Best 5Th Wheel Hitch For Short Bed: Practical Features for Easier Everyday Use

A strong short-bed fifth-wheel setup provides enough turning clearance to help protect the truck cab while matching the trailer’s weight and your mounting system. This roundup suits pickup owners choosing between manual sliders, automatic sliding hitches, gooseneck-based connections, and fixed companion-style designs. The products range from 16,000- to 24,000-pound rated options, with slider travel reaching 12 or 14 inches on several models.

Important differences include whether a head is included, whether rails or a specific under-bed system are required, and how much physical handling installation involves. Look for a hitch that fits the truck’s bed and mounting hardware first, then compare coupling convenience, articulation, jaw design, material, vertical adjustments, and the clearance approach that best matches your driving and parking routine.

The best 5th wheel hitch for a short bed depends on trailer weight, required clearance, and mounting compatibility. CURT’s A20 and A16 combine sliding bases with articulating heads, torsion inserts, wrapped jaws, and wide head openings. PullRite SuperGlide models automate up to 14 inches of movement, while the Demco Recon provides 21,000-pound capacity, 14-inch travel, and three height settings.

Andersen’s 24,000-pound Ultimate connections use a gooseneck-style setup and emphasize low weight and remote latching, but require compatible gooseneck hardware.

5th Wheel Hitch Comparison for Short Bed Trucks

Image	Product	Buy
Best Pick 1	CURT 16531 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 20,000 lbs Best for: High capacity slider Brand: CURT | Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck	View on Amazon
Best Pick 2	CURT 16511 E16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 16,000 lbs Best for: Medium capacity slider Brand: CURT | Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck	View on Amazon
Best Pick 3	PULLRITE Pulliam Enterprises 2900 Superglide 20,000 Best for: Automatic sliding Brand: PullRite | Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck	View on Amazon
Best Pick 4	Andersen Hitches Gen 3 Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection Gooseneck Adapter 24000 lb GTWR 4500 lb Tongue SAE Certified – 3220 Best for: Gooseneck adapter Brand: Andersen Hitches | Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck	View on Amazon
Best Pick 5	ANDERSEN HITCHES | Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection (Toolbox Model) | 13" Tall Base, 24,000 lbs GTWR, 4,500 LBS Tongue Weight | 3220-TBX Best for: Gooseneck toolbox Brand: Andersen Hitches | Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck	View on Amazon

How We Compared These Products

We compared dimensions, capacity, materials, compatibility, included components, and care requirements across many Amazon listings. These details matter because the product must fit the available space, intended use, setup requirements, and maintenance routine. After examining the wider field, we selected 10 products from CURT, PullRite, Andersen Hitches, B&W, and Demco.

The shortlist includes products such as CURT 16531 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, PULLRITE Pulliam Enterprises 2900 Superglide 20, and Andersen Hitches Gen 3 Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection Gooseneck Adapter 24000 lb GTWR Every recommendation is tied to information stated for that specific product; unclear or missing features were treated as unknown rather than filled with assumptions.

Detailed Reviews: Best 5Th Wheel Hitch For Short Bed

1. CURT 16531 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 20,000 lbs

Best for: Heavy-duty towing with noise reduction.

The CURT A20 5th wheel hitch features a patented cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts, offering a smoother, quieter towing experience by suppressing shock loads and reducing noise. This 20,000 lbs capacity hitch is engineered for stable towing and easy coupling.

Engineered with a fully articulating torsion head, the A20 provides controlled coupling and stable towing. Its high-strength, interlocking jaws fully wrap the kingpin to minimize noise, while the lockable handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position. The extra-wide head opening simplifies the coupling process, making hitching more convenient.

Product Details

Pros

• Cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts suppress shock loads
• Fully articulating torsion head for controlled coupling
• Lockable handle self-resets for ease of use
• High-strength jaws minimize noise

Cons

• Item weight is 212 pounds, requiring significant effort for installation or removal.

Ideal for truck owners seeking a quiet and stable towing solution with a 20,000 lbs capacity. Ensure you have the strength or assistance for its substantial weight during installation.

2. CURT 16511 E16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 16,000 lbs

Best for: Smooth maneuvering with automatic locking.

The CURT E16 5th wheel slider hitch offers smooth maneuvering with dual-axis pivoting for 10 degrees of lateral movement. It automatically locks for secure coupling and operates with a simple, single handle, minimizing moving parts for reliable performance.

This 16,000 lbs capacity hitch features an anti-rattle skid plate to help reduce noise during transit. Its dual-axis pivot system enhances maneuverability, especially in tight spaces. The automatic locking mechanism ensures a secure connection, and the single-handle operation simplifies engagement and disengagement.

Product Details

Pros

• Pivots on dual axes for lateral movement
• Automatically locks for secure coupling
• Operates with a single handle
• Anti-rattle skid plate reduces noise

Cons

• Item weight is 171 pounds, making it heavy for installation and removal.

Suitable for short-bed truck owners needing enhanced maneuverability and automatic security for their 16,000 lbs trailers. Consider the weight for installation and storage needs.

3. PULLRITE Pulliam Enterprises 2900 Superglide 20,000

Best for: Automatic 90-degree turning capability.

The PullRite 2900 Superglide hitch provides 14 inches of fully automatic slide, enabling a 90-degree turning capability without manual adjustments. This hitch is designed to regain turning radius and ensure safe, efficient towing for your trailer.

This 20K capacity hitch features a fully automatic sliding mechanism that activates during turns, eliminating the need to exit the truck. The locking jaw closes automatically around the kingpin for secure engagement. It stands 18.5 inches to the top of the hitch plate, offering a robust connection.

Product Details

Pros

• Fully automatic 14 inches of slide
• Enables 90-degree turning capability
• Locking jaw closes automatically
• No manual lever adjustments needed for turns

Cons

• Requires a separate capture plate to activate the sliding cam.

A strong choice for drivers who prioritize automatic slide functionality for tight turns with a 20,000 lbs trailer. Ensure compatibility with the required capture plate for operation.

4. Andersen Hitches Gen 3 Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection Gooseneck Adapter 24000 lb GTWR 4500 lb Tongue SAE Certified – 3220

Best for: Lightweight gooseneck adapter with high capacity.

The Andersen Hitches Gen 3 Ultimate Connection is a lightweight gooseneck adapter, weighing only 37 lbs yet rated for 24,000 lbs GTWR. It allows for a one-person install in under 5 minutes, supporting substantial towing needs.

This adapter features two height settings (17-9/16" or 19-9/16") for compatibility with most trucks and trailers. Its patented remote latching system provides easy hook-up and unhooking. The compact 3-1/4" offset base ensures stability without consuming excessive truck bed space.

Product Details

Pros

• Only 37 lbs for easy one-person installation
• Rated for 24,000 lbs GTWR
• Two height settings for versatile fit
• Patented remote latching for easy operation

Cons

• Designed as a gooseneck adapter, not a traditional fifth-wheel hitch.

Excellent for truck owners with gooseneck hitches or recessed balls seeking a lightweight, high-capacity connection. Verify it suits your specific trailer and truck bed configuration.

5. ANDERSEN HITCHES | Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection (Toolbox Model) | 13″ Tall Base, 24,000 lbs GTWR, 4,500 LBS Tongue Weight | 3220-TBX

Best for: Toolbox-compatible gooseneck adapter.

The Andersen Hitches Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection (Toolbox Model) is designed for versatility, working with all standard gooseneck hitches and fitting most trucks. It offers two height adjustments for optimal alignment with your trailer.

This 24,000 lbs GTWR rated connection features a patented remote latch/unlatch cable for easy operation from the truck bed. The toolbox model includes a 13" tall base and a ball-funnel for simplified hook-up. Height adjustments are 16-1/2" and 18-5/16" from the truck bed to the ball mount.

Product Details

Pros

• Works with all standard gooseneck hitches
• Patented remote latch/unlatch cable
• Two height adjustments for truck bed fit
• Toolbox model design for space efficiency

Cons

• Requires a gooseneck hitch or recessed ball system in the truck.

Ideal for short-bed truck owners with a gooseneck hitch and a toolbox, needing a 24,000 lbs capacity connection. Confirm its fit with your specific truck bed and trailer setup.

6. B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch – RVK3500

Best for: Smooth ride with under-bed mounting.

The B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch is engineered to eliminate sloppiness, providing the smoothest ride on the road. It attaches to your Turnoverball under-bed mounting system, allowing for versatile towing options.

This hitch features a fully articulating head for front-to-back and side-to-side pivoting, enhancing compatibility and performance. The cam action latching handle allows for easy release, even when parked on uneven surfaces. Its design ensures consistent performance and durability under repeated towing conditions.

Product Details

Pros

• Fully articulating head for pivoting
• Cam action latching handle for easy release
• Attaches to Turnoverball under-bed system
• Engineered for a smooth ride

Cons

• Requires a B&W Turnoverball under-bed mounting system for installation.

A great option for RVers with a B&W Turnoverball system seeking a smooth, stable towing experience. Ensure you have the compatible under-bed mount for this hitch.

7. PullRite 4100 16K SuperGlide 5th Wheel Hitch

Best for: Automatic slide for 16K trailers.

The PullRite 4100 SuperGlide 5th Wheel Hitch offers automatic operation, moving up to 14 inches while making a turn. This provides 50% more slide than manual designs, enhancing maneuverability for short-bed trucks.

This 16K capacity SuperGlide hitch is designed for automatic performance, simplifying the towing process by automatically adjusting its position during turns. This feature helps prevent trailer contact with the truck cab, offering increased clearance and confidence when navigating tight spaces or challenging terrains.

Product Details

Pros

• SuperGlide moves up to 14" during turns
• Automatic operation simplifies towing
• Offers 50% more slide than manual designs
• Designed for short bed trucks

Cons

• Item weight is 175 pounds, making it heavy for installation and removal.

Suitable for short-bed truck owners towing up to 16,000 lbs who want automatic slide functionality for improved turning clearance. Be prepared for its substantial weight during setup.

8. Recon 21K Slider W/O Rails

Best for: Heavy-duty slider with height adjustment.

The Demco Recon 21K Slider hitch provides a high load capacity of 21,000 lbs, designed for heavy-duty hauling with short-bed trucks. Its integrated slider mechanism optimizes truck bed space and prevents trailer-to-cab contact.

Featuring 14 inches of slider travel, this hitch allows for easier maneuvering in tight turns and challenging terrains. It offers three vertical height adjustments without the need for rails, providing flexibility in setup. The above-bed mount design is intended for efficient use of truck bed space.

Product Details

Pros

• High 21,000 lbs towing capacity
• 14-inch slider travel for maneuverability
• Three vertical height adjustments
• Above-bed mount design

Cons

• Does not include rails, requiring a compatible mounting system.

A robust option for those needing a high-capacity slider hitch with significant travel for short-bed trucks. Ensure you have the necessary mounting system or rails for installation.

9. CURT 16564 S20 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 20,000 lbs (Head Required)

Best for: Automatic slider with 12" displacement.

The CURT S20 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch offers 12 inches of displacement for the coupling point, providing enhanced turning clearance for short-bed trucks. This automatic slider eliminates trailer obstruction and simplifies hookup.

Designed with an auto-latch mechanism, the S20 locks into place automatically when you drive forward, removing the need for multiple lever adjustments. It ships factory assembled and features a solid design to minimize chucking. The ergonomic handle aids in operation.

Product Details

Pros

• 12 inches of displacement for turning clearance
• Automatic sliding hitch
• Auto-latch mechanism for secure coupling
• Factory assembled for convenience

Cons

• Requires a separate head unit, as it ships as a slider only.

Ideal for short-bed truck owners seeking an automatic sliding hitch with 12 inches of travel for improved maneuverability. Confirm you have the compatible head unit for this slider.

10. CURT 16053 A16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch with Base Rails for Short Bed Trucks, 16,000 lbs

Best for: Quiet towing with 16K capacity.

The CURT A16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch is designed for a quiet ride while maintaining superior towing power up to 16,000 lbs. It features a cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts to suppress shock loads and reduce noise.

This hitch offers a fully articulating torsion head for controlled coupling and stable towing, with interlocking jaws that wrap the kingpin to minimize noise. The lockable handle self-resets, and the extra-wide head opening simplifies coupling. It includes a three-position coupling indicator visible from the cab.

Product Details

Pros

• Cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts reduce noise
• Fully articulating torsion head for stable towing
• Lockable handle self-resets
• Extra wide head opening for easier coupling

Cons

• Item weight is 212 pounds, requiring significant effort for installation or removal.

A good choice for those needing a quiet, stable 16,000 lbs capacity hitch for their short-bed truck. Be prepared for its substantial weight during installation and removal.

What Buyers Often Overlook

How much clearance and capacity should a short-bed hitch provide?

A short-bed hitch should provide enough coupling-point movement for your truck and trailer combination while meeting or exceeding the trailer’s required rating. The listed slider designs offer 12 inches on the CURT S20 and 14 inches on the PullRite SuperGlide and Demco Recon. The Demco also has three vertical height adjustments, which can help with trailer and truck fit, while the CURT A20, A16, and S20 are purpose-built for short-bed trucks.

Capacity varies from 16,000 pounds on the CURT E16, CURT A16, and PullRite 4100 to 20,000 pounds on the CURT A20, PullRite 2900, and CURT S20, and 21,000 pounds on the Demco. The Andersen connections list 24,000-pound GTWR and 4,500-pound tongue weight.

Confirm the trailer’s actual requirements and the truck’s rated limits before choosing by capacity alone.

The Key Product Trade-Off

Which mounting and coupling style fits your truck?

The mounting system is the first compatibility check because these products do not all install the same way. The CURT A20, E16, S20, and A16 are slider options for short-bed trucks, but the S20 listing states that a head is required, while the A16 listing includes base rails. The PullRite 2900 uses a standard base rail configuration and requires a capture plate to activate its sliding cam; the PullRite 4100 is also an automatic SuperGlide design.

The B&W Companion RVK3500 attaches to a B&W Turnoverball under-bed mounting system, so it is aimed at owners with that system. Andersen’s 3220 and 3220-TBX use compatible gooseneck or recessed-ball arrangements, with the Toolbox Model designed around a toolbox configuration.

Check the included components, existing rails, ball system, and any required capture plate before ordering.

Best 5Th Wheel Hitch For Short Bed: Buyer's Guide

Fit, Dimensions, and Compatibility

Compare the listed dimensions with the intended counter, cabinet, appliance, storage, or installation space. Confirm model compatibility and connection requirements where they are supplied. A useful feature cannot compensate for a product that does not physically fit or work with the buyer’s existing setup.

Capacity, Output, and Operating Format

Match listed capacity, volume, output, and operating mode to the actual household or work routine. Larger figures can support heavier use, while a smaller format may be easier to place and maintain. Treat daily output, immediate storage, and container capacity as separate specifications when the listing distinguishes them.

Materials, Construction, and Care

Use the listed materials and care instructions to judge cleaning effort, storage conditions, and compatibility with the intended use. Dishwasher, freezer, food-contact, or weather-related claims are included only when supplied for that product. Check whether routine care fits the way the product will be used.

Included Components and Setup Needs

Review the included components before planning installation or first use. Hoses, adapters, lids, paddles, bowls, brushes, controls, and manuals vary by listing. Confirm power, water, assembly, or accessory requirements from the supplied product information rather than assuming that separately pictured parts are included.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose a manual sliding design when you want short-bed clearance with a conventional hitch format: the CURT E16, A16, or A20 fit that category, with the A-series adding articulating heads and torsion inserts. Choose automatic movement if avoiding manual lever operation matters; PullRite SuperGlide models provide up to 14 inches of travel, while the CURT S20 automatically locks after the lever is set. For heavier listed ratings, consider the Demco Recon at 21,000 pounds or an Andersen Ultimate connection at 24,000 pounds GTWR, provided the mounting system matches.

Select the B&W Companion when your truck already uses a Turnoverball system. Prioritize included rails, required heads, capture plates, height settings, and trailer clearance before comparing convenience features.

Quick Buying Checklist

• Confirm the complete dimensions against the available space.
• Verify model, accessory, connection, and appliance compatibility.
• Match capacity or output to the expected amount of use.
• Compare materials and care instructions with the maintenance routine.
• Check the included components before planning setup or first use.
• Confirm listed power, water, storage, or installation requirements where applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a slider hitch for short bed trucks?

A slider hitch is designed for short bed trucks to provide extra clearance when turning. It allows the trailer to slide forward, preventing contact between the truck cab and the trailer nose during tight maneuvers, which is crucial for preventing damage.

How do I choose the right weight capacity?

Select a hitch with a Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR) that significantly exceeds your trailer’s loaded weight. It’s also important to consider the Tongue Weight Rating, ensuring it’s at least 10-15% of your trailer’s loaded weight for safe towing.

Are gooseneck adapters a good alternative?

Gooseneck adapters convert your 5th wheel trailer to a gooseneck hitch. They can offer a more streamlined look and sometimes better bed access. However, they may not provide the same level of towing stability or ride comfort as a traditional 5th wheel hitch.

What are the benefits of an automatic slider?

Automatic slider hitches, like the SuperGlide, automatically move the trailer forward when you turn, simplifying the towing process. This feature is particularly beneficial for drivers who frequently navigate tight spaces or are less experienced with maneuvering large trailers.

Can I install a 5th wheel hitch myself?

Installation difficulty varies. Some hitches, especially those with base rails, require drilling into the truck bed. Gooseneck adapters often have simpler installations.

It’s recommended to consult the manufacturer’s instructions and consider professional installation if you’re not comfortable with the process.

Final Words

For short bed trucks, a slider hitch is essential to prevent cab contact. Automatic sliders offer convenience, while manual sliders provide control. Consider your trailer’s weight and your towing needs to select the best fit.

Prioritize safety and ease of use for a confident towing experience.