A Standard 5th Wheel Hitch is the recommended option for hauling large, heavy trailers with a truck. 5th wheel hitches, as opposed to ball hitches, give better stability and more significant weight capabilities owing to their placement over the truck’s bed. Like certain gooseneck trailers and hitches, fifth wheel hitches may be installed as an aftermarket purchase to nearly any truck with appropriate towing capability. Consider some of the benefits of using a fifth-wheel hitch—capabilities owing to their placement over the truck’s bed. Like certain gooseneck trailers and hitches, fifth wheel hitches may be installed as an aftermarket purchase to nearly any truck with appropriate towing capability. Consider some of the benefits of using a fifth-wheel hitch.

 

1. B&W Trailer Hitches RVK3255 Fifth Wheel Hitch 18k

b&w 5th wheel hitch RVK3255The Patriot 18K is a B&W Trailer Hitches rail-mounted, American-made fifth wheel hitch with a one-piece base design for easier installation and a higher tow rating.

B&W Trailer Hitches products are designed using advanced manufacturing techniques to meet and exceed your highest expectations.

Crafted from sturdy materials with excellent care and precision, they ensure the highest quality you expect from B&W Trailer Hitches. Manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility by expert professionals using technologically advanced equipment, B&W products are durable and robust.

You can rely on B&W Trailer Hitches when it comes to uncompromising reliability.

Product Reviews:

I wish I had purchased this three years ago. It’s so simple to install and operate. I am disconnecting on uneven surfaces used to be so difficult, not anymore. I could not be happier with the B&W hitch!

The hitch is easy to assemble. You only need to assemble the riser for the 5th wheel head. Based on the desired height for your setup. Towing it rides great. I almost forgot my trailer was back there. Smoothest riding hitch I’ve ever used.

This is my first hitch with the spring-activated coupler, and what a nice upgrade! No more guessing as to when the hitch is released from the trailer.

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2. B&W Companion Slider 5th Wheel Trailer RV Gooseneck Hitch Adapter RVK3405

B&W Companion Slider 5th Wheel Trailer RV Gooseneck Hitch Adapter RVK3405The B & W “Companion Slider” RVK3405 is ideal for short bed trucks. The unique sliding mechanism gives you 12 inches of movement for extra turning and maneuvering clearance while towing. 

Like other Companion Fifth wheel hitches, it is designed to easily be removed to allow you to still use your bed for hauling cargo. The companion Fifth wheel hitch uses the B & W Turnoverball under-bed mounting system (sold separately), giving you the option to switch between gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing. No hitch rails are required! 

Its fully articulating head allows side to side and front to back pivot. With its 1 inch, thick jaws fitting the kingpin perfectly and its polyurethane bushings between the head and coupling base eliminates sloppy start and stops and provides a quiet and rattle-free ride.

Important Note: Requires vehicle specific B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck hitch system to install correctly (sold separately)

Product Reviews:

It’s an excellent hitch for a short bed truck if you have the turnover ball.

The hitch works flawlessly. The seller and shipping company were great to deal with. The unit is cumbersome. Be aware that you need to cut slots out of the plastic bed liner because nylon strips under the hitch NEED to make contact with the metal bed floor to stabilize the hitch and keep it from twisting/shifting.

I would highly recommend this one over the fixed model for a short box. The long box may not require that.

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3. B&W RVK3670 Companion OEM Slider 5th Wheel for RAM Puck System – 20,000 GTW

B&W RVK3670 Companion OEM Slider 5th Wheel for RAM Puck System - 20,000 GTWThe Companion OEM Slider, designed to fit the Ram OEM hitch platform, installs and removes easily with its two-piece design. It is notable for its effortless hookup and release with the cam-actuated latching mechanism.

1-inch thick cast locking jaws are machined with tight tolerances, providing a perfect connection to the camper and a smooth towing experience. 

Everything you would expect from B&W. Fits four pucks truck bed for RAM PUCK SYSTEM. Check fitment with your application before buying.

Important Note: Designed to mount with the RAM hitch prep package/puck system from the factory only.

 

Product Reviews:

This is the absolute way to go in a slider. The price is worth the simple installation, and the only thing is that it is heavy, and just with that said, you know it will be a lasting product. Recommend this for any Dodge with pucks

This is the Cadillac of fifth wheel hitches. Easy to install, built like a tank, and pulls like a dream… 100% satisfied!

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4. B&W Companion RVK3305 for Ford Puck System

Designed to fit the Ford OEM hitch platform, this Companion hitch is known for its effortless installation and removal, thanks to a cam-actuated latching mechanism and simple two-piece design. Other features, like 1″ thick cast-locking jaws, provide a strong connection and a smooth ride. It’s everything you’d expect from our Companion series!

Specifications:

Product Reviews:

Great hitch. Locks up solid. It has rubber torsion bushings, so it is also quiet. The only downside is the weight. It is cumbersome.

Assembly was a breeze. A few notes, you will need a torque wrench, and in one of the packets, they do provide a small pouch of grease. You need to ensure you don’t skip greasing the pivot points. We bought the kingpin graphite plat to reduce the amount of grease exposed externally. The spring that attaches to one of the arms is tricky to get on correctly, but a hammer and time are all it takes.

We bought this hitch because it had great reviews and would tow our new fifth wheel. 2019 Ford F450. Hubby had it installed in less than an hour. It’s easy to hitch up with confidence that it is done correctly. Perfect for our 44 ft long fifth wheel. I would recommend and would purchase again.

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5. B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch RVK3500

B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch RVK3500 is considered by most experts to be the best 5th wheel hitch money can buy. the Companion 5th Wheel Hitch series offers the smoothest ride on the road. The Companion attaches to your Turnoverball under-bed mounting system, which means you can pull a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch with the same system! Just like the Turnoverball, the Companion gives you easy installation and removal without sacrificing sturdiness, reliability, or towing power.

The fully articulating head allows front to back and side to side pivoting.

Cam action latching handle for easy release, even when parked on unlevel sites.

Features:

Specs:

 

B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch RVK3500 Reviews:

It was a great decision. It took a while to assemble because I wasn’t sure what height setting I needed. After getting it all set up, this is the easiest hitch to hook up, and it pulls great—no more rattle from being hooked up to a gooseneck ball. There is no question about the connection to latching King Pin. The handle falls into place, you put in the safety pin, and it’s ready to roll. It’s a little heavy to put in and take out of the truck’s bed, but I would recommend this to anyone pulling a fifth wheel. Great purchase.

Great hitch, and I am so glad I bought this. I had to lower the front of the trailer, and it took 10 minutes to undo the bolts, reposition the pivot arms lower, replace and re-torque bolts, and bada bing the 5th wheel was riding almost perfectly level. This hitch is quiet, incredibly easy to hook up to, and is, honestly, not that difficult to remove from the bed. It’s made incredibly well, and I am so thankful that my wife talked me into buying this one. Buy this and never worry about going wrong with whatever you decide to tow.

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6. B &W RVK3300 Companion 5th Wheel for Ford Puck

B & W Companion Ford OEM – 5TH WHEEL HITCH Designed to fit the Ford OEM hitch platform. Companion hitches are known for their effortless installation and removal, thanks to a cam-actuated latching mechanism and simple two-piece design. Like 1″ thick cast-locking jaws, the features provide a strong connection and a super smooth ride. It’s everything you’d expect from our Companion series 5th Wheel Hitch. 

Specs:

B&W 5th Wheel for Ford Puck Reviews:

 In my opinion, the B&W has a cleaner look, seems more powerfully built, and has plenty of adjustment in the pivot arms, even though the base will always mount in the same OEM mounts. The puck system was easy to adjust for correct fitment and locks securely and without rattles. The tilt and pivot help when hooking up. This hitch sits on heavy-duty synthetic pivot bearings with minimal rattling. The head separates easily from the base by pulling two safety pins, so it’s much easier to get out of the truck than one-piece designs. The base has hand holes on the sides, making it easier to handle. Always I was not too fond of the inconvenience of bolt-in hitches, so I’m glad I bought a Ford with integral hitch mounting and this robust, well-built hitch. Also, ford owners with this system can buy a base that works with the gooseneck mounting socket in the bed and the 3300 5th wheel head.

After three years with this hitch, it still works great, there is no corrosion or paint failure, and the plated parts are still bright and clean. I use a Teflon lube plate on the trailer to reduce wear on the saddle and noise. Since I remove and reinstall the hitch when I need the truck bed for hauling, I appreciate the two-piece design, making it much easier for one person to install or remove.

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7. B&W Trailer Hitches RVK3600 Fifth Wheel Hitch (RAM Trucks)

Ram truck owners with the OEM fifth-wheel prep package/puck system have a choice now when choosing a 5th wheel hitch. The B&W Companion RVK3600 OE hitch will install and remove easily and fits RAM truck beds with four pucks. You can release handles, and it easily converts to a level bed. It features a two-piece design and a cam-actuated latching system. The cast locking jaws are machined with durability in mind, boasting a 1″ thick casting, providing a flawless connection to the trailer for smooth towing.

Product Reviews:

This hitch is awesomely well built and as solid as anything else on the market, or even more so. Assembly and initial installation were a breeze. I had to only make one minor adjustment to one of the puck mount adjustments; other than that, the base dropped right in.

It was installed in a 2013 RAM 3500 4X4 CC LWB DRW 4.10. I cheated using a lift to get the base on the tailgate but did pick the unit up myself to place it in attachment holes. It required slight adjustment on one puck to allow the unit to sit correctly. Typical excellent B&W quality, and it shows. This is a massive, stout unit when compared to other manufacturers.

 

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8. B&W Trailer Hitches Rvk3770 20k Companion OEM 5th Wheel Slider Hitch 

The B&W RVK3770 companion slider is the perfect solution to allow your truck to tow a fifth-wheel trailer. This unit is specifically designed for short bed trucks to allow the trailer room to be maneuvered easier. With the sliding design, this also means that when you are towing with a shorter truck bed that towing will be just as safe and easy as if you had a long bed. 

Another fantastic feature that sets this product apart from the competition is its ability to be removed. Once removed (2 people suggested), you have full access to your truck bed with no annoying obstacles.

Product Reviews:

 

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9. Reese 30047 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch

Reese Fifth Wheel HitchReese Towpower 16K Fifth Wheel Kit can carry loads up to 16,000 pounds with a 4,000-pound pin weight capacity. The hitch is servo-hydraulic tested for durability and features a patented dual jaw locking mechanism. This jaw locking mechanism surrounds the fifth wheel kingpin to assure proper towing. 

The hitch features a five-degree side-to-side pivot that accommodates hookups on uneven ground and more straightforward towing. 

The rail design allows the fifth wheel to be removed from the truck by simply removing four pins and the two base rails remain, leaving the entire truck bed available for maximum hauling. The hitch can be adjusted from 15 to 18 inches in height for level towing.

Product Reviews:

I like the pin being surrounded by the jaws instead of just a bar across the back of the pin. The 16K seems to hold the pin tighter and helps to reduce chucking while towing.

Jaw hitches are better than slide bar hitches because there is more than one contact point for the pin.

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10. CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch, 16,000 lbs.

The CURT E16 5th wheel trailer hitch is an economical choice that offers many of the same features found in our Q-Series 5th wheel hitches. The E16 has a gross trailer weight rating of 16,000 lbs. and can withstand a vertical load up to 4,000 lbs. It has a dual-pivoting head, 10 degrees of lateral movement, and an anti-rattle skid plate to provide a smoother, quieter ride. 

The E16 also comes with an easy, single-handle operation and a durable carbide powder coat for long-lasting protection against the elements. The E16 is quick and straightforward to install with four height adjustment settings, and a limited lifetime warranty backs it. This 16K 5th wheel hitch comes with standard 5th wheel legs ready to mount into your truck bed with a pair of 5th wheel rails and brackets (base rails and brackets sold separately).

 

Product Review:

This hitch is OK but is lacking in a couple of areas. Overall the build seems substantial enough to do the job and is certainly priced right compared to the competition, and Curt has an excellent reputation. However, there is nowhere near the advertised 10 degrees of right-left tilt for this unit, more like 7 degrees TOTAL, 3-4 to each side of the center. I expected 10 degrees either way off-center. I like the excellent substantial chunk of steel that goes across the opening to lock the kingpin, and it works pretty smoothly. It is also straightforward to tell when the unit is locked up and secure because that big old bolt is either in place or not. To make it even more visible, I painted it white.

What I do not like is that there was a shy 1/4″ engagement on the one side of the bolt when in the locked position. I would have returned the unit for this “defect,” but I needed it in a hurry to bring our new 5th wheel home, so I just relocated the stop so that I had 1/2″ of engagement. I think this is probably a factory tolerance thing, but I would keep an eye out for it. Finally, I was also surprised that the handle has no lock in the engaged position but is free to swing around randomly. I have a flatbed, and it would be real easy for some joker to walk by and disengage the 5th wheel with a simple pull and twist. The handle than would fall into the down position, fooling you into thinking it was engaged when it was not. It might not happen often, but once would be too many times. I also fabricated a lock for my unit to keep it securely locked when it is hooked up.

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11. CURT 16181 A25 Fifth Wheel Hitch with Base Rails, 25,000 lbs. , Black

CURT 16181 A25 5th Wheel Hitch with Base Rails, 25,000 lbsThe CURT A25, 5th wheel hitch, offers smoother, quieter towing for your home-away-from-home, combining the patented technology of our A-series, a more straightforward mounting system, and the power of a 25K 5th wheel hitch. Like our A16 and A20 hitches, this 25K 5th wheel hitch uses a patented cast yoke to allow unimpeded head movement while providing exceptional stability for the trailer. The yoke has a set of poly-torsion inserts to suppress shock loads and reduce excessive noise, and the head features high-strength, interlocking jaws to give the trailer stability and the freedom to pivot and swivel needed. 

The A25 5th wheel hitch is also engineered for easier installation. The legs are equipped with two pins to align with the mounting holes properly, and they have easy-access mounting bolts for ergonomic tightening. The 5th wheel head also has a fast, one-pin removal system to make installation and removal from the truck bed easier. 

This 25K 5th wheel hitch includes industry-standard 5th wheelbase rails to mount onto custom 5th wheel brackets. Once installed, the A25 is fast and straightforward to operate. It features an extra-wide head opening to increase the coupling area for the trailer, and it has a lockable, single-throw handle that self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling. 

It is equipped with a coupling indicator visible from the truck cab, making coupling even easier. The indicator shows the status of the connection and eliminates the need for you to check multiple times while coupling. 

It comes with a carbide black powder coat finish and a limited lifetime warranty to protect the A25 5th wheel hitch against rust, wear, and whatever other threats might impede your cross-country tour. We also test the A25 for safety per SAE J2638 to ensure reliability for the road ahead.

Product Review:

VERY easy to put together and install. I’m replacing a 25+-year-old RBW hitch, so I’m looking forward to using it for the first time.

I pull a dump bed trailer, and I also pull an RV with this hitch. It is the easiest I’ve used, and the jaws positively lock with ease and unlock as well with ease. An indicator of jaw lock status is an excellent feature as well.

About this item

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12. CURT 16180 A25 5th Wheel Hitch, 25,000 lbs.

The CURT A25, 5th wheel hitch, offers smoother, quieter towing for your home-away-from-home, combining the patented technology of our A-series, a more straightforward mounting system, and the power of a 25K 5th wheel hitch. 

Like our A16 and A20 hitches, this 25K 5th wheel hitch uses a patented cast yoke to allow unimpeded head movement while providing exceptional stability for the trailer. The yoke has a set of poly-torsion inserts to suppress shock loads and reduce excessive noise, and the head features high-strength, interlocking jaws to give the trailer stability and the freedom to pivot and swivel needed. 

The A25 5th wheel hitch is also engineered for easier installation. The legs are equipped with two pins to align with the mounting holes properly, and they have easy-access mounting bolts for ergonomic tightening. 

The 5th wheel head also has a fast, one-pin removal system to make installation and removal from the truck bed easier. This 25K 5th wheel mounts to any industry-standard 5th wheel rails, using the 5th wheel legs or a CURT 5th wheel roller. It can also be mounted into the puck system of a truck equipped with the towing prep package, using our OEM puck system legs or roller adapters. Once installed, the A25 is fast and simple to operate. 

It features an extra-wide head opening to increase the coupling area for the trailer, and it has a lockable, single-throw handle that self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling. The Fith Wheel Hitch is equipped with a coupling indicator that is visible from the truck cab. The indicator shows the status of the connection and eliminates the need for you to check multiple times while coupling.

 To protect the A25 5th wheel hitch against rust, wear, and whatever other threats might impede your cross-country tour, it comes with a black carbide powder coat finish and a limited lifetime warranty. We also test the A25 for safety following SAE J2638 to ensure reliability for the road ahead.

 

Product Review:

VERY easy to put together and install. I’m replacing a 25+-year-old RBW hitch, so I’m looking forward to using it for the first time.

I pull a dump bed trailer, and I also pull an RV with this hitch. It is the easiest I’ve used, and the jaws positively lock with ease and unlock as well with ease. An indicator of jaw lock status is an excellent feature as well.

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13. CURT 16245 Q24 5th Wheel Hitch, 24,000 lbs.

Curt 24k Fifth Wheel HitchThe CURT Q24™ is the heavyweight champion of 5th wheel hitches. With a gross trailer weight capacity of 24,000 lbs. and a vertical load limit of 6,000 lbs., the Q24™ is capable of handling the heaviest of 5th wheel trailers, including deluxe RV and oversize campers. 

Something that sets the Q24™ 5th wheel hitch apart from competitive models is its spherical axial bearing. Instead of having a set of rods on which the hitch head can pivot, the Q24™ uses a spherical bearing to allow the hitch head to pivot in virtually any direction, which means smoother turns, a quieter ride, and less strain on your towing equipment and truck. 

This trailer hitch also features dual-locking jaws, a self-aligning head, a single-handle operation, and a three-position coupling indicator. 

Certain turret-style pin boxes, such as Sidewinder, are not compatible with CURT Q-series hitches and should not be used as they may create vehicle/trailer handling hazards. Please get in touch with CURT Product Support for compatibility information.

Product Review:

This thing is well built, easy to use, and should last years.

Assembly of the hitch was easy. I also installed the Curt custom install kit (brackets and rails), which was a bit more challenging but successful.

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14. CURT 16035 Q20 5th Wheel Hitch, 20,000 lbs, Select Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, 8-Foot Bed Puck System

Like the other 5th wheel hitches of the CURT Q-series, the CURT Q20 is designed to offer the quietest 5th wheel towing possible. It does this using a spherical axial bearing. This unique pivoting mechanism is built into the hitch head and tilt with the 5th wheel trailer in any direction necessary. 

With its dual-locking jaws for 360-degree pin contact and three grease fittings for continuous lubrication, the spherical axial bearing provides smooth, safe, quiet towing, even with large 5th wheel trailers. The Q20 also makes the coupling process easier. 

It features a self-aligning head to help reduce errors when backing up to the kingpin and a three-position coupling indicator that is visible from the truck cab, eliminating the need to get out of the vehicle to check the connection. 

This 20K 5th wheel hitch comes with a weight capacity of 20,000 lbs. and is finished with a durable carbide black powder coat for an excellent defense against rust, scratches, and UV damage. 

This particular Q20 hitch comes with a set of CURT OEM puck system 5th wheel legs, designed to be mounted on a Ford long-bed pickup with the truck bed puck system. Using a set of quarter-turn anchors, the legs quickly and easily drop into the pucks, instantly mounting the Q20 hitch and equipping the truck for 5th wheel towing. 

The anchors feature an adjustable design to perfectly lock the hitch into place and eliminate any chucking noises. The legs are finished in a durable carbide black powder coat to be highly resistant to scratches, rust, and UV damage. These legs are only intended to fit the Ford puck system and cannot be installed without it. Certain turret-style pin boxes, such as Sidewinder, are not compatible with CURT Q-series hitches and should not be used as they may create vehicle/trailer handling hazards. 

Product Reviews:

I LOVE this hitch. Super easy to install. Great ride, and you cannot beat the price!

Minor adjustment and fits like a glove. Use with my 43′ 5th wheel camper.

The hitch came advertised. It was easily installed and fitted perfectly in my new f350. It hooks up to the trailer and easily disconnects. I highly recommend it.

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15. CURT 16121 A16 5th Wheel Hitch with Base Rails, 16,000 lbs.

Curt 16121 A16The CURT A16 is designed to provide a surprisingly quiet ride while maintaining superior towing power. It has a gross trailer weight capacity of 16,000 lbs. and can handle a vertical load up to 4,000 lbs. It comes with a three-position coupling indicator visible from your pickup truck cab, an extra-wide head for easier coupling, and high-strength interlocking die-cast jaws for a secure hold on your 5th wheel trailer. 

This 16K 5th wheel hitch excels in quiet 5th wheel towing. It uses a fully articulating torsion head, a cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts, and interlocking jaws to create stability for your trailer and tow vehicle. These components also allow the A16 to suppress shock and vibrations and reduce any additional noise coming from your trailer.

 Like the other CURT A-Series hitches, the A16 includes a durable carbide powder coat finish. It is tested per SAE J2638 for safety and includes a limited lifetime warranty to make this the best hitch to be mounted in the back of your pickup. 

This A16 5th wheel hitch comes with industry-standard 5th wheel legs and 5th wheel rails to be mounted in your truck bed with a 5th wheel bracket kit (brackets sold separately).

Product Reviews:

This is a great setup. It does come COMPLETE. At the bottom of the page, it will list suggestions on what to buy with it. It will list base rails and a lube plate. You DO NOT need to order them separately. This hitch comes with all of it.

The rail kit was not for my year, but I only needed the rails that fit perfectly for the 2019 5’5″ bed; you need to buy a different kit. The hitch is perfect and works great.

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Why Should You Purchase a Fifth Wheel Hitch?

Heavier tow weights

The primary function of a fifth wheel hitch is to tow loads that a standard ball hitch cannot. Because of the hitch’s position and construction quality, the design can support a larger weight capacity. The weight of a trailer presses against the vehicle’s rear axle, which can bear a larger load than the rear bumper. These hitches are compatible with a variety of vehicles, including campers, cargo trailers, and more.

 

Heavy loads should be stabilized.

Fifth wheel hitches benefit from the truck bed’s location in the form of increased stability, in addition to a higher weight capacity. In other words, attaching a fifth-wheel trailer to a truck near the bed is inherently more stable than connecting a fifth-wheel trailer to a truck towards the back. When pulling a trailer through difficult terrain or at high speeds, this comes in handy.

 

Reduce the risk of harm

The use of a fifth-wheel hitch lowers the risk of damage to the truck or trailer while in transportation. Unlike a ball hitch, maneuvering the trailer is more straightforward since there is more room for the hitch and trailer to swivel around the truck.

 

 

I want to go over some key terms and definitions before getting into the meat of the matter. I know it will help you better comprehend the rest of the post and provide some essential phrases to utilize in your new fifth wheel hitch study.

 

Hitch Coupler

The flat section of the hitch connects to the fifth wheel trailer and is located in the bed of your pickup truck. The truck frame is either bolted or welded to the assembly.

 

King Pin 

The hitch part is permanently connected to the fifth-wheel trailer. When the RV is being towed, it attaches to the hitch coupler and allows the RV to pivot.

 

Hitch Locking Leveler 

The bar that is used to remove the receiver from the fifth wheel pin box is locked down. To keep the fifth wheel from detaching, you’ll need a lock.

 

Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch 

For traveling straight, it slides forward and backward in the truck bed to give an optimum ride and optimal turning angle when navigating (prevents the trailer from hitting the cab during tight turns). Long bed trucks do not require this.

 

Extended Pin Box 

Another mechanism that may be used to tow on a short bed vehicle. It also keeps the trailer from hitting the cab when making tight bends.

Mounting Rails are required to attach a fifth wheel hitch to your truck bed and are firmly secured to the vehicle bed. The hitch coupler connects the mounting rails to the hitch.

Pucks Attachments in your truck’s bed indicate the presence of an under-bed hitch prep package. The mounting rails are hidden beneath the truck’s bed.

A fifth wheel hitch equips your pickup truck with an effective coupler for towing the biggest of travel trailers, RV campers, and flatbed trailers, and choosing the perfect fifth wheel hitch on your truck calls for cautious thought. There are many alternatives to consider.

This 5th wheel hitch buying guide will take you to step by step through the process of choosing the proper 5th wheel hitch for your truck, trailer, lifestyle, and budget.

 

How to Pick the Best 5th Wheel Hitch in 5 Easy Steps

Step 1: Take into account the towing capability and weight

It’s crucial to know your towing capability and gross trailer weight before you hook up your truck and trailer or choose a 5th wheel hitch for your truck.

The maximum weight your truck is rated to tow is referred to as towing capability. When loaded and attached to your truck, the entire weight of your 5th wheel trailer is known as the gross trailer weight.

Remember that the lowest-rated towing component is always the limiting factor in towing capability. As a result, we recommend getting a 5th wheel hitch that matches or surpasses your truck’s towing capability.

Step 2: Measure the length of your truck’s bed

After you’ve determined your towing capability, you’ll need to determine the length of your truck bed. We’ll use the phrases short-bed and long-bed to keep things simple.

When your truck and trailer are hooked up, the length of the truck bed affects how much space or clearance you’ll have. A long-bed pickup truck typically has higher clearance, whereas a short-bed pickup truck has less clearance. This decides whether your 5th wheel hitch requires legs or a slider as a mounting platform.

Long-bed truck

The typical way for installing a 5th wheel hitch in the bed of a pickup truck is to use 5th wheel legs. This fixed hitch option is available on most long-bed trucks. Continue on the maroon path if you have a long-bed truck.

Short-bed truck

Additional space between the truck cab and the 5th wheel trailer overhang is required for short-bed trucks, especially while turning. A sliding 5th wheel hitch provides this extra clearance. Follow the blue path if you have a short-bed truck.

Step 3: Check to see if the truck bed is equipped with a puck system

Today, a puck system is an integrated mounting platform covered by many pickup trucks, especially people with a manufacturing towing prep package. 

It consists of a gooseneck hole in the middle and anchoring points, or “pucks.” Puck systems are available from Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Nissan, and Ram.

With this built-in puck system, you may utilize numerous 5th wheel mounting solutions for short-bed and long-bed trucks. The puck system allows the 5th wheel hitch to slide into the truck bedfast and securely for efficient towing without drilling, brackets, or extra gear.

However, your truck must be equipped with an OEM puck system. Furthermore, the puck system you select must be compatible with your truck’s manufacturer and model year. Puck systems differ according to the manufacturer and model year.

Long-bed with original-equipment puck system

Select a 5th wheel hitch with OEM puck system legs to match your truck’s make if you have a long-bed truck with a puck system. Keep in mind the towing capacity and weight.

OEM puck system on a short-bed

Select a 5th wheel hitch with an OEM puck system slider or slider adapter to match your truck’s make if you have a short-bed truck with a puck system. Chevy, Ford, GMC, Nissan, and Ram are among the brands we offer.

 

Step 4: Select permanent or detachable 5th wheel rails

If your truck does not have a puck system, 5th wheelbase rails are the usual way to attach a 5th wheel hitch. Depending on your preferences, you may install either permanent or detachable foundation rails.

 

Step 5: Select a 5th wheel hitch style

Once you’ve decided on the sort of mounting platform for your pickup truck, you can search for and purchase the required 5th wheel hitches depending on weight capacity and features.

Are you ready to shop for a fifth-wheel hitch?

In the market for fifth wheel hitches, there are several manufacturers and even more alternatives. It’s crucial to take things slowly and learn about your tow vehicle’s dimensions and capabilities, as well as the dimensions, size, and weight of your travel trailer. After you’ve gathered this information, you can concentrate on choosing the fifth wheel hitch that best suits your needs. 

I realize that was a lot of information, and I understand that it might be challenging to figure out, but you’ll have the easiest towing experience possible once you do. 

As a result, make sure you complete your research. Make sure you purchase the safest one for your fifth-wheel towing needs.

 

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