Best Fifth Wheel Hitch

If you’re interested in getting an RV for camping and vacationing, then you most likely will opt for a model that is a trailer, rather than a motorized version.

5th wheel hitches are specifically designed to haul heavier weights than a standard ball hitch by sitting over your truck’s rear wheels and providing more stable support.

That’s when having the best fifth wheel hitch makes a difference.

Another very popular type of hitches are weight distribution hitches. You can see our top picks here.

Fifth Wheel Hicht Reviews

1. PullRite 2900 Superglide Industrial Standard

The PullRite 2900 automatically sliding fifth wheel hitch is ideal for short bed trucks, with a higher weight rating for pulling larger fifth wheel trailers.

The hitch head and cam arm mechanism are built from high quality American steel, well equipped to handle the increased torque of a heavier trailer, and quickly moves your trailer away from your truck cab when making turns.

This hitch gives you 14″ of slide during turns and is fully automatic, so there’s no need to get in and out of your truck before and after turns like other manual slide hitches. 

Specifications:

• Capacity (max. trailer weight): 20,000 lbs.
• Pin Weight Capacity (max. vertical weight): 5,000 lbs.
• Hitch Plate Weight: 43 lbs.
• Total Weight: 230 lbs.
• Overall Dimensions (inches): 23.25″W x 39″L x 18.5″H
• Finish: E-coated, black powder overlay
• Warranty: 5 year, limited

Lightweight

The hitch is easy to remove without tools. The 40lb. hitch head is held in place with easy-to-remove pins and clips, and the base is relatively lightweight—the second lightest among sliding hitches on the market.

Adjustable

14″ of fully automatic slide and a dual articulating head that moves side-to-side and front-to-back during towing, gives you a smoother ride.

Heavy duty

Manufactured from high quality American steel, this hitch is well equipped to handle up 20,000 lbs. max trailer weight and 5,000 lbs. pin weight. 

Different types of adjustment

Adjustable tension bolt prevents bumping or chucking; low profile feet are adjustable to center the hitch over the axle; optional high-profile feet are available for trucks with high bed sides.

All standard brands of gooseneck hitches

PullRite’s Horse/Gooseneck Trailer Adapter eliminates having to move your hitch from a gooseneck to a fifth wheel hitch system every time. By swapping out your trailer’s coupler, you can easily go back and forth between fifth wheel and gooseneck trailer quickly.

Secure

A locking jaw closes automatically around the king pin, and a latch handle locks automatically when the locking jaws are engaged.

Pros

• Easy, smooth hook-up
• Provides a gentle ride
• 90º turning capability

Cons

• More expensive than other similar models
• Can be hard to lift and install with one person

The PullRite 2900 is a high quality, heavy-duty hitch for heavy-duty hauling, ideal for short bed trucks. 14” of automatic slide moves your trailer away from your truck cab when making turns, giving you 90º turning capability.

2. REESE Elite 30142

While the 30143 model above was perfect for heavy duty hauling, this next hitch is a step down, making it an ideal choice for smaller trailers and lighter towing duties.

That being said, it still doesn’t come with a slider, meaning that if you have a short truck bed, then you won’t be able to use this hitch very effectively.

Assuming that you have a full-size truck, however, this hitch has everything you need to make the installation and coupling process as easy as possible.

First, the model comes pre-assembled, so all you have to do is put it on your truck and mount it into place.

As far as coupling goes, it comes with an extra-strength single jaw and a quick-lock mounting system that makes it easier to back into place without damaging anything.

A wider funnel means that you don’t have to be precise when coupling, and a kingpin indicator ensures that you are locked and loaded before you try going anywhere.

The handle is even lockable so that you prevent theft when parking overnight.

As with the other model, this hitch also comes with a four-way pivoting head, meaning that you can drive on rough terrain without any worries.

It also has up to four degrees of movement so that if your trailer is rocking, you won’t damage the hitch or your truck bed.

Finally, this unit has a wider stance so that you get the best stability while driving.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Midgrade hitch for smaller trailers
• Four-way pivoting for easier hauling
• Allows up to four degrees on each side
• Lockable extended length handle
• Quick-lock mounting system reduces slop
• Stamped rounded head
• Wide kingpin funnel
• Kingpin indicator for easier install
• Wider footprint for increased stability
• Pre-assembled to save installation time
• Folding tab washers for easier install
• Weighs 137 pounds

Cons

• Not designed for small pickups with short beds
• Can be hard to move into place without help
• May need more grease fittings to improve smoothness of the ride

3. CURT 16521 Q16

So far, we’ve seen hitches that stay in one place while you drive.

While that means that they are usually stronger and can handle more weight, that does pose a problem if you have a short truck bed.

In this case, we’re talking about beds that are less than eight feet long.

The reason that most stationary hitches pose a problem for these rigs is when you have to make a tight turn.

Usually, the trailer will overlap with the cab of the truck, meaning that you risk hitting your back window or smashing the side of the cab itself.

To remedy this problem, some hitches, like this one, come with a sliding mechanism so that you can pull the trailer back and allow for better turning.

Unfortunately, that also reduces the amount of strength on the hitch, so you can’t drive like that all of the time.

What makes this particular model such a great sliding unit is that it uses rollers instead of a hollow rail.

This means that the weight is more evenly distributed so that the hitch will last longer and won’t bend under pressure.

It’s still not enough to keep the trailer in the extended position while you drive on the highway, but it’s better than most sliding mechanisms.

Furthermore, you get up to twelve inches of displacement, which is more than the standard ten.

To make this hitch even better, it comes with an interlocking dual jaw system that wraps around the kingpin and reduces noise while riding.

The handle is also easier to use and resets to the open position once you’ve detached the trailer, making the whole process simpler overall.

You can still lock the handle in place to prevent theft, and it still makes a tight seal to prevent slipping while driving.

Finally, this hitch comes with a limited lifetime warranty, making it a great buy for anyone who values longevity and quality.

Pros

• Durable cast body
• Midrange towing capacity
• Sliding hitch allows for tighter turns
• Slides back on rollers, not rods
• Allows for twelve inches of displacement
• Lockable handle to prevent theft
• Handle resets after removing trailer to save time
• Fully articulating torsion head
• Dual interlocking jaws create a tight seal
• Extra-wide opening for easier mounting
• Quick and simple installation
• Reduced noise while traveling
• Coupling indicator shows when you’re locked in place
• Multiple sizes available for higher towing capacity
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

• In some cases, the trailer may still clang during transit
• Installation is tricky with only one person

4. Andersen Hitches 3220

This aluminum hitch is one of the lightest and strongest on the market. It features a patented ball-funnel to make hook up easy.

The base weighs 35 lbs., making it convenient to get the hitch in and out of the bed of your truck.

The manufacturer claims that the base of this unit can be completely installed or removed in less than one minute by one person

Andersen Manufacturing, Inc. has been in business for over fifty years, and all manufacturing and fabrication are done in the United States.

Specifications:

Rated at 24,000 lbs. (Gross Maximum Trailer Weight), 4,500 lbs. tongue weight

Weight: 55 pounds

Dimensions: 37 x 32.5 x 13.5 inches

Material: Aluminum, polished

Made in the USA

Cover Included

Lightweight

With a base weighing only 35lbs, this hitch is one of the lightest, strongest, 5th wheel hitches on the market today. The manufacturer claims the base of the unit can be completely installed or removed by one person in less than a minute, and that complete installation takes less than five minutes.

Adjustable

This hitch is designed to work in short bed, standard bed, and long bed trucks; the hitch provides nearly 3″ of adjustable height; a greaseless coupler provides maximum swivel in every direction;  gives you the ability to couple or uncouple your trailer on uneven terrain for added convenience.

Heavy duty

Rated at 24,000 lbs GTWR, and 4,500 lbs tongue weight

With different types of adjustment

Provides three height adjustments: 16-3/4″ lower position, 17-7/8″ middle position and 19-1/8″ upper position (measured from bed of truck to top of ball mount).

Works with all standard brands of gooseneck hitches

Patented ball-funnel makes hook up easier; ball rides inside a greaseless coupler, provides nearly 3″ of adjustable height and maximum swivel.

Secure

Manufactured in the United States to meet all V5 and SAE J684 certification requirements. Features manufacturer’s $5 Million supplemental warranty.

Pros

• Base weighs only 35lbs
• Can easily be installed or removed by just one person
• Features a patented remote latch/unlatch cable

Cons

• Not designed for heavy duty loads

Lightweight, easy to install and remove, an ideal hitch for short bed trucks. This hitch provides a smooth and quiet ride, with virtually no bucking or chatter. Also features a manufacturer’s $5 Million supplemental warranty.

5. B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch RVK3500

If you liked the versatility of the RVK3400 Hitch above but don’t need a slider and want better results, then this is the option for you.

While it does mean that you can’t mount this to a smaller truck bed, it has better components and is stronger overall to allow for better hauling and towing.

What makes this hitch better is the fact that it comes with a four-way pivoting head instead of two.

This way you can drive over any kind of terrain without damaging your bed or the hitch itself.

That’s usually the big problem with sliders, however, is that they can’t rock from side to side.

Like the 3400, this hitch also uses the under-bed mounting system that enables you to take the whole thing off when you want to use your truck for hauling in the bed rather than a trailer.

This makes it much more versatile than the competition and can be a welcome relief to those who don’t want to commit their trucks to being hitched all of the time. Other features of this hitch included three vertical adjustments for easier coupling, a powder coating on the metal to prevent corrosion, and a cam-action handle to allow for smoother latching.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Heavy duty towing capacity
• Four-way pivoting system
• Allows up to four degrees at all angles
• Wide kingpin insertion point
• Less rattling and noise while driving
• Cam-action handle for easier operation
• Easy to install and remove for full bed access
• Rail-free design
• Three vertical adjustments
• Wider stance for improved stability
• Powder coated to reduce corrosion and rust
• Weighs 200 pounds
• Made in the USA

Cons

• No lube plate included
• Requires undercarriage mounting system (sold separately)Heavy and cumbersome to load and unload into your truck
• Not built for smaller truck beds

6. CURT 16130 Q20

This next model from Curt comes with all of the features that you liked about the A-Series but minus the ability to slide.

Thus, if you’re looking for a quality stationary hitch, then this could be a great option.

The main selling points of this hitch are that it comes with a three-position coupler that you can see from your rearview mirrors to let you know when you’ve locked it.

It also has a dual jaw system that wraps around the kingpin for less noise and movement while driving.

The spherical axial bearing mount means that the hitch can move in all directions, making it ideal for driving on rough terrain or up steep hills.

In this case, the hitch comes with a short-throw handle that engages with the kingpin automatically to lock it into place, and it can also lock to prevent theft.

Finally, this hitch comes with powder coating to prevent rust and a ten-year limited warranty.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Heavy duty towing capacity
• Multiple sizes available for higher loads
• Wide kingpin insertion
• Three-position coupler shows when you’re locked in
• Four-way pivoting head
• Spherical axial bearing for smoother riding
• Self-aligning head for easier mounting
• Lockable handle to prevent theft
• Dual jaws reduce rattling and noise
• Short-throw handle engages with kingpin automaticallyT
• wo-pin head removal if necessary
• Weighs 140 pounds
• Carbide powder coat finish to reduce rust and corrosion
• Ten-year limited warranty

Cons

• Difficult to remove from your truck bed to get full access
• Not built for shorter trucksIn some cases, it may be a bit tricky to get coupled and uncoupled, depending on the height

How to Choose a Fifth Wheel Hitch

To help you out even further, here is a list of all of the types of hitches you can find. This will enable you to make the right decision based on your truck, trailer, and hauling needs.

Gooseneck

Some trailers hang over the back of your truck bed, which means that they need extra support to handle the extra pin weight.

These hitches are built to deal with these trailers and can ensure that you get the right amount of pivot and weight distribution to keep your truck and RV safe while driving.

See how to properly place it here.

Two-Pivot

We’ve already talked a little about this, but a two-pivot head can only move forward and aft.

This allows for you to go up and down hills, but it will not sway from side to side, so you have to watch out for potholes and bumps in the road..

Four-Pivot

If you want total flexibility, then a four-pivot hitch is the way to go. These allow for swaying and rocking if you drive over uneven terrain, which ensures that the hitch and your truck bed stay in pristine shape.

Sliding Hitch

If you have a short truck bed (less than eight feet), you need this kind of hitch to make sure that the trailer won’t crash into your cab while you make a tight turn.

Most of these require manual sliding, meaning that you have to get out, adjust the trailer, lock it in place, drive around the corner, and then reset it.

There are automatic models out there, but they cost a lot more, so it’s up to you if it’s worth the added expense.

Double Jaw

This is a common mechanism that closes around the kingpin on both sides. Usually, the jaws will interlock, but not always.

These can reduce noise and movement while driving, but having two jaws does mean that each one is less strong than both combined.

Single Jaw

If you want to haul heavy trailers that are over 25,000 pounds, we recommend single jaw hitches as they are usually stronger and can handle the weight much better.

Since it’s a single unit, you don’t have to worry about it breaking down in transit like a double jaw.

Final Verdict

When looking at the different hitches, we have to break them into two categories: sliding and fixed.

That being said, our top pick for a stationary hitch would have to be the Curt 16130 Q20 as it comes with the best features, pricing, and durability.

For sliding hitches, however, we like the B&W RVK3400 because you can take the whole thing off when you’re not hauling a trailer, making it a robust and versatile option.