Best Fifth Wheel Hitch for Short Bed Truck – Buying Guide

Picking a fifth wheel hitch for your short bed truck could be a challenge, but once you get one, it will be able to offer you with many advantages as compared to bumper pull travel trailers. But you should also be ready for challenges as well. There are many hitch options which you will be able to pick from ranging from a slider, fixed, and auto slider. When it was my time to get one, I realized that there was a lot of things I didn’t know about the fifth wheel hitch and that is why I decided to help others out there who might be knowing little or nothing.

Here are some of what I consider to be the best fifth wheel hitch for short bed truck.

Comparison Table of Products

Fifth Wheel Hitch for Short Bed Truck Review

1. B and W RVK3300 Companion

The installation process is very easy and it will take you no more than 10 minutes. The hitch has a 20000lb rating with a tongue weight of 5000lb. It has polyurethane bushings and double jaws to give you a great towing experience. It also has a lifetime warranty.

Pros

• The full freedom provided by the four-way pivoting head.
• It has an easy conversion from a fifth wheel to a gooseneck and vice versa
• It has a lifetime warranty
• It is rated at a tongue weight of 5000lb and towing capacity of 20000lbs
• Good value for money.

Cons

• A B&W gooseneck hitch needs to be available first.
• It is expensive

2. Andersen 3220 5th Wheel Connection – Aluminum Ultimate

There is an adjustable feature on the ball of this hitch. The coupler which it is housed on is grease free which means that you will work on it without having to become dirty or stained.

Due to the fact that, the coupler is engaged to a ball, there is an improvement on the swiveling of the hitch, articulating in any direction, making the hitch to be unique. It also enables you to be able to couple or uncouple the trailer and the truck while you are on a ground which is uneven.

Pros

• It has gross trailer weight capacity of 24000 pounds and a tongue weight of 4500 pounds.
• It is a simple and strong hitch in construction.
• It has a ball funnel feature which ensures that you can be able to hook it.
• It is compatible with gooseneck hitches.
• It is a lightweight fifth wheel hitch.

Cons

• Its release cable is a bit flimsy
• It tends to lift the trailer higher than other fifth wheel hitches

3. Curt 5th Wheel Hitch 16115 E16

It is a versatile hitch which can easily adapt to truck beds that are unique, making it be versatile with different heights in regard to truck beds. You can easily operate it single-handedly.

Pros

• Its design is versatile.
• It comes with an auto-locking mechanism for a straightforward and secure coupling.
• It is compatible with OEM puck systems
• It is long lasting due to the carbide powder coat which is durable.
• It can easily be installed on any standard rail

Cons

• The head is not self-leveling
• Its construction is cheap

4. Curt Fifth Wheel Hitch 16516 E16 with Roller

For anti-rattling capability, it comes with a specialized plate, meaning, even when the road is rough, you will travel noise free, having a smooth and quiet ride. If this is your pick, then you will never be disturbed by towed trailer or the hitch while on the move.

Its assembly is also impressive. It seems to be compatible with most of the standard base rails for easier installation and mounting. It also comes with a height adjustment feature to make it possible to accommodate various truck beds.

Pros

• It is compatible with mounting rails that are standard.
• It is compliant with various safety measures.
• It has a robust and ultra-rugged design.
• For enhanced protection, it comes with carbide powder
• Secure and stable mount.

Cons

• There is noticeable noise on the kingpin
• Its lock hatch is not a common claw type.

5. Curt 5th Wheel Hitch 16130 Q20 

There are three grease fittings allow for continuous lubrication located on the hitch head. Its rubber stoppers are thick enough to act as a cushion when you start moving. It is a hitch which can accommodate 40,000 pounds of weight and the good news is that it is compatible with various mounting options.

It is important to also know that, this fifth wheel hitch for short bed truck has a short throw, and you can use a single handle to operate it. Its jaw provides a 360-degree contact to enable your movement to be noise free.

Pros

• For continuous lubrication, the hitch head has three grease fittings
• You will be able to tow your vehicle with less or no noise at all.
• Can be in a position to carry up to 40000 pounds vertical load threshold
• It is lockable and can be operated with a single handle
• It can easily be removed from its rail attachment

Cons

• The installation process is relatively complex
• When on rough terrain, it becomes noisy

6. Pulliam Enterprises 18K for STD Base Rail 2900 Superglide

Pros

• It fits well on standard base rails
• Has a gross trailer weight of 18000 pounds
• It is affordable
• Best for short bed trucks
• It eliminates pin pulling or lever release

Cons

• The weld holding the tubular piece at times fail
• Constructed from cheap material

7. Pro Series Fifth Wheel Hitch 15K 30056

When it comes to price, comparing it with products with similar features, it is affordable. While it is easy to install this hitch, it is also very easy to unhook it. It is capable of accommodating 15000 pounds of weight and its weight is 75.5 pounds.

Something else you will benefit if you decide to buy this product is that it has slide bars which are designed with strength and the rails are also constructed from standard quality.

Pros

• It carries a weight of up to 15000 pounds
• For easy attaching, it has a 4-way pivoting head
• It comes with a kit for mounting
• For automatic self-latching, it has a rounded slide bar jaw mechanism
• It is affordable

Cons

• An average quality due to its price
• Compared to the jaws, the slide bars make a lot of noise

8. B&W Companion RVK3500 5th Wheel Hitch

It has a 20000-pound gross trailer weight rating with a vertical rating of 5000 pounds. These numbers mean that it is a fifth wheel hitch which can work with large trailers and RVs.

The entire hitch has a wide stance, meaning that, while coupling, it will be able to provide stability with the jaw wrapping the kingpin perfectly, thus, eliminating shabby starts and stops. Wherever you go, if you choose this particular hitch, it might provide you with a smooth ride.

Pros

• Provides stability and strength of high quality due to its wide stance.
• It offers a smooth ride and gets rid of sloppiness giving it great performance on the road
• Front to back and side to side pivoting allowed
• With the help of cam action latching, you are guaranteed ease of release
• Quite and rattle free towing experience due to the polyurethane bushings

Cons

• It is a bit heavy
• Hard installation due to its bulkiness

9. Reese Elite 30142 18000 lbs Fifth Wheel Hitch

If your truck has a side to side flare, then this particular hitch will not fit. It comes when it is already pre-assembled and thus, it will save you some time of about one hour. It comes with folding tab washers that make it possible for you to have an easy installation. It weighs 137 pounds and has dimensions of 36.8 x 20.5 x 18.8 inches.

Pros

• It is durable.
• Pulling in and out is very easy meaning, it is also easy to connect.
• It is easy to install
• It is easy to engage and to release without having to produce any sound.
• Great for heavy-duty hauling
• For stability, it features a wide footprint

Cons

• Requires more grease fitting as it is not lubricated enough
• It is a little pricey

10. Pro Series Fifth Wheel Hitch 30128

The kid also includes 30035 10 bolt mounting kit. So if you are looking for a fifth wheel hitch that has an easy and simple setup, then you could do well if you choose this particular one. You can use it for long drives and it might be great for the money you pay for it.

Pros

• Comes with a complete parts kit
• It is sold at a reasonable price
• It features a four-way pivoting head mechanism
• It can accommodate a weight of up to 15000 pounds
• It locks the latches automatically

Cons

• At times it comes with dents on delivery
• It can be tricky to use
  
  

You may also like: Top 7 Best Truck Winches in The Market To Pick

Key Terms to Use in New Fifth Wheel Hitch Research

Here are terms which might prove effective, especially if you are new to the fifth wheel hitch:

• Slider fifth wheel hitch: It slides backward and forward, in the truck bed, providing a ride that is optimal when going straight and when maneuvering, optimal is turning angle, thus, preventing the trailer from hitting the cab at night when passing through turns that are tight.
• Hitch Coupler: This is the flat part of the hitch which you will find in the bed of your truck and it is the one which will interface with your fifth wheel trailer. When assembling, you can either weld or bolt to the truck frame.
•  Kingpin: It is the part of the hitch which is attached to the fifth wheel trailer permanently. It allows the RV to pivot when towing is happening due to the fact that, it is connected to the hitch coupler.
• Mounting rails: They are normally locked securely to the truck bed and you will need them to attach the fifth wheel hitch to the bed of your truck. The coupler of the hitch attaches to the mounting rails.
• Hitch Locking Leveler: it is the one which locks down on the bar which is used to release the receiver from the pin box of the fifth wheel. To prevent the fifth wheel from detaching, you will require a lock.
• Extended Pin Box: When towing with a short bed truck, you will require this device as it prevents your trailer from hitting the cab while making tight turns.

What Is A Fifth Wheel Hitch?

It is best to know in details, what a fifth wheel hitch is all about. It is known to be a device which is able to support the weight of a semi-trailer, attaching to a truck. You will need to ensure that, it is well installed to prevent accidents from happening due to the fact that, the heaviness of the trailer will press down between the cab of the truck and the rear axle.

You will need to know the overall weight that your truck has which include the gear inside the trailer and furniture. If you end up buying a hitch which will not be in a position to support your trailer weight is very dangerous and useless at the same time. So make sure that your decision to buy the best fifth wheel hitch for short bed truck is based on this. Remember that, it is serving as a link between your truck and trailer.
When you get a fifth wheel hitch, it will bring along with it, so many benefits, one of them is that you will be able to have a significant way of supporting any type of trailer. Due to the fact that you can easily detach it anytime, you don’t want it on your truck, it follows that it is a convenient add-on. It can make you utilize your trailer for other purposes.

If you purchase a high-quality fifth wheel hitch, then it will be able to protect your trailer and at the same time, it is going to guarantee that, it will come with fewer weight limitations which will work out to your own advantage as you will be able to carry a lot more for a very long time.

What Type Of Truck You Are Going To Use The Fifth Wheel On?

You will first of all need to determine if your truck will actually pull your fifth wheel. You don’t have to take anyone word for it and instead, read your truck manual or get online to the manufacturer’s website to get all the details for yourself:

1. The length of your truck

If the truck bed is more than 8 feet, meaning, along with the truck bed, then you can go for the traditional fifth wheel hitch. If it is less than 8 feet, then, there will be a need for you to consider buying an extended pin box and a slider fifth wheel hitch for the best results when towing. If you installed the fifth wheel hitch well, then it should be able to sit in front of your truck’s rear axle. This is easy if you have a long bed truck, but not with a short bed truck.

2. Does The Truck Bed Has A Liner?

If it has, then there will be a need to cut a hole in order to accommodate a fifth wheel hitch and at the same time, be prepared not to utilize the slider hitch as it is not compatible.

Read more: 10 Best DIY (Do It Yourself) Truck Bed Liners

3. Pucks In The Truck Bed

If there are, then you will need to get a fifth wheel hitch which is designed to attach to them.

4. Are there metal rails on the truck bed that go from the left to the right?

If that is the case, then you will have to get a fifth wheel hitch rail and also a hitch that is specifically designed to fit on them.

5. The type of truck you have

It is possible to get a hitch that is specifically designed for your truck’s Model, Make, and year of manufacture. If not, then you can consider getting a universal one.

Slider Fifth Wheel for Short Bed Trucks

If you have a truck with a bed under 8 feet, then you should consider getting a sliding fifth wheel hitch. Compared to the long bed trucks, the rear axle on a short truck is normally closer to the cab. Since the hitch will have to be directly over the rear axle due to safety measures when you are traveling, it denotes that, the trailer has to be closer to the cab on short beds as compared to long beds.

If you decide to use a fixed position fifth hitch on a bed that is short, it might end up causing the corner edges of the trailer to collide with the cab of the truck when it is going through a bend that is sharp. Although most of the truck nowadays features rounded front caps, this doesn’t give you the full turning radius possible.

And thus, you will have to go for a slider hitch which will allow for temporarily sliding towards the truck’s rear thereby creating more space for the trailer. It can allow you up to 90 degrees. Once you are done with the low-speed extreme maneuvering, the hitch can return back to its closer and safer position as you travel.

There are two basic types: Automatic and Manual

1. Sliding Hitch 

Just the way the name suggests, you will need to slide the hitch using the following process:

• First, you will need to stop the truck and then pull the slide release lever.
• Get into the truck and pull forward until you hear the hitching locking into place.
• Make all your maneuvering
• Stop the truck and pull the slide release lever.
• Get back into the truck and then back up until you hear the hitch locking into place

Although it sounds a simple procedure, you will need to get in and out of the truck whenever there is a need to slide the hitch around. There is also a possibility that, you might have the hitch in the wrong position. The first time you do this, the sound of the hitch will be a bit jarring. It is generally less expensive as compared to automatic sliding hitch. Due to the fact that it is manual, there is a possibility that, you will have a variety to choose from.

2. Auto Sliding Hitch

When you have this sliding hitch, it engages automatically and thus, no need for the stopping, moving the truck, pulling the slide release lever, hopping back out, hopping back in. It might be among the best sliding fifth wheel hitches. They are loaded with the latest innovation, which addresses the disadvantages of manual sliders.

The pinion and rack which comes with this hitch allow it to auto slide on turns whenever the need arises and return back to the axle position once the turn is totally complete. There is nothing you are going to do on your part as the truck driver.

And even though it sounds amazing, if you are on a tight budget, you should know that it is a bit expensive and it is weightier as compared to the manual sliding hitch. When it comes to a selection, then it means that you will have fewer to choose from. So it is up to you to decide which way to go.

Traditional Fifth Wheel Hitch for Long Bed Trucks

If you decide that you want to get a traditional fifth wheel hitch, then there are a few things which you need to remember. It is important to think about going down the road where there is no smooth road and thus, your hitch will be jostled and bumped along the way. There are two main types of fifth wheel hitch which are referred to as traditional: air ride and standard fixed.

1. Standard Fixed Traditional Fifth Wheel Hitch

It has no cushioning and it is fixed in place. To ensure that the effects on off-road are minimized, you can get padded pin boxes. The advantage of this particular type is that it is inexpensive and the pin boxes can be used on a variety of trucks. The downside is that, still, you will be able to feel some bumps as you move along the road.

2. Air ride traditional fifth wheel hitch

It is an all in one system which cushions against the bumps as you ride along off roads which are mostly rough. It is a high-quality anti-shock system, but you will need to be ready to spend more. It is also heavy, and it might be tough to move it from one truck to the next.

Gooseneck Adapter

If You have your truck and towing system for a gooseneck trailer, then you can just get an adapter which will enable you to pull your fifth wheel. Some adapters will use the ball hose of your gooseneck hitch or your gooseneck ball.

This will make it possible for you to hook up your fifth wheel hitch without the need for modification. Other adapters will need to be mounted on your trailer, allowing you to attach your trailer directly to the gooseneck back that is on your truck.

There are four main varieties of adapters:

1. Adapter that you will have to attach to a gooseneck ball in the truck: It is one of the lightest hitch options that are available in the market. There is a high attachment between the hitch and the trailer. This relieves stress on the pin box and the trailer frame.

2. An adapter which replaces the trailer pin box: If you get this particular adapter, it will leave your truck bed open so that you can use it for other purposes. It is specifically made to fit certain pin boxes. You don’t have to worry about causing extra stress to either the hitch or the trailer frame with this particular adapter.

3. An adapter which bolts to the kingpin plate: If you are looking for a temporal solution, then get this particular adapter. You should be ready for the stress it will cause on the hitch and the trailer frame.

4. The adapter which is installed in the ball hole of the gooseneck hitch: For this adapter, there will be no need for modification of the trailer and thus, a good choice for you if you desire to switch between fifth wheel and gooseneck.

Types of Fifth Wheel Hitch

You will need to be careful and learn the difference so that, you know which one of them is going to meet your needs before making a purchase.

• 2-way Pivot Head: This is a regular fifth wheel hitch which works in two ways. Prior to the trailer reaching a grade change, it allows the truck to drive against an incline.
• Double jaw: It offers double the power and it can help you with the needs of your hitch due to the mechanism which is very powerful.
• 4-way pivot head: It is a fifth wheel hitch which will allow you to pivot from one side to the next. It is a hitch which will make traveling easier even when you are driving on uneven surfaces.
• Fifth wheel hitch with universal rails: It is a hitch which can be installed to any trailer. It is easy to install due to the fact that, there will be no need for drilling holes into the frame of the truck.
• Gooseneck hitch: You will be able to haul this gooseneck trailer with this particular hitch. By using the existing setup, you can be in a position to install it to the truck’s frame which later on, you can remove.
• Single jaw: This particular type offers grab jaw which you can easily use to connect to the hitch wheel by using rails.
• Fifth wheel hitch with custom rails: This particular hitch comes with a set of rails which are personalized. Due to the fact that, it already has drilled holes, it means that it is highly customizable.

Things to Consider Before Making Your Purchase

The following are some of the essential facts you will need to consider before choosing the best fifth wheel hitch in the market. You need to know what makes a good fifth wheel hitch. With the following, you will be able to make a great decision in buying the best.

1. Weight Capacity

If you an incorrect hitch on a trailer, it might become hard and dangerous to drive around. You will need to ensure that, your hitch is one which will be able to accommodate the overall weight of your trailer.

2. Installation

There is a need for you to ensure that your truck and trail match to allow for an installation that will be easy. You can be able to get units which you can easily install on your own without the help of others. You should also be able to get a hitch which comes with a complete installation kit so that you don’t have to worry about buying extra things to use for installation.

3. Price

The ones which are expensive may or may not guarantee that it is high quality. You will need to correlate the features of the fifth wheel hitch with its price in order to come up with a better option.

4. Ease of Use

Get a fifth wheel hitch which will be convenient to use. Most of the units I have reviewed here will give you ease of use as you can disconnect and connect at will.

5. Exterior

Most fifth wheel hitches are made from fiberglass thereby ensuring that they come out with a glossy color and shine. Ensure that, it is in a position to carry out the required weight of your trailer.

What Should be Your Biggest Concern When Towing a Fifth Wheel Hitch with a Short Bed Truck?

The turning angle should be your biggest concern. Until you have your trailer and your truck hitched up, it will be very hard for you to know what your turning radius will be. You will have to look at a few simple measurements which will help you to determine its performance with your truck.

You will also need to think about the frequency you will remove it from your truck bed. Different hitch designs have different weights. The equipment you will install and your fitness level when it comes to installing and removing is likely going to affect your choice. There is no one perfect hitch that will make it in every situation.

Fifth Wheel Hitch Weight Ratings

Hitches are available in different weight ratings with the lightest being around 15000lbs and the heaviest rated about 30000lbs. Most available manufacturers normally add 5000lbs as they move up. When you are selecting a fifth wheel hitch, consider your truck or the one you are about to buy and think about what you would want to have 5 or more years from that time. You are likely going to save money in the long run by going for a larger hitch than what you need at the moment instead of trading it in for your next fifth wheel hitch.

Chucking and Bucking in Fifth Wheel Hitch

When you make connections that are loose, you will end up having what is referred to as bucking and chucking. That is when you feel the RV pulling and pushing against the tow vehicle and in the process, causing an unpleasant bumpy ride.
When the connection between the truck frame and the fifth wheel kingpin is not tight, the truck and the RV can move independently. When at the end the loose connection runs out as you travel, there will be a sudden jarring will be felt. If it happens while you are on a bumpy road, it might become impossible to stop without having to slow down.

Mounting Options for Fifth Wheel Hitch

How your truck is equipped will determine how you will attach the fifth hitch. If you have the latest model of Chevy, Ram, or Ford which comes with the factory prep kit that includes pre-installed pucks at the factory, then mounting will be very easy. The following are some of the mounting options:

1. Industry Standard Rails (ISR)

ISR kits make installation of the hitch very easy if they are installed in your truck bed as they provide a standardized rail system which is likely to work with various hitches. Depending on which hitch you have, with some being permanently installed and other removable from the bed, leaving the bed of the truck clear when the hitch is not in use.

2. Above Bed Mounting Systems

This option uses brackets which are normally installed in the bed to enable you to attach the hitch. Just like the ISR system, the brackets can be left in the bed whenever you remove the hitch when it is not in use. The shape and size of the brackets depending on the manufacturer of the hitch and thus, they are not interchangeable.

3. Under Bed Mounting Systems

It works similar to the puck systems from the factory installation. The hardware for mounting is attached to the frame and it has access holes which are drilled through the bed. During towing, the hitch is attached to the brackets which are under the bed. When you are not using it, you can easily remove the hitch and leave your bed clear of any obstacles.

Fixed Hitch Towing Performance

The performance of a fixed hitch of a fixed hitch varies greatly depending on the hitch quality. Most of the low-cost hitches tend to have a single jaw which locks to the king-pin on the trailer in place. If you get a more expensive model, it will most of the time, have a dual jaw system, meaning, it will provide a more secure connection.

When choosing a fixed hitch, you will have to also look out for the articulating head, which is the one responsible for making it easier to hook up and unhook even when your truck is standing on uneven ground. The other difference between lower cost models and more expensive ones is the slop in the system. The best ride is obtained when the connection between the fifth wheel hitch and the truck frame is tighter.

Limitation of Fixed Hitch with Short Bed Trucks

The turning radius is limited when you use a fixed hitch on your short bed truck. The fifth wheel hitch tends to be more maneuverable as compared to their bumper puller types as they have the ability to turn to more than 90 degrees. When it comes to a fixed hitch on a short bed truck, this is not possible. You might find it hard to get out of a gas station or even when at your campsite due to a fixed hitch not being able to do a 90-degree turn.

Conclusion

When it comes to selecting the best fifth wheel hitch, there are several things which you will need to consider. I hope this guide helped in explaining all the best options with their pros and cons so that you can make your independent selection. If you cannot find your option, then get onto Amazon as there are a variety of them there. Use the guide to determine which one might just work for you. My best pick is Andersen 3220 5th Wheel Connection, check it out.