Ever watched a truck try to turn with a giant fifth wheel trailer, and thought, “Wow, that looks tricky!”? Well, it *is* tricky, especially if you have a short bed truck. Short bed trucks are great for many things, but hooking up a fifth wheel trailer can be a real challenge. You might worry about hitting the truck’s cab when you turn. This can damage your truck and your trailer, and nobody wants that!
Choosing the right fifth wheel hitch for a short bed truck can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many different kinds! You need to think about things like turning clearance and how easy it is to hook up. Picking the wrong one can make your towing experience a nightmare. It can also be a costly mistake if you have to replace it later!
Don’t worry! In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know. We’ll explain the problems and offer clear solutions. You will learn about the best hitches, how they work, and how to pick the perfect one for your truck. Get ready to become a short bed fifth wheel expert and enjoy safer, easier towing! Let’s get started!
Our Top 5 Fifth Wheel Hitch For Short Bed Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Fifth Wheel Hitch For Short Bed Detailed Reviews
1. CURT 16531 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks
Rating: 8.5/10
The CURT 16531 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch is built for short bed trucks. It helps you tow your 5th wheel trailer safely. This hitch can handle up to 20,000 lbs. It has a slider feature to help with turns. It also has a special head that makes towing smoother. This hitch is made to be strong and easy to use.
What We Like:
- The handle resets itself! It makes hooking up your trailer easy.
- The head moves to help reduce noise and bumps when towing.
- A light shows if the hitch is ready to tow.
- It’s strong and can tow a lot of weight.
- It fits short bed trucks and lets you turn better.
What Could Be Improved:
- The rails and brackets are sold separately. You need to buy them too.
The CURT 16531 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch is a good choice for short bed truck owners. It is strong, safe, and easy to use.
2. CURT 16511 E16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks
Rating: 9.5/10
The CURT 16511 E16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch is a heavy-duty hitch made for short-bed trucks. It’s built to handle big loads, up to 16,000 lbs! This hitch has a special head that moves, making towing smoother. It also has a feature that locks automatically for safety. This hitch helps reduce rattling and vibration. It’s a good choice for people who need to tow a 5th wheel trailer with their short-bed truck. The hitch fits onto standard rails, but you will need to buy those separately.
What We Like:
- The dual-pivot head allows for smooth towing.
- The automatic locking feature makes hooking up easy and safe.
- The anti-rattle skid plate helps keep things quiet while towing.
- It’s been tested to meet safety standards.
- The slider gives you extra turning space in a short-bed truck.
What Could Be Improved:
- Rails and brackets are not included and need to be purchased separately.
This CURT 5th wheel hitch is a solid choice for short-bed truck owners. It provides important features for safe and easy towing.
3. CURT 16631 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch with Base Rails for Short Bed Trucks
Rating: 9.0/10
The CURT 16631 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch is a strong hitch made for short bed trucks. It is designed to help you tow your 5th wheel trailer safely. This hitch can handle up to 20,000 lbs! It has a slider to give you more room when you turn. The hitch also has a special handle that makes it easy to hook up your trailer. It even shows you if the hitch is ready to tow.
What We Like:
- The handle resets itself, making it easy to use.
- The hitch head moves to reduce bumps and noise.
- It has an indicator to show if the hitch is ready.
- The hitch is strong and tested to pull heavy loads.
- It has a slider for better turning with short beds.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to buy brackets separately.
The CURT A20 is a good choice if you have a short bed truck and a 5th wheel trailer. It is designed to be safe and easy to use when you are towing.
4. CURT 16521 A16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks
Rating: 9.1/10
The CURT 16521 A16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch is a strong and easy-to-use hitch for short-bed trucks. It helps you tow 5th wheel trailers safely. It can handle up to 16,000 lbs! This hitch has cool features like a self-resetting handle and a built-in coupling indicator. It also gives you extra turning space.
What We Like:
- The handle resets itself after you uncouple. This makes it easy to hook up again.
- The hitch head moves well. This helps reduce bumps and noise while towing.
- A handy indicator shows if the hitch is ready to tow.
- It’s strong and tested to handle heavy loads.
- The slider gives you more room to turn with a short bed truck.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to buy rails and brackets separately.
This CURT hitch is a solid choice for short-bed truck owners who tow 5th wheel trailers. It offers great features for safe and easy towing.
5. B&W Trailer Hitches Patriot 18K Rail Mounted Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch – RVK3270
Rating: 9.3/10
The B&W Trailer Hitches Patriot 18K Rail Mounted Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch – RVK3270 is a heavy-duty hitch. It is made for towing fifth-wheel RVs. This hitch mounts to industry-standard rails already in your truck bed. It gives you extra turning space with its 12″ slider. The hitch head moves around for a smooth ride. It is also easy to unhitch, even on uneven ground. The hitch is built strong and made in America.
What We Like:
- The hitch fits standard rails, so it is easy to install.
- The slider gives you more space to turn.
- The pivoting head helps with a smooth ride.
- The latch handle is easy to use.
- Polyurethane bushings keep things quiet.
- It has an 18,000 lb Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) capacity.
- It has a 4,500 lb Vertical Tongue Weight (VTW) capacity.
- It is made in America and has a lifetime warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The rails are not included and must be bought separately.
The B&W Patriot hitch is a solid choice for RV owners. It is built to last and makes towing easier and safer.
Fifth Wheel Hitch for Short Bed Trucks: A Buying Guide
So, you want to haul a big trailer with your short bed truck? Awesome! You’ll need a fifth wheel hitch. But, it’s a little trickier with a short bed. This guide will help you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
You need a hitch that works well with your truck. Here’s what to consider:
- Slider: This is the most important feature for short beds! A slider hitch moves the hitch back and forth. This gives you more turning space. It helps prevent the trailer from hitting the truck’s cab.
- Weight Capacity: Know how much your trailer weighs! The hitch needs to handle that weight. Look at the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your trailer. Make sure the hitch’s capacity is higher than that.
- Height Adjustment: You want a hitch that fits your truck and trailer. Adjustable height lets you level the trailer. This helps with a smooth ride.
- Easy to Install: Some hitches are easier to install than others. Look for one that fits your truck’s bed rails.
- Jaw System: This part connects to the trailer’s pin. A strong jaw system is super important for safety.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the company believes in its product. It protects you from defects.
Important Materials
The materials used in the hitch matter a lot. They affect how strong and long-lasting it is.
- Steel: High-strength steel is common. It’s strong and can handle heavy loads.
- Powder Coating: This protects the steel from rust and corrosion. It makes the hitch last longer.
- Quality Fasteners: Bolts and other fasteners need to be strong. They hold the hitch together.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect the quality of a fifth wheel hitch.
- Welds: Strong, clean welds are essential. They hold the hitch together. Look for smooth welds.
- Manufacturing Process: How the hitch is made makes a difference. A well-made hitch is safer and lasts longer.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable hitches. Research the brand before you buy.
- Customer Reviews: Read what other people say about the hitch. This gives you a good idea of its quality.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance helps your hitch last a long time. This includes greasing the moving parts.
User Experience and Use Cases
A fifth wheel hitch for a short bed makes towing easier.
- Turning: The slider hitch gives you more turning room. This is great for tight spaces.
- Maneuvering: You can back up and maneuver your truck and trailer.
- Travel: It allows you to travel with a larger trailer.
- Use Cases: People use these hitches for RVs, horse trailers, and cargo trailers.
The right hitch makes towing much safer and more enjoyable. Choose wisely!
Fifth Wheel Hitch for Short Bed: FAQs
Here are some common questions about fifth wheel hitches for short beds:
Q: What is a short bed truck?
A: A short bed truck usually has a truck bed that is around 5.5 to 6.5 feet long.
Q: Why do I need a slider hitch for a short bed?
A: A slider hitch allows you to turn more sharply. It prevents the trailer from hitting your truck cab.
Q: How does a slider hitch work?
A: It slides the hitch back and forth. This gives you more turning clearance.
Q: How do I know what weight capacity I need?
A: Look at your trailer’s GVWR. Choose a hitch with a higher capacity.
Q: How do I install a fifth wheel hitch?
A: Installation varies. Many hitches attach to your truck’s bed rails. Read the instructions carefully!
Q: How often should I grease my fifth wheel hitch?
A: You should grease it regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Q: What are the advantages of a fifth wheel hitch?
A: They provide a stable towing experience. They distribute weight well and allow for easier handling.
Q: What is the difference between a fifth wheel hitch and a gooseneck hitch?
A: A fifth wheel hitch attaches to the bed of your truck. A gooseneck hitch attaches to the truck bed floor.
Q: Are there any downsides to a fifth wheel hitch?
A: They can be more expensive. They also take up space in your truck bed.
Q: Where can I buy a fifth wheel hitch?
A: You can buy them online or at most truck accessory stores.
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!