Best 5th Wheel Hitch For Short Bed Trucks – 2022 Review

| Last Updated: September 7, 2022

Looking for a 5th wheel hitch for your short bed truck? Not easy. If you’re a truck owner, you must be familiar with the pain of picking a suitable fifth wheel hitch for your truck.

A 5th wheel hitch is supposed to be installed on the bed of a pickup truck which allows the trailer hitch to reach over the bumper. It works to keep the weight distributed between the cab of the truck and axle.

Now, there are a number of factors which need to be considered before investing in one and all that could be confusing. So, we have put together a review of the best 5th wheel hitches for short bed trucks.

After the reviews, we have included a Buyer's Guide on what to look out for, and things to consider before buying a fifth wheel hitch. We also discuss the different types of fifth wheel hitches that are suitable for short bed trucks.

If you prefer, you can jump straight to the 5th Wheel Hitch for Short Bed Truck Buyer's Guide by clicking on the link,,,

Review of the Best 5th Wheel Hitches for Short Bed Trucks

Here are some recommendations we have for you. These are some of the best hitches out there due to many reasons. We have discussed all of these products in detail to give you a better insight and help you make a wise decision.

Best Overall 5th Wheel Hitches for Short Bed Trucks:
Anderson Hitches 3220

Pros

  • Very Affordable
  • Designed with First-Time Buyers in Mind
  • It Makes no Mess Which Means no Greasy Hands or Stained Clothes

Cons

  • The Release Cable is Cheap Quality

Anderson Hitches are the topmost priority for most truck drivers. They're designed with such perfection that they perform with great excellence. This hitch has, therefore, made it to our best overall category.

The 5th wheel hitch was engineered especially for short bed trucks and perfectly fits to work with them. Short bed trucks are tricky to find a hitch for and usually more expensive options are where you’ll find your match. However, this is an exception.

It works great as it has a gooseneck construction. This allows it to be versatile and work for long bed, standard beds, and short beds. One person can easily install or remove this hitch as it was designed in a user-friendly manner.

What's more, it's one of the lightest hitches in the market, weighing only 35 lbs. One of the worst parts of installing a hitch is how dirty it gets our hands along with staining our clothes. However, that is not the case with this one as it comes with a greaseless coupler which prevents any mess in installation.

The remarkable thing about this fifth wheel hitch is that even though it's extremely lightweight, it's very strong and has a rather heavy duty performance. This is down to the coupler riding in a ball, so the hitch swivels in every direction.

Bottom Line


The pros largely outweigh the cons, and it's definitely one of the best hitches out there in the market. You certainly will not regret this purchase as it has great performance and is highly durable.

Runner-up:
B&W Trailer Hitches RVK3400

B&W Trailer Hitches RVK3400 Companion Slider 5th Wheel Hitch

Pros

  • Gross Trailer Weight Capacity of 20,000 lbs. and a Tongue Weight of 5000 lbs
  • Works Well for Harsh Weather Conditions
  • Provides a Smooth Ride Irrespective of the Road Conditions

Cons

  • It is Heavy and Hard to Install

If you want premium quality and excellent build along with outclassing performance, this is a great hitch to invest in. It has everything a quality hitch should have, so it makes it our runner-up.

This is a great fifth wheel hitch with an excellent design. It was engineered with great innovation which enables it to perform exceedingly well and leave one amazed at how smooth it makes your travels.

It promises you smooth rides irrespective of how uneven the road is. It's built versatile to match up to harsh conditions whether it is extreme weather conditions or the road conditions. It has a rugged and sturdy build which is highly durable, ensuring its long life.

If you at any point have to wander off-track, then this is the best option, given its high gross weight capacity and high duty performance. This allows it to work perfectly for large trailers and RVs as well as short bed trucks.

Bottom Line

This is another great 5th wheel hitch for short bed truck. It might be tricky for new truck owners who don't have experience, and it's probably better to have it installed professionally. Apart from the fact that it is heavy and bulky, which makes it slightly difficult to handle, it performs well, and will perform well on bumpy roads.

Best 5th Wheel Hitch for Short Bed Trucks for the Money:
CURT R20

CURT 16550 R20 5th Wheel Roller for Short Bed Trucks, 20,000 lbs

Pros

  • It is Easy to Install
  • Gross Trailer Weight Capacity of 20,000 lbs
  • Designed to Withstand Elements.

Cons

  • The Slider Doesn’t Work Well

If you want the best value for money, this is an excellent choice. It's one of the more affordable hitches out there which has excellent performance comparable to higher end models.

It has a premium build since it is manufactured of superior quality materials, allowing it to be highly durable and rugged. The best part about its build, however, is how protected against harsh weather it is thanks to the dual coated exterior. It has a rust-resistant Bonederite and a tough carbide black powder coat, so you know you're getting a highly dependable and worthy of the investment.

Another remarkable thing about its construction is its sheer strength. It has a heavy duty gross trailer weight capacity of 20,000 lbs - a lot. It, itself weighs around 140 lbs. This isn’t the lightest hitch but's definitely easy to handle. You won’t have trouble installing it as its design is simple and highly user-friendly.

Bottom Line

Some customers complained that the slider didn’t work as well as advertised, but that was the only criticism this fifth wheel hitch received. It works extremely well and is definitely not going to disappoint you. It's a durable and well-performing product which has raised our bar high for hitches by the brand.

CURT Q20

CURT 16521 A16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 16,000 lbs

Pros

  • It Works Efficiently and Effectively
  • It has a Heavy Duty and Sturdy Construction
  • It Provides Great Turning Clearance which is Ideal for Short Bed Trucks

Cons

  • It is Too Heavy to Handle

Here's another great CURT product that we find an absolute must to mention. The brand makes some of the best hitches in the market, and it really isn’t difficult to tell since it has been featured multiple times on this list.

This product features an excellent design with a versatile fit that makes it perfect for short bed trucks. It has 12-inch rearward travel, which allows adequate clearance space.

It has a smart operation technique as it operates with a lockable handle which self-resets to the ready to couple position. And anyone new to fifth wheel hitches, this one is extremely easy to set up and very beginner friendly.

Bottom Line

All in all, it's a great product which won't leave you disappointed. it does have a pretty heavy construction which makes its handling difficult. Its performance nevertheless outclasses and is worth the trouble, in my opinion.

Pulliam Enterprises 2900

Pulliam Enterprises 2900 Superglide 20,000

Pros

  • Easy to Work With
  • Corrosion Protected
  • It is Durable and Heavy Duty

Cons

  • It is Very Heavy

This is another great model that definitely caught our attention. It works wonders with your short bed trailer as it's specially designed for them. It's engineered to make it highly durable and heavy duty. It also works great under harsh weather conditions and doesn’t corrode easily, ensuring it will last you a good amount of time.

It's capable of fitting standard base rails, and is one of the most economical options out there. You'll surely not regret purchasing it. The only downside is that it's a little too heavy to handle alone. You'll need help for installing it but do note that the installation process is simple.

Bottom Line

This is a great option for a standard simple hitch. It does its job well and has no complaints other than the fact that it is too heavy to handle, but otherwise it's a great product.

Pro Series 15K Head/Slider

Pro Series 15K Head/Slider

Pros

  • 15,000 lb Capacity
  • Backed by a 3-Year Warranty
  • It is Highly Durable

Cons

  • It Makes a Lot of Noise

This product has the capacity of handling loads up to 15000 lbs. which is an average amount. You'll be able to find hitches that have a higher capacity than this. It has a pretty standard construction and works fine as well.

You'll be happy with this hitch's performance, though. It works great on even and uneven roads. It has a completely automatic construction, so it's very ergonomic. And if you want confidence from the manufacturer, this durable product has a three-year warranty.

Bottom Line

It's a great hitch for the price. It won't leave you disappointed on your investment. An innovative design from a renowned brand with great manufacturing skills, and a three year warranty, should be enough to give you the confidence that this is a good hitch for short bed trucks.

CURT Q25

CURT 16043 A16 5th Wheel Hitch, 16,000 lbs, Select Ram 2500, 3500, 8-Foot Bed Puck System

Pros

  • Very User-Friendly
  • 24,000 lb Gross Weight Capacity
  • It is Heavy Duty and Durable

Cons

  • The Latching Items aren’t of High Quality

CURT is a leading brand that makes yet another appearance on our 5th wheel hitch for short bed trucks review. The reason being, the high-quality performance and durability this brand provides are up there with the best.

This hitch has a fully automatic slider construction, which is ideal for short bed trucks. It also boasts a heavy-duty gross weight capacity (24,000lbs), which is far more than what one would expect with this price tag.

It also has a 3 position coupling indicator installed that displays the coupling status. It has a unique and ergonomic design that makes it highly user-friendly, and it can easily withstand harsh conditions. It works well for different sized trucks due to its versatile fit. Its head is built on a cast yoke with poly torsion inserts to reduce shock damage.

Bottom Line


CURT is a well-loved brand and for good reason. They create products that are appreciated globally, and this is another one that we love. It's a great investment overall, one which you won't regret. It's highly durable and possesses high strength, and will last you a long time.

Reese Towpower 16K Fifth Wheel w/Kwik-Slide

Reese Towpower 30051 16K Fifth Wheel w/Kwik-Slide

Pros

  • It is Very Durable
  • It is Efficient and Effective at its Job
  • Great Turning Radius

Cons

  • It is Very Heavy

This is a great product by the brand that we all love dearly - Reese Towpower has a global following and for good reason. This fifth wheel hitch serves its purpose well and has excellent performance. It has the gross weight capacity of 16,000 lbs. which is great for one of this price range. It has a two jaw locking system with a locking handle that makes its handling very easy.

As well as this, a nice benefit of this product, especially for short bed trucks, is that the hitch slides a full 10 inches and gives a great clearance turning radius, which is crucial for short bed trucks. There's nothing you can really complain about other than its heavy weight, which makes it very hard to handle and install.

Bottom Line

This overall is a great product that we're sure you'd be happy with. It's a great investment and provides a smooth experience. It is a global favorite for its durability and consistent performance. The only downside of this is that it is hard to handle due to its weight.

Buyer’s Guide

Now it's time for the buyer's guide. Here we look into Fifth wheel hitches and what makes them ideal for short bed trucks, and discuss what aspects you must consider before buying. We also look at the different types of fifth wheel hitches and the benefits of owning one.

If you have any unanswered questions left at the end, there's an FAQ section that should cover everything else...

Aspects to Consider Before Buying

Here are a few things to consider before investing in a 5th wheel hitch. Keeping these in mind will ensure you pick the right choice.

Material

The material your hitch is made of is important to consider. Good quality hitches are wear and tear resistant and durable. Therefore, you should look for ones made of aluminum or dual coated ones which are weather resistant, corrosion resistant and can withstand harsh, uneven road conditions as well.

Assembly

A fifth wheel hitch should be easy to assemble and disassemble on your own. The installation procedure for any hitch plays an important part in your experience with it. If it's awkward to install or remove, then it may not be practical for you especially if you remove it often.

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity is a measure of how much load a hitch can withstand. It's crucial for you not to overload your hitch as it will make it risky and dangerous for you on the road, and would probably lead to breaking your hitch. Always look at the gross weight capacity rating which most hitches come with. The higher the gross weight capacity, the more expensive the hitch.

trailer and short bed truck

Maintenance

An important part of owning a hitch is regularly maintaining it, which is essential for its continued good performance and durability. It's a heavily utilized device and spends an ample amount of time outdoors, so it may need to be lubricated to reduce the effects of wear and tear.

What Makes 5th Wheel Hitches Tailor-Made for Short Bed Trucks?

If the truck you own has a bed less than 8 ft., it's categorized as a short bed truck. The best option for you is an automatic sliding hitch for a number of reasons, and there are some specific things you want to look for in a 5th wheel hitch.

Turning Angle

This is a major concern for people when it comes to investing in a fifth wheel hitch for short bed trucks. Unless you own one, you won’t be able to tell its turning radius, but there are certain measurements which help determine whether or not it is suitable with your truck.

Budget

Automatic sliding hitches are the ones suggested for short bed trucks which are unfortunately expensive. Try to make your budgets more flexible to get the most suitable option, but if things are tight, you can invest in manual hitches even though they aren’t as convenient. They will get the job done.

How Often Should You Remove the Hitch?

It's important to know how often you will be removing your 5th wheel hitch from your short bed truck. This could affect your choice of the hitch as they come in various weights. If you remove your hitch more often, then you would want to invest in a lightweight and easy to install hitch, so the process becomes hassle-free for you.

trailer and short bed truck

Types of 5th Wheel Hitches

There are essentially five kinds of hitches available. These are:

Fixed 5th Wheel Hitches

These are rather simple hitches. They have a lighter weight, and they are cheaper to purchase. They're suggested for larger trucks which have more room in their bed. They're also quieter as they have fewer moving parts.

Sliding 5th Wheel Hitches

These are of two types together, which are automatic sliders and manual sliders. These kinds of hitches are preferred for short bed trailers. The most common concern of short bed trailer owners is to avoid hitting the cab. These sliding ones are ideal as they provide sufficient turning clearance to avoid such an incident.

Gooseneck Hitches

These are the kinds of hitches that are especially for gooseneck trailers, and they work by connecting through the coupler. They're basically used for industrial trailers, not recreational trailers for which their fifth wheel counterparts are used for.

2-way Pivot Head

It has the same functioning as that of a standard hitch. It's named so, due to the fact that it is able to pivot in two directions, forward and backward. These kinds are used when your truck needs to climb a slope, and they're good for that as their head shifts accordingly.

4-Way Pivot Head

These are the kind of hitches, which as their name suggests, have an adjustable head and can pivot in all four directions including side to side. They're more flexible and ergonomic than other hitches and work great for uneven surfaces.

Benefits of Investing in a 5th Wheel Hitch

There are many benefits of investing in a fifth wheel hitch for short bed trucks. Let’s take a look at a few, so you know well enough what an excellent investment these are.

Durability

These are long term investments, as they're highly durable devices. Not only do they withstand a lot of wear and tear but also allow your trailer to be safely transported. Thus, it is an investment you definitely want to make. They work in adverse weather and with only little maintenance, and can serve their purpose for years.

Convenience

It provides you a great deal of convenience. They disconnect and reconnect at your will and perform exceedingly well. What's more, they allow you to drive your trailer with ease on even and uneven roads, which is a nice added bonus.

Safety

For your own safety, investing in a quality hitch is crucial. In fact, it not only ensures your safety but that of the others around you. This product allows you to hitch your trailer with your truck and safely transport it without causing any accidents. All of the mentioned products are great at doing so.

Fifth Wheel Hitches for Short Bed Trucks

When it comes to selecting the right 5th wheel hitch for you there are many things to consider. We hope this guide helped to explain the options and benefits available to you. 

Of course there are different types of hitches, so make sure you get the right one for you. Keep in mind the qualities you need included in your ideal product based on all the information we gave you, and you’ll no doubt make a wise decision.

if you have any further questions, feel free to contact us by email.

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Best 5th Wheel Hitch For Short Bed Trucks
Best 5th Wheel Hitch For Short Bed Trucks
Best 5th Wheel Hitch For Short Bed Trucks