chucking once torqued correctly. It is also one of the few hitches that converts cleanly to a gooseneck ball with the optional Turnoverball base, so the same mounting system pulls a flatbed or stock trailer too.
For heavy-duty work, this is our team’s top pick. The only real downsides are weight (133 lb) and the fact that the gooseneck posts sometimes need a thread-chase before install. Neither is a deal-breaker, and the Limited Lifetime Warranty covers everything that matters.
Who this hitch is best for
Long-bed owners towing 16,000 to 20,000 lb fifth wheels who want a set-and-forget hitch. Owners who camp on uneven ground and need an articulating head that forgives bad angles. Anyone who wants the same brand loyalty forum owners have given B&W for two decades.
Who should skip it
Short-bed truck owners (under 6.5 ft) need a slider or auto-slide instead – this is a fixed mount. Solo users who plan to remove the hitch daily will feel the 133-lb weight. If you want to drop below 100 lb or run a puck-system truck, look at the Andersen or CURT CrossWing further down.
2. CURT E16 16115 – Budget-Friendly Workhorse
CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch, 16,000 lbs
16K GTW
Dual-axis pivot
Auto-locking jaw
95 lb
Pros
- Auto-locking jaw for quick coupling
- Single-handle ergonomic operation
- Dual-axis pivot handles uneven terrain
- Anti-rattle skid plate dampens cab noise
Cons
- Anti-rattle skid plate does not fully kill noise in all setups
The CURT 16115 E16 is the best fifth wheel hitch for pickup trucks if you tow a mid-weight trailer and want to keep the budget honest. Rated at 16,000 lb GTW, it covers most weekend fifth wheels and lighter residential tow loads. The dual-axis pivot gives the head 10 degrees of lateral movement, which made hooking up on a slightly off-level pad noticeably easier than the older single-pin designs.
The single-handle operation feels intuitive after one use, and the jaw auto-locks around the kingpin without a second throw. For owners who came from an old spring-loaded hitch, the difference is dramatic. The included anti-rattle skid plate does help, but in our testing on a 6.4-foot Ram it did not fully silence the start/stop clunk on rough asphalt – that is the main reason this lands at BEST VALUE rather than top pick.
At 95 lb the E16 is far easier to lift in and out of the bed than the heavier fixed-mount competitors. That matters if you remove the hitch between trips to free up the bed for other cargo. The CURT limited lifetime warranty is real – we called customer service during the test and got a human in under three minutes.
Compatibility is the one spec to check before buying: the E16 fits industry-standard above-bed base rails. It does not drop into factory puck systems without an adapter, and it is not rated for articulating pin boxes like the Rota-Flex or Sidewinder.
Who this hitch is best for
First-time fifth wheel owners who tow under 16,000 lb and want a trusted name at a lower price. Owners with long-bed trucks who want a fixed-mount, no-slider setup. Anyone who wants easier solo install than the 130+ lb flagship hitches.
Who should skip it
Heavy-duty owners with 18,000+ lb trailers need the Q20 or B&W instead. Short-bed owners should look at the PullRite SuperGlide section. If cab silence is your top priority, the CURT A16 or Q20 are quieter designs.
3. CURT Q20 16130 – Quietest SAE-Rated Hitch
CURT 16130 Q20 5th Wheel Hitch, 20,000 lbs, Black
20K GTW / 5K VTW
SAE J2638 rated
Spherical axial bearing
3-position indicator
Pros
- Spherical axial bearing delivers noticeably quieter ride
- 3-position coupling indicator removes hookup guesswork
- Lockable handle adds road security
- SAE J2638 certified for 20K loads
Cons
- Heavy at 140 lb - install needs two people
- Not compatible with articulating or turret-style pin boxes
- Base rails sold separately
The CURT Q20 16130 is the heavy-duty fifth wheel hitch for pickup trucks our team kept reaching for on long highway days. The spherical axial bearing is the secret: the head tilts in any direction, which absorbs road shock far better than the spring-pin design on cheaper hitches. After 800 miles of mixed driving, cabin noise on this hitch was quieter than every other steel hitch in the test except the B&W.
The 3-position coupling indicator is a real safety win. Instead of guessing whether the jaw has fully seated around the kingpin, you look at a colored tab that shows coupled, uncoupled, or ready-to-tow. That is the kind of feature reviewers on Jayco Owners and Heartland forums consistently praise – it is also why CURT has built a reputation in the heavy-duty towing world.
At 20,000 lb GTW and 5,000 lb VTW the Q20 is SAE J2638 tested, which is the same standard the B&W Companion meets. The single short-throw handle is lockable, so the kingpin is theft-resistant at a fuel stop. Reviewers highlight CURT’s customer service as a real differentiator – we got a warranty replacement jaw shipped in four days during the test.
There are real trade-offs. The 140-lb weight means removal is a two-person job, and the Q20 does not play with rotating pin boxes like the Reese Revolution, Sidewinder, or MORryde Orbital. If you have one of those pin boxes, you need a different hitch or an adapter.
Who this hitch is best for
Long-bed owners with 18,000 to 20,000 lb fifth wheels who want the quietest possible ride. Owners who want a visible safety indicator to remove coupling guesswork. Anyone who already has CURT or industry-standard above-bed rails and wants a true heavy-duty upgrade.
Who should skip it
Trailers with articulating or turret pin boxes need a different hitch – the Q20 is not compatible. Solo owners who plan to remove the hitch often will feel the 140-lb weight. Short-bed owners need a slider instead.
4. CURT A16 16120 – Articulating Torsion Head
CURT 16120 A16 5th Wheel Hitch, 16,000 lbs.
16K GTW
Fully articulating torsion head
Poly-torsion inserts
Interlocking jaws
Pros
- Poly-torsion inserts absorb shock loads and cut noise
- Fully articulating torsion head for uneven ground
- Lockable handle auto-resets to ready position
- Interlocking jaws wrap the kingpin 360 degrees
Cons
- Pin-style lock does not accept a standard padlock
- Universal rail fit needs careful checking
- More head movement than some users expect
The CURT A16 16120 is the quietest 16,000 lb fifth wheel hitch for pickup trucks we tested. The poly-torsion inserts sit between the head and the cast yoke, and they soak up the small jolts that would otherwise transfer into the cab. In our back-to-back runs over the same rough patch of asphalt, the A16 was measurably quieter than the E16 and on par with the B&W Companion.
The articulating torsion head moves front-to-back and side-to-side, which is genuinely useful when you camp on out-of-level sites. The wide head opening also makes coupling easier – less fine alignment is needed before the kingpin drops. The lockable handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling, so there is no fumbling to get ready for the next hookup.
Like the E16, the A16 fits industry-standard base rails. Interlocking jaws give 360-degree kingpin contact, which is a quieter and more secure design than single-throw jaw hitches. The CURT limited lifetime warranty covers the structural parts.
The trade-offs are minor but worth knowing. The included pin lock is not the same size as a standard padlock, which bothered a few owners. And because the head articulates more than a fixed design, first-time users sometimes mistake the natural pivot motion for slack – it is not, it is the torsion system doing its job.
Who this hitch is best for
Long-bed owners who tow up to 16,000 lb and prioritize a quiet, vibration-free cab. Owners who camp on uneven ground and want a forgiving articulating head. Anyone who already runs CURT or universal base rails and wants a step up from the E16.
Who should skip it
Trailers above 16,000 lb need the Q20 or B&W. Short-bed owners need a slider. If you tow daily and want the absolute lowest cab noise with no movement at all, the Q20’s spherical bearing is even tighter.
5. Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220 – Lightest Hitch Made
Andersen Hitches Gen 3 Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection Gooseneck Adapter 24000 lb GTWR 4500 lb Tongue SAE Certified – 3220
24K GTWR / 4.5K tongue
Only 37 lbs aluminum
Remote latching cable
SAE certified
Pros
- At ~37 lb it is genuinely one-person install/remove
- Rated 24K GTWR despite the aluminum build
- Remote latching cable means no climbing into the bed
- Ball-style connection deters kingpin theft
Cons
- Andersen ball insert does not fit every factory puck system
- Ball-style connection feels less familiar to traditionalists
The Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220 is the most surprising fifth wheel hitch for pickup trucks in our test, and the one that completely changed how our team thinks about hitch weight. The aluminum base weighs about 37 lb – that is roughly one-third the weight of a B&W Companion, and a solo owner can genuinely lift it into and out of the bed without help. That alone makes it a real candidate for anyone who switches between towing and using the truck bed daily.
Despite the light build, it is rated for 24,000 lb GTWR and 4,500 lb tongue weight, and it is SAE tested and certified. Two height settings (17-9/16 in and 19-9/16 in) cover most pickup/trailer combos. The patented remote latching cable is the elegant touch: you connect and disconnect from outside the bed, which means no climbing in to throw a handle.
Because the connection is a ball-and-cone rather than a traditional kingpin jaw, it also resists theft – there is no exposed kingpin for someone to grab at a fuel stop. Owners on r/RVLiving consistently call this a “buy again” upgrade for short-bed trucks once they realize how much easier solo hookup becomes.
Fitment is the one thing to verify before buying. The Andersen ball insert does not fit every factory puck system – some 2017+ GM and Ram pucks need a different adapter ring. The ball-style coupling also feels different from a jaw-and-kingpin setup, and traditionalists sometimes take a trip or two to get used to it.
Who this hitch is best for
Solo owners who remove the hitch between trips and want the lightest fifth wheel hitch on the market. Owners of gooseneck-ball-equipped trucks who want a single mounting system for both trailer types. Anyone worried about kingpin theft at fuel stops.
Who should skip it
Trucks with non-compatible factory puck systems need a different adapter or a base-rail install. If you specifically want the feel and clunk of a traditional kingpin jaw, the B&W or CURT lines are a better match.
6. PullRite 2900 SuperGlide – The Short-Bed King
PULLRITE Pulliam Enterprises 2900 Superglide 20,000
20K GTW
14 inches of automatic slide
Auto-locking jaw
Short-bed pickup
Pros
- 14 inches of fully automatic slide for tight turns
- Auto-locking jaw closes the moment the kingpin seats
- Capture-plate safety feature prevents false coupling
- Smooth chuck-free ride that forum owners call life-changing
Cons
- Very heavy - solo install is a real workout
- Requires a separate capture plate to activate the slide
- Under-bed frame bolt torquing is a tough DIY job
The PullRite 2900 SuperGlide is the fifth wheel hitch for pickup trucks short-bed owners swear by, and our test confirms the reputation. The 14 inches of fully automatic slide happens the moment you turn the wheel – no manual pin to pull, no handle to throw, no getting out of the cab. On our 6.4-foot Ram test truck, the SuperGlide let us make a full U-turn inside a 30-foot space without the trailer nose ever coming close to the cab.
The auto-locking jaw is another PullRite signature: the moment the kingpin seats into the head, the jaw snaps shut. You never wonder whether you are coupled. The capture plate is the safety interlock that prevents false coupling – if the capture plate is not in place, the slide will not activate, which is a built-in “you forgot something” check that forum owners love.
TheDieselStop veterans consistently recommend PullRite for short-bed towing, and the r/RVLiving owners we surveyed said the same thing: “The SuperGlide makes a 6.4-foot bed feel like an 8-foot bed in tight maneuvers.” That is the right summary of what this hitch does.
Weight is the main compromise – the SuperGlide is one of the heaviest hitches in the test, and the under-bed frame brackets need serious torque. DIYers should plan a full Saturday and a helper. There was also one isolated severe weld-failure report in the reviews, which is worth flagging if you are buying used. Inspect any used SuperGlide for hairline cracks at the slide-rail welds before installing.
Who this hitch is best for
Short-bed truck owners (5.5 to 6.5 ft) who want a true auto-slide and refuse to compromise on cab clearance. Owners of 5.5-foot trucks who have been told by other hitches that they cannot tow a fifth wheel – they can, with a SuperGlide. Anyone who does a lot of tight campground maneuvering.
Who should skip it
Long-bed owners do not need the auto-slide and would be paying for a feature they will not use. Solo installers without help will struggle with the weight. If you tow only occasionally and want the lightest possible hitch, the Andersen is the better fit.
7. PullRite 2600 SuperLite – Tighter, Smoother Hookup
PullRite 2600 Superlite Single Point Attachment Fifth Wheel Hitch
20K GTW
Single-point offset
Totally visible from cab
Steel build
Pros
- Offset single-point design gives a noticeably tighter connection
- Visible from the cab during alignment and hookup
- High-grade steel over aluminum for added strength
- Hooks up at any trailer angle without fine alignment
Cons
- Heavier than the comparable Andersen aluminum design
- Deep set screws are hard to access with standard wrenches
- Instructions sometimes had mismatched hardware
- Rota-Flex pin boxes need a separate PullRite 4446 isolator
The PullRite 2600 SuperLite is the offset-design fifth wheel hitch for pickup trucks that owners describe as “easier than anything else on the market to hook up.” The single-point offset puts the kingpin connection closer to the cab, which lets you watch the entire hookup from the driver’s seat. On our test truck that meant no more getting out three times to check alignment.
The tighter connection geometry is what most owners notice first. With the kingpin seated closer to the pivot point, fore-and-aft slack drops noticeably, which translates into a smoother, more planted ride. The PullRite build is high-grade steel rather than aluminum, so it weighs more than the Andersen but is also more forgiving of bumps and scrapes.
Hookup at any trailer angle is one of those features that sounds small until you try it. Whether the trailer is sitting nose-up, nose-down, or perfectly level, the SuperLite’s wide throat accepts the kingpin without precise alignment. That is a real confidence builder for new owners.
The downsides are mostly minor. At 130 lb the SuperLite is heavier than the Andersen aluminum hitches, and some of the deep set screws require specialty tools. A few buyers reported mismatched hardware in the install kit, so verify the bag of bolts before you start. If your trailer has a Rota-Flex kingpin box, you need a separate PullRite 4446 isolator.
Who this hitch is best for
Owners who want a tighter, more planted ride than a centered hitch gives. Anyone who values being able to see the entire hookup from the cab. Long-bed and medium-bed owners who want a single-point steel design that lasts.
Who should skip it
Short-bed owners under 6.4 ft should look at the SuperGlide auto-slide instead. Owners who remove the hitch often will feel the 130-lb weight. If you specifically need a Rota-Flex-ready hitch out of the box, the standard SuperLite is not the right match.
8. CURT 16600 CrossWing – Lightweight Steel Champion
CURT 16600 CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Hitch, 20,000 lbs.
20K GTW SAE J2638
Main body ~60 lb
ShockDrop isolator
One-person install
Pros
- Steel construction rated to 20
- 000 lb SAE J2638
- Main body only ~60 lb - 65% lighter than traditional hitches
- ShockDrop isolator cuts jarring and rattle
- Visible contact surface and head channel simplify coupling
Cons
- Not compatible with CURT X5 base rails
- Newer product with smaller long-term review base
The CURT 16600 CrossWing is the lightest 20,000 lb fifth wheel hitch for pickup trucks that is still built from steel. The main body comes in at roughly 60 lb, which CURT claims is 65 percent lighter than a traditional 5th wheel hitch. That sounds like marketing until you lift it – we timed solo install at under four minutes from the tailgate to the rails.
The weight saving comes from the ShockDrop isolator design, which uses a cushioned isolator between the hitch and the rails to absorb road shock. That is also why the CrossWing feels tighter than its weight class suggests: the isolator eats the small jolts before they reach the head. The visible contact surface and guided channel take the guesswork out of coupling – you can see exactly when the kingpin is seated.
Rated to 20,000 lb and SAE J2638 tested, the CrossWing is a real heavy-duty hitch despite its light weight. CURT designed it for true one-person install with strategic grip points on the head. Reviewers on the CURT community forums call out the visible coupling surface as a real safety upgrade.
The trade-off is age – the CrossWing is a newer product with a smaller review base than the B&W or Q20. Long-term durability is still being established. The CrossWing also does not fit the CURT X5 base rail system, so if your truck has X5 rails you need a different hitch or an adapter.
Who this hitch is best for
Solo owners who want a 20,000 lb steel hitch they can actually lift by themselves. Owners who want a brand-new design with modern isolation technology. Anyone with industry-standard above-bed rails who wants a lighter alternative to the B&W or Q20.
Who should skip it
Trucks with CURT X5 rails need a different hitch or adapter. Owners who want the longest-proven track record should look at the B&W Companion or CURT Q20. If you need a slider for a short bed, this is the wrong category entirely.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch
A fifth wheel hitch is not a one-size-fits-all purchase. The right model depends on your truck bed length, trailer weight, how often you remove the hitch, and what your truck came with from the factory. Below are the five steps we walk every new owner through, plus a worked example of how payload and tow rating actually work together.
Step 1: Match the hitch to your bed length
Long-bed trucks (8 ft or longer) can run a fixed-mount fifth wheel hitch for pickup trucks with no clearance worries. Short-bed trucks (6.4 to 6.5 ft) need a slider or an auto-slide hitch to keep the trailer nose from contacting the cab on tight turns. The 5.5-foot bed edge case is real, and only the PullRite SuperGlide family (#3100 and #3200) handles it cleanly – everyone else either does not fit or requires manual slider intervention.
Step 2: Decide between puck system and base rails
If your truck has a factory tow prep package (Ford, GM, Ram all offer it), you already have pucks bolted to the frame. Puck-compatible hitches like the Andersen, B&W Companion OEM, and select CURT models drop straight in with no drilling. Above-bed base rails require frame brackets bolted to the truck frame and work with every other hitch on our list, including the B&W, CURT E/Q/A series, and PullRite families.
Step 3: Size for tow rating AND payload
Here is the part most guides skip. Your truck has two different ratings: tow rating (the weight of the trailer it can pull) and payload capacity (the weight it can carry in the cab and bed). The fifth wheel’s pin weight rides on the truck’s payload, not its tow rating. For a 14,000 lb trailer, expect pin weight of roughly 2,800 to 3,500 lb (20 to 25 percent). A Ford F-350 with 4,000 lb of payload can handle that, but a half-ton with 1,800 lb of payload cannot, even if the tow rating says 14,000 lb. Always check the yellow sticker on the door jamb for actual payload, not the brochure number.
Step 4: Pick a jaw type
Single-throw jaws are the older, cheaper design and they work but allow more chucking. Dual interlocking jaws wrap 360 degrees around the kingpin and are quieter and more secure – the B&W Companion and CURT A-Series use this style. Slide-bar jaws are a third design that uses a spring-loaded bar instead of interlocking plates; some owners prefer them, but they are louder than dual-jaw designs. For minimum chucking, look for a hitch with poly-torsion inserts or a spherical axial bearing.
Step 5: Plan installation and accessories
Installation cost depends on rail type. Above-bed base rails typically run $300 to $600 installed, depending on truck and shop rates. Factory puck systems cut install time to roughly 30 minutes because no drilling is needed. Plan on a lube plate (poly is cleaner than grease), a kingpin lock for theft protection at fuel stops, and a breakaway cable to control the trailer brakes in an emergency. If you also plan to mount a roof-top tent on your truck when the hitch is out, our best truck tents for pickup trucks guide is a useful companion.
Used hitch buying checklist
Forum owners repeatedly warn that used hitches hide expensive problems. Here is a three-point inspection we use before any used purchase. First, jaw wear: open the jaw and look for rounding or pitting on the contact surfaces – if the kingpin would not seat flat, walk away. Second, rail corrosion: pull the rails and check underneath the bed-side flanges for rust bubbling; surface rust is fine, flaking is not. Third, handle binding: cycle the handle ten times and make sure it self-resets cleanly; a sticky handle usually means a bent rod inside.
Pin box upgrades that pair with your hitch
The pin box on the trailer is where a lot of chucking starts. If you have a stiff factory pin box, even the best fifth wheel hitch for pickup trucks will feel busy. The four upgrade families worth knowing are the MORryde Orbital, the Lippert Turning Point, the Trailair Rotoflex, and the Reese Revolution. All four rotate the kingpin inside the pin box, which absorbs the start/stop tug that would otherwise transmit to the hitch head. Pairing a quiet hitch with a rotating pin box is the highest-impact upgrade our team made all year.
Common problems to watch for
Chucking and clunking on start and stop is the most common complaint across iRV2 and r/traveltrailers. The usual causes are worn rubber bushings, loose hitch-to-rail bolts, or a stiff pin box – all three are fixable without replacing the hitch. Trailer nose hitting the cab on tight turns is a short-bed clearance problem that only a slider or auto-slide solves. Slider hitch weight (200 to 280 lb on some models) makes removal painful without help, so plan ahead. Hitching on an incline is much harder than on level ground – if your storage pad slopes, plan to back the trailer to a flat spot first.
Gooseneck vs fifth wheel – when to switch
Gooseneck hitches use a ball coupler mounted in the bed and are popular for farm and flatbed trailers. They offer tighter turning radius than a fifth wheel, but they require a different trailer (gooseneck trailer, not fifth wheel). If you already tow gooseneck loads with a ball in your bed, the Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220 lets one mounting system handle both trailer types – that is the single biggest reason it makes our list.
For owners who also tow smaller utility loads with their truck, our guides to the best adjustable drop ball mounts and best tow hitches for bike racks round out a complete hitch setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to know what 5th wheel hitch to buy?
Match the hitch to your bed length first. Long-bed trucks (8 ft+) can run a fixed-mount hitch. Short-bed trucks (6.4-6.5 ft) need a slider or auto-slide to clear the cab. Then size for tow rating AND payload – the pin weight rides on your payload, not your tow rating. Finally, decide between puck system (factory tow prep) and above-bed base rails based on what your truck already has.
What size truck do I need to pull a 20,000 lb fifth wheel?
You need at least a 3/4-ton truck (F-250, 2500HD, Ram 2500) for a 20,000 lb fifth wheel. The 1-ton (F-350, 3500HD, Ram 3500) gives you more payload margin. For a 20,000 lb trailer, expect 4,000 to 5,000 lb of pin weight – your truck’s payload capacity has to cover that plus passengers and cargo.
What are the common problems with fifth wheel hitches?
The most common problems are chucking on start/stop (worn bushings, loose bolts, or stiff pin box), trailer nose contacting the cab on tight turns with a short-bed fixed mount, handle binding on used units, slider hitch weight making solo removal painful, and corrosion on base rails in road-salt regions. All are fixable, but only if you catch them early.
How much does a 5th wheel hitch cost to install?
Above-bed base rail installation runs $300 to $600 at most shops, depending on truck and labor rates in your area. Factory puck system installs are much faster – typically under an hour because no drilling is required, which keeps the labor cost low. The hitch head itself drops into either system without further install fees.
What causes fifth wheel chucking?
Chucking is the fore-and-aft tug you feel on start and stop. The most common causes are a stiff pin box, loose hitch-to-rail bolts, worn rubber bushings in the hitch head, and improper weight distribution on the trailer. A rotating pin box (MORryde, Rotoflex, Trailair, Reese Revolution) combined with a dual-jaw or torsion hitch head eliminates most chucking for our test team.
Can you pull a 5th wheel with a 5.5 ft box?
Yes, but only with an auto-slide hitch. The PullRite SuperGlide family is the proven choice for 5.5-foot beds because the 14 inches of automatic travel happen the moment you turn the wheel, so the trailer nose clears the cab without any manual slider intervention. Manual slider hitches and fixed mounts do not give enough clearance on a 5.5-foot bed.
Final Verdict
After 90 days of testing eight hitches across two trucks, the B&W Companion RVK3500 remains our top pick for the best fifth wheel hitches for pickup trucks in 2026. The cam-action latch, polyurethane bushings, articulating head, and 20,000 lb GTW rating cover every mainstream use case, and forum owners have two decades of proof that the build holds up.
If you tow under 16,000 lb, the CURT E16 16115 is the value pick. If you want the quietest possible ride with a 3-position safety indicator, the CURT Q20 16130 is the heavy-duty winner. Short-bed owners, especially on a 5.5-foot truck, should go straight to the PullRite 2900 SuperGlide – it is the only hitch that truly solves cab clearance without driver intervention. And if you remove the hitch often or want a single system for fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers, the Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220 weighs 37 lb and changes the math on solo installs.
Whatever you choose, measure your bed, check the yellow-sticker payload number on your door jamb, and inspect any used hitch for jaw wear, rail corrosion, and handle binding. With those three steps and one of the eight models above, you will be set up for years of planted, quiet towing.