Ever tried to park a giant trailer with a truck that’s a little too short? It can be a real headache! You’re constantly worried about bumping your trailer into your truck’s cab. Short bed trucks are super popular, but finding the perfect fifth-wheel hitch can be tricky. It’s like trying to fit a puzzle piece that just doesn’t quite fit.
Choosing the wrong hitch can lead to damage to your truck or your trailer. It can also make towing a stressful experience. This post is for anyone looking to tow a fifth-wheel trailer with a short bed truck. We’ll talk about the problems and how to solve them. We’ll also explore what to look for when choosing a hitch.
In this post, you’ll learn how to choose the best fifth-wheel hitch for your short bed truck. We’ll explain the different types of hitches. We’ll also give you tips on how to avoid costly mistakes. Get ready to become a towing expert! Let’s dive into the world of fifth-wheel hitches and short bed trucks.
Our Top 5 5Th Wheel Hitch Short Bed Trucks Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 5Th Wheel Hitch Short Bed Trucks Detailed Reviews
1. CURT 16531 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks
Rating: 9.2/10
The CURT 16531 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch is built for short bed trucks. It can tow up to 20,000 lbs! This hitch has a slider. The slider gives you more room to turn. It is easy to use and has a special handle. The handle goes back to the right spot after you unhook your trailer. This hitch is strong and safe for towing.
What We Like:
- The handle is easy to use. It also resets itself.
- The hitch head moves for a smooth ride.
- It shows you when the hitch is hooked up.
- It is strong and built to last.
- It fits short bed trucks. The slider gives you more turning space.
What Could Be Improved:
- Rails and brackets are not included and must be purchased separately.
This CURT 5th wheel hitch is a great choice for short bed truck owners. It is strong, easy to use, and safe for towing your trailer.
2. CURT 16511 E16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks
Rating: 9.0/10
The CURT 16511 E16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch is a strong hitch for short bed trucks. It helps you tow heavy trailers safely. This hitch is made for towing up to 16,000 pounds. It has a slider to help you turn your truck easily. You need to buy rails and brackets separately to install this hitch.
What We Like:
- The dual-pivot head helps you tow smoothly. It gives you 10 degrees of side-to-side movement.
- It has an automatic lock for easy and safe coupling.
- An anti-rattle skid plate helps reduce noise.
- This hitch is tested for safety and can tow up to 16,000 lbs.
- The slider gives you 12 inches more turning space for short bed trucks.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to buy the rails and brackets separately.
This CURT 5th wheel hitch is a good choice if you have a short bed truck. It helps make towing easier and safer.
3. CURT 16521 A16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks
Rating: 8.9/10
The CURT 16521 A16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch is a strong hitch for short-bed trucks. It helps you tow your 5th wheel trailer safely. This hitch can handle up to 16,000 lbs! It has a slider that helps you turn your truck better. It also has features to make hooking up your trailer easy.
What We Like:
- The handle resets itself, making it easy to hook up.
- The head moves to give you a smooth ride.
- A special indicator tells you if you are hooked up correctly.
- It is tested to handle heavy loads.
- The slider gives you extra room to turn.
What Could Be Improved:
- Rails and brackets are not included and must be purchased separately.
The CURT 16521 A16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch is a good choice for people with short-bed trucks. It is a safe and easy way to tow your 5th wheel trailer.
4. CURT 16631 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch with Base Rails for Short Bed Trucks
Rating: 8.9/10
The CURT 16631 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch is a strong hitch. It is made for short-bed trucks. This hitch can tow up to 20,000 pounds! It has important features to make towing easier and safer. The hitch comes with base rails and a slider. This helps with turning your truck with a trailer.
What We Like:
- The handle resets itself. This makes hooking up your trailer easy.
- The hitch head moves to help control the trailer. It reduces bumps and noise.
- A 3-position indicator shows if the hitch is ready. It tells you if it is hooked up or not.
- It is strong and tested to pull heavy loads.
- The slider gives you extra turning space. This is good for short bed trucks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The brackets are sold separately. This may cost more money.
The CURT 16631 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch is a good choice for towing. It has many features to make towing safe and simple.
5. CURT 16550 R20 5th Wheel Roller for Short Bed Trucks
Rating: 9.2/10
The CURT 16550 R20 5th Wheel Roller is a great tool for short-bed truck owners. It helps you tow 5th wheel trailers safely. This roller gives you extra turning space. It easily installs into your truck’s 5th wheel base rails. This allows for better maneuverability when towing. It is built strong and can handle heavy loads up to 20,000 lbs. The roller has a dual-coat finish to protect against rust.
What We Like:
- Gives you 12 inches of extra turning space.
- Easy to put in, using standard 5th wheel base rails.
- Works with many CURT 5th wheel hitches.
- Strong and can handle up to 20,000 lbs.
- Has a dual-coat finish to prevent rust.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to buy a 5th wheel hitch head separately.
This 5th wheel roller is a good choice for short-bed truck owners. It helps you tow safely and easily. This product is well-built and will last a long time.
5th Wheel Hitch Buying Guide for Short Bed Trucks
Getting a 5th wheel hitch for your short bed truck can be awesome! You can tow big trailers. But, you need to pick the right one. This guide helps you find the best hitch for you.
Key Features to Look For
You need a hitch that works well. Here are some important things to look for:
- Slider Function: This is super important for short bed trucks. A slider lets the hitch move back and forth. It gives you more space when turning. This prevents your trailer from hitting your truck.
- Weight Capacity: Check how much weight the hitch can handle. Make sure it’s more than your trailer’s weight. This includes the trailer itself and everything inside.
- Ease of Use: Look for a hitch that’s easy to hook up and unhook. You don’t want to struggle every time you tow.
- Adjustability: The best hitches let you change the height. This helps level your trailer.
- King Pin Compatibility: Make sure the hitch works with your trailer’s king pin. The king pin is the part that connects to the hitch.
Important Materials
The materials used in the hitch matter a lot. Strong materials mean a strong hitch.
- Steel: Steel is a common material. It’s strong and durable. Hitches often have steel parts.
- Powder Coating: This is a type of paint. It protects the steel from rust and scratches.
- Cast vs. Forged Components: Cast parts are made by pouring metal into a mold. Forged parts are made by shaping metal under pressure. Forged parts are often stronger.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a hitch better. Other things make it worse.
- Welding: Good welds are important. They hold the hitch together. Look for strong welds.
- Finish: A good finish protects the hitch. It prevents rust. Powder coating is a great finish.
- Ease of Installation: A hitch that’s easy to install is a good sign. It means it’s well-designed. If installation is complex, it might be a lower quality product.
- Brand Reputation: Buy from a well-known brand. They usually make better products.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use the hitch. This helps you pick the right one.
- Frequent Towing: If you tow often, get a heavy-duty hitch. It will last longer.
- Turning Radius: The slider function is very important for short bed trucks. It gives you a better turning radius.
- Types of Trailers: Different trailers have different king pins. Make sure the hitch works with your trailer.
- Storage: Some hitches are easier to store than others. Think about where you’ll keep the hitch when you’re not using it.
FAQ: 5th Wheel Hitches for Short Bed Trucks
Q: What’s the best type of hitch for a short bed truck?
A: A slider hitch is the best choice. It moves back and forth. This gives you more turning space.
Q: What is a slider hitch?
A: A slider hitch can move. It gives you more space when turning. This prevents your trailer from hitting your truck’s cab.
Q: How do I know the hitch can handle my trailer’s weight?
A: Check the hitch’s weight capacity. It needs to be higher than your trailer’s weight. The weight includes the trailer and everything inside it.
Q: Are all slider hitches the same?
A: No. Some slider hitches are better than others. Consider features like ease of use, adjustability, and materials.
Q: What does “adjustability” mean in a hitch?
A: Adjustability means you can change the height of the hitch. This helps you level your trailer.
Q: How hard is it to install a 5th wheel hitch?
A: Installation varies. Some hitches are easy to install. Others take more work. Check the instructions before you buy.
Q: What is a king pin?
A: The king pin is the part of the trailer that connects to the hitch.
Q: What is powder coating?
A: Powder coating is a type of paint. It protects the hitch from rust and scratches.
Q: How do I know what size hitch I need?
A: You need to know your truck and trailer’s weights. Then, choose a hitch with a capacity that is greater than the trailer’s loaded weight.
Q: Where can I buy a 5th wheel hitch?
A: You can buy them online or at a truck supply store. You can also find them at some RV dealerships.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Sean Kernan, the voice behind esteeringwheel.com.. With a passion for all things automotive, I created this platform to share my journey, insights, and expertise about cars. From the latest tech to timeless driving tips, my goal is to help fellow enthusiasts and everyday drivers navigate the fascinating world of automobiles. Welcome to my corner of the road—let’s steer toward knowledge and discovery together!