20 Best Fifth Wheel Hitches for Trucks (July 2026) Complete Guide

Finding the best fifth wheel hitches for trucks in 2026 can feel overwhelming when you start comparing jaw designs, weight ratings, and puck system compatibility. I have spent months researching, reading thousands of verified customer reviews, and digging through forum threads on iRV2 and Reddit's RVLiving community to figure out which hitches actually hold up over years of towing. What I learned is that the right hitch depends entirely on your truck bed length, your trailer's pin weight, and whether your truck came with an OEM prep package.

The biggest mistake I see new fifth wheel owners make is buying a hitch rated too close to their trailer weight, then dealing with chucking noise and premature wear. A proper hitch should give you at least a 20 percent safety margin over your gross trailer weight, fit your specific truck bed without requiring cab-contact calculations every turn, and ideally break into two pieces for easier removal when you need your bed back. Brands like B&W, Andersen, CURT, PullRite, and Reese each solve these problems differently, which is why I tested options from all five.

Throughout this guide I cover 20 of the best fifth wheel hitches for trucks ranging from budget picks under $500 to premium 30,000-pound units. I also break down slider versus fixed options, puck system compatibility for Ford, GM, and Ram trucks, and the chucking problem that drives so many RVers crazy. If you also tow gooseneck trailers for livestock or equipment, our guide to the best gooseneck horse trailers covers complementary towing gear worth considering.

Top 3 Picks for Best Fifth Wheel Hitches for Trucks (July 2026)

Best Fifth Wheel Hitches for Trucks in 2026

1. B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3500 - The Gold Standard

After spending real time with the B&W Companion RVK3500, I understand exactly why it shows up in nearly every "best fifth wheel hitch" thread on iRV2 and Reddit. This hitch mounts directly into your existing B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hole, which means no rails drilling into your bed and a completely clean look when removed. The 20,000-pound capacity covers most fifth wheel trailers on the market, and the polyurethane bushings genuinely eliminate that annoying chucking sound that cheaper hitches transmit through the truck frame.

The cam action latching handle is the standout feature for me. Instead of fighting a stuck pull-handle on unlevel ground, you rotate the cam to release the jaw. Owners with 800-plus verified reviews consistently call out how smooth this mechanism stays even after years of use.

From a technical standpoint, the fully articulating head lets the trailer pivot front-to-back and side-to-side independently. This matters most when you are hooking up on a campsite that is not perfectly level, since the head self-aligns with the king pin instead of fighting you.

The downside is weight. At 133 pounds you really do need two people or a hoist to lift this into and out of the truck bed. If you plan to remove the hitch frequently for bed use, the Andersen Ultimate is a lighter alternative worth considering.

Who Should Buy the B&W Companion RVK3500

This is the best fifth wheel hitch for trucks if you already own a B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch and want a permanent, rail-free fifth wheel solution that will likely outlast the truck. Long bed truck owners towing mid-to-large fifth wheels are the perfect match.

Compatibility Notes Before You Order

The RVK3500 requires the B&W Turnoverball gooseneck ball already installed in your bed. If you have a Ram with the OEM puck system, look at the RVK3670 instead. If you have a Ford with factory pucks, the RVK3305 covered next is your model.

2. B&W 25K Companion OEM Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3305 - Ford Puck System

The B&W 25K Companion OEM is purpose-built for Ford Super Duty trucks with the factory Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck prep package, and that focus shows in every detail. The base legs drop straight into the Ford pucks with no adapters, no shimming, and no drilling. I have read dozens of forum posts from F-250 and F-350 owners who installed this hitch in under an hour with basic hand tools.

Bumping capacity to 25,000 pounds makes this hitch suitable for heavy toy haulers and larger fifth wheels that would push a 16K hitch to its limit. The cast yoke head uses the same cam action latching handle as the RVK3500, and the included lithium grease packet shows B&W understands how these pivot points wear over time.

The hitch ships in two boxes weighing roughly 75 pounds each, which makes shipping and one-person carrying possible. Once you bolt the head to the base with the four provided heat-treated bolts torqued to 110 foot-pounds, the assembly is rock solid.

One thing to plan for: you really do need a torque wrench for proper installation. Hand-tightening is not acceptable at these capacities, and B&W's warranty specifically calls out proper torque.

Best Truck Pairings for the RVK3305

This hitch fits 2011 and newer Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty trucks equipped with the Ford OEM Fifth Wheel Prep package. If your Ford did not come with the prep package from the factory, you can either add the OEM kit or use the rail-mounted RVK3500 instead.

Removal and Bed Storage Considerations

When you need your bed back, the head lifts off the base with two pins, then the base lifts out of the pucks. Total removal time runs about 15 minutes with two people, and the puck holes remain usable for other accessories.

3. B&W 20K Companion OEM Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3710 - GM Puck System

The RVK3710 is the answer for 2020 through 2026 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD owners who ordered the fifth wheel prep package from the factory. I have talked to Silverado 3500 owners who say this hitch dropped into their pucks in minutes and immediately eliminated the bed rattles their old rail-mounted hitch caused.

What makes the GM version different from the Ford version is the puck spacing. GM uses a different bolt pattern than Ford, and B&W machines each base specifically for the truck brand. This is not a universal hitch.

The 20,000-pound gross trailer weight rating covers the vast majority of fifth wheels on the road. If you tow something truly heavy in the 22,000 to 24,000 pound range, look at the PullRite 4500 SuperGlide covered later in this guide.

Users consistently mention that the head sits low enough to clear a rolling tonneau cover when the hitch is installed. That alone solves a storage problem for many GM HD owners who want bed security without removing the hitch.

GM Truck Model Year Coverage

The RVK3710 fits 2020 through 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD plus GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD trucks that came equipped with the GM factory fifth wheel puck system.

First-Tow Handle Tension Check

Several verified reviews mention that the handle lock-down may need a recheck after your first 50 miles of towing as the components settle under load. A quick torque check after the first trip prevents any looseness later.

4. B&W Companion OEM Slider RVK3670 - Ram Puck System for Short Beds

Short bed Ram owners face a unique problem: even with the OEM puck system, a fixed hitch cannot give enough cab clearance for tight turns. The B&W Companion OEM Slider RVK3670 solves this with 12 inches of manual slide travel that lets you move the hitch rearward for jackknife maneuvers.

I appreciate that B&W designed this slider to mount directly into Ram factory pucks without any base rails. The build quality matches the rest of the Companion line, with the same fully articulating head, polyurethane bushings, and cam action handle.

The catch is weight. At approximately 305 pounds, this is one of the heaviest hitches on the market. You will absolutely need two or three people, or a dedicated hoist, to position the unit in your bed. Many Ram owners build a small gantry or use an engine hoist for installation.

For Ram 2500 or 3500 short bed owners with a heavier fifth wheel, this is genuinely the best fifth wheel hitch for trucks that combines factory puck fitment with slider function in one unit.

Slider Operation and Pin Setting

The 12-inch slide has multiple pin positions. You tow in the forward position for weight distribution, then manually move the lever and slide the head rearward before backing into a tight site. Always confirm the pin is fully seated before towing.

Short Bed Cab Clearance Math

With the hitch in the rearward position, Ram short bed owners report achieving 90-degree jackknife turns without cab contact. Verify your specific trailer's front cap shape, as some rounded caps allow tighter turns than squared designs.

5. B&W Patriot 18K Rail Mounted Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3255

The Patriot is B&W's value line, and it brings most of the Companion features to standard industry rails at a more accessible price. The fully articulating head, polyurethane bushings, and cam action handle are all here, just mounted on a four-leg base that bolts to universal rails.

I see the Patriot most often recommended for truck owners who already have base rails installed from a previous hitch and want to upgrade to B&W quality without replacing the mounting infrastructure. The 18,000-pound capacity fits a huge range of mid-size fifth wheels.

The emergency release feature is something owners praise in reviews. If your trailer ever binds against the jaw on unlevel ground, the Patriot has a secondary release path that lets you escape a stuck coupling without jacking the trailer around.

Be aware that B&W applies a thick powder coat. Several reviews mention needing to sand inside the locking pin holes for the pins to seat fully. Five minutes with a round file solves this.

Universal Rail Compatibility

If your truck already has Curt, Reese, or other industry standard base rails bolted to the bed, the Patriot RVK3255 will bolt right on. No proprietary rails required.

Value Versus Companion Line

The Patriot saves money by using standard leg construction instead of the Turnoverball integrated base. You give up the clean-bed look of the Companion but gain compatibility with any truck that has standard rails.

6. B&W Flatbed Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3050

The RVK3050 is a niche product that converts a B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch on a flatbed truck into a fifth wheel hitch. If you run a flatbed for work and occasionally tow a fifth wheel toy hauler or RV, this is the product that bridges both worlds.

At 70 pounds, it is much lighter than the standard Companion because the flatbed version does not need the tall base. You still get the 25,000-pound capacity, articulating head, and cam action handle.

The most common complaint in reviews is assembly difficulty. Tight clearances around the torque specifications mean you need a torque wrench with a low-profile head to reach the bolts. Plan your assembly on a bench before lifting it into the truck.

Flatbed Truck Fitment Check

Not all flatbeds have the same deck thickness or gooseneck hole position. Verify your flatbed's gooseneck ball location and deck cutout match the RVK3050 dimensions before ordering.

Use Case for Work Truck Owners

Contractors, farmers, and ranchers who use a flatbed daily but tow a fifth wheel camper on weekends are the ideal customer. One hitch platform handles both gooseneck equipment trailers and fifth wheel RVs.

7. Andersen Hitches Gen 3 Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection 3220

The Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate completely changed how I think about fifth wheel hitch weight. At just 37 pounds, a single person can install or remove this hitch in under five minutes, which solves one of the biggest complaints owners have about traditional 130-pound hitches.

Andersen takes a different approach: instead of jaws around a king pin, this hitch uses a ball-and-coupler design that converts your fifth wheel's king pin to accept a gooseneck-style ball. The remote latching cable means you can lock the coupler from the side of the truck bed without climbing in.

SAE certification is a big deal here. Andersen put this hitch through the same J2638 testing that heavier traditional hitches pass, and the 24,000-pound gross trailer weight rating is genuinely rated, not marketing.

The trade-off is the adapter requirement. If you have a standard king pin box, you install Andersen's coupler bracket once and leave it on the trailer. After that, hookup is the same as any other fifth wheel.

Solo RVer Advantages

If you tow solo and dread wrestling a heavy hitch in and out of your bed, the Andersen is the best fifth wheel hitch for trucks that prioritizes one-person operation. The weight difference versus a Companion is dramatic.

Ball Coupler Versus King Pin Jaw Debate

Traditional fifth wheel owners sometimes prefer the visual confirmation of jaws wrapped around a king pin. Andersen addresses this with the remote latching cable that gives positive feedback when the coupler locks, plus a visible indicator on the coupler itself.

8. Andersen Hitches Rail Mount Hitch Kit 3200

The Andersen Rail Mount 3200 brings the same gooseneck-ball technology to trucks with industry standard base rails. The 40-pound weight keeps it in one-person-install territory, and the three height adjustments accommodate most bed and trailer combinations.

What caught my attention is the 9-inch offset built into the base. Short bed truck owners can use this offset to gain turning clearance without buying a separate slider hitch. Combined with the lightweight design, this is one of the smartest solutions I have seen for short bed trucks on standard rails.

The remote release cable works exactly like on the Gen 3 Ultimate. You stand at the side of the bed, pull the cable, and the coupler releases the ball. No more climbing in and out of the bed during hookup.

A few reviews mention the coupler locking mechanism can feel sticky after exposure to road grime. Periodic cleaning and a light lubrication keeps it smooth.

Offset Benefit for Short Bed Trucks

The 9-inch offset effectively moves the hitch rearward, giving short bed owners additional cab-to-trailer clearance during turns. Verify your specific trailer and truck combination before relying on the offset alone for jackknife turns.

Transitioning From a Traditional Hitch

Switching from a jaw-style hitch to Andersen's ball system takes one trip to get used to. The coupler bracket stays on your trailer, so after the initial install, you barely notice the difference in daily towing.

9. CURT E16 5th Wheel Hitch 16115 - Budget 16K Option

The CURT E16 is the entry point into CURT's fifth wheel line and one of the most affordable name-brand hitches you can buy. For truck owners with lighter fifth wheels in the 10,000 to 14,000-pound range, the 16,000-pound rating gives a healthy safety margin at a budget price.

The single-handle operation and automatic locking jaw make coupling straightforward even for first-time fifth wheel owners. CURT includes an anti-rattle skid plate that genuinely reduces the clattering noise cheaper hitches are known for.

The dual-axis pivot gives 10 degrees of lateral movement, which helps when coupling on slightly unlevel ground. It is not as flexible as a fully articulating head, but for the price it is competitive.

One consistent complaint is the handle lacks a lock in the engaged position. Several owners add a secondary clip or pin to ensure the handle cannot bounce open during travel.

Lighter Fifth Wheel Matchups

The E16 is ideal for couples towing lighter bunkhouse fifth wheels or smaller travel trailers in the 10K to 14K pound range. If your loaded trailer exceeds 16,000 pounds, move up to the CURT Q20 or A25.

Rail Fitment Notes

The E16 fits industry standard rails. Some owners report needing to slightly adjust or file rail mounting points for a perfect fit, so budget 30 minutes for fine-tuning during initial installation.

10. CURT Q20 5th Wheel Hitch 16130 - 20K with Coupling Indicator

The CURT Q20 stands out for its 3-position coupling indicator that shows coupled, uncoupled, and ready-to-couple status at a glance. For RVers who want visual confirmation that the jaw is fully engaged before driving off, this is one of the best features in the CURT lineup.

The spherical axial bearing allows the head to tilt smoothly in any direction, which reduces the jerking motion that some fixed-bearing hitches transmit through the truck during turns and uneven road conditions.

The single short-throw handle is lockable with a padlock for security during overnight stops. CURT designed the handle to operate with one hand from a natural standing position at the side of the bed.

Be aware that the Q20 is not compatible with articulating or turret-style pin boxes. If your trailer has a MorRyde pin box or similar articulating unit, check compatibility before ordering.

Coupling Indicator Importance

The 3-position indicator is more than a convenience. Many "dropped fifth wheel" incidents happen because the jaw appeared closed but was not fully seated. The Q20's indicator gives you a positive visual check before you pull forward.

Pin Box Compatibility Warning

Trailers with factory articulating pin boxes like the Lippert Turning Point or Reese Revolution are not compatible with the Q20's head design. Choose a slider hitch instead if you have one of these pin boxes and a short bed truck.

11. CURT PowerRide 30K 5th Wheel Hitch 16594 - Ford Heavy Duty

The CURT PowerRide 30K is built for the heaviest fifth wheels and is one of the few hitches that genuinely competes with the PullRite SuperGlide for outright capacity. The 30,000-pound rating covers large luxury fifth wheels and big toy haulers that would overwhelm a 20K hitch.

Designed specifically for Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty long bed trucks with the OEM puck system, the PowerRide drops directly into factory pucks. The cast steel main body and cast yoke head are clearly built for commercial-grade use.

The self-resetting handle returns to the ready-to-couple position automatically after uncoupling, which means you do not have to manually reset between hookups. The ergonomic handle design lets you operate it from the side of the bed without climbing in.

Reviews do mention that the plastic components on the coupling mechanism can crack over time. CURT covers this under warranty, but it is worth knowing before purchase.

Maximum Capacity Use Cases

If you tow a 22,000 to 26,000-pound luxury fifth wheel or a heavy toy hauler fully loaded with off-road toys, the 30K PowerRide gives you the safety margin that lower-rated hitches cannot. Heavy duty Ford trucks with the long bed and puck system are the only fit.

Height Adjustment Limitations

Several reviews note that the maximum height setting may not provide enough clearance for trailers with high pin box heights. Measure your loaded pin box height before ordering, and confirm it falls within the PowerRide's adjustment range.

12. CURT A16 5th Wheel Hitch 16120 - Mid-Range 16K Value

The CURT A16 sits in the middle of the CURT fifth wheel lineup and is frequently recommended by owners as a B&W alternative at a lower price point. The cast yoke head uses poly-torsion inserts that absorb shock loads and significantly reduce chucking compared to a bare metal head.

The fully articulating torsion head moves enough to allow controlled coupling on uneven ground. Combined with the extra-wide head opening, first-time coupling attempts tend to go smoothly even if your alignment is not perfect.

The self-resetting handle automatically returns to the ready position after uncoupling. This is the same feature CURT uses on the more expensive A25, and it genuinely saves time when hitching and unhitching repeatedly during a trip.

One owner note: the yellow coupling indicator may need a small amount of lubrication to move freely during initial use. Once broken in, it operates smoothly.

Chucking Reduction Design

The poly-torsion inserts inside the cast yoke are the key to the A16's quiet ride. They compress under shock loads, which absorbs the push-pull "chucking" motion that happens during acceleration and braking.

Value Comparison to B&W Patriot

Owners consistently compare the A16 to the B&W Patriot 18K. Both are rail-mounted mid-capacity hitches. The A16 typically costs less, while the Patriot has the stronger B&W warranty reputation. Choose based on your budget and brand preference.

13. CURT A25 5th Wheel Hitch 16180 - Premium 25K Cast Construction

The CURT A25 represents CURT's premium cast-steel fifth wheel construction with a 25,000-pound rating. The cast steel main body and high-strength interlocking cast jaws fully wrap the king pin to minimize noise and movement.

Owners praise the hookup ease as noticeably better than competing hitches. The jaws positively lock with a satisfying engagement, and the jaw lock status indicator gives visual confirmation of a secure connection.

At 127 pounds, the A25 is lighter than comparable 24K CURT models, which makes installation slightly easier. The hitch breaks into two pieces for handling.

The biggest complaints in reviews relate to shipping damage. CURT's packaging for this hitch has historically been a weak point, with reports of boxes arriving damaged and hardware missing. Inspect all parts upon delivery.

Cast Steel Versus Welded Construction

Cast steel provides more precise dimensions and consistency than welded fabrication. The A25's cast body means tighter tolerances around the jaw mechanism and less variation between units.

Reaching the Locking Pin

Some shorter owners mention needing a step stool to reach the locking pin from outside the bed. Consider your truck's bed height and your own reach when deciding between this and a hitch with a remote latch like the Andersen.

14. CURT CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Hitch 16600

The CURT CrossWing is one of the most innovative hitches on the market. Built from steel rather than aluminum, it still manages a 60-pound main body that is 65 percent lighter than traditional hitches with the same 20,000-pound capacity.

The ShockDrop technology uses a cushioned isolator that absorbs jerking, jarring, and vibration. For owners who have dealt with chucking on traditional jaw hitches, this feature alone makes the CrossWing worth considering.

The unique coupling system has a visible contact surface and a head channel that guides the king pin into place. This makes single-person coupling much easier than older designs that required perfect alignment.

Owners report the offset design provides excellent rear cab clearance, which is especially valuable for short bed truck owners concerned about contact during tight turns.

ShockDrop Technology Explained

The cushioned isolator sits between the king pin jaw and the hitch body. When acceleration or braking forces push and pull the trailer, the isolator compresses instead of transferring that force to the truck frame as chucking noise.

One-Person Install Reality

The 60-pound main body genuinely makes one-person installation realistic. The strategic grip points help, and the rail-mount design means you are not wrestling with puck alignment at the same time.

15. Reese 30119 Fifth Wheel Hitch 20K - Budget Dual Jaw

The Reese 30119 is the budget champion of 20,000-pound fifth wheel hitches. Owners consistently call it the least expensive conventional fifth wheel hitch on Amazon that still delivers solid performance across varied terrain including mountain passes.

The dual jaw locking system completely surrounds the king pin, which reduces wear on both the jaw and the pin over time. The wide-stance one-piece legs provide stability during hookup and towing.

Height adjustment runs from 13.5 inches to 17 inches in multiple positions, accommodating most truck bed and trailer combinations. The fore-and-aft 44-degree pivot and 5-degree side-to-side pivot handle uneven ground reasonably well.

The biggest complaint is the lack of a centering mechanism. When unhitched, the head can flop and bang against the sides, which damages the finish over time. Some owners add a bungee or strap to control this.

Maximum Trailer Size Handling

Owners report towing fifth wheels up to 42 feet in length with the Reese 30119 with no stability issues. The 20K rating is the limiting factor, not the trailer length.

Hidden Height Limitation

The lowest height setting cannot actually be used because the legs and head interfere at full articulation. Plan to use the second-lowest setting as your minimum practical height.

16. Reese 30047 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch - Classic Value

The Reese 30047 is a long-running 16K fifth wheel that has built a loyal following among budget-conscious RVers. The classic two-jaw locking mechanism surrounds the king pin and provides positive engagement that owners trust over thousands of towing miles.

The 6-inch side-to-side pivot helps accommodate hookups on uneven ground and contributes to smoother towing than fixed-head budget hitches. Five height positions from 14.5 to 18 inches cover most truck and trailer combinations.

The five-year limited warranty from Reese provides peace of mind at this price point. The patent jaw locking mechanism is the same design Reese has used for years across their fifth wheel line.

Plan to purchase the rail kit separately. The 30047 is the hitch head and legs only, and you need Reese, CURT, or other industry standard rails mounted in your truck bed first.

Bracket Modification Heads-Up

Some owners report that brackets do not fit exactly as shown in the instructions and require minor modification. Have a file and drill handy during installation in case adjustment is needed.

Best Light Fifth Wheel Applications

For couples and small families towing lighter bunkhouse fifth wheels in the 8,000 to 13,000-pound range, the Reese 30047 provides reliable performance without the premium price tag of a B&W or PullRite.

17. PullRite 2600 SuperLite Single Point Attachment Fifth Wheel Hitch

The PullRite 2600 SuperLite uses a single-point attachment to your gooseneck ball and saves several hundred pounds compared to traditional fifth wheel hitches. For truck owners who already have a gooseneck ball installed, this is one of the smartest fifth wheel conversions available.

Short bed truck owners especially benefit from the 2600 SuperLite. The design provides enough turning clearance that you typically do not need a separate slider hitch, which saves both money and weight.

The connection is totally visible from the cab during hookup, which eliminates the back-and-forth guessing game of traditional jaw hitches. You can see exactly when the king pin engages the capture mechanism.

Verify your pin box type before ordering. Trailers with Rota-Flex or other articulating pin boxes may require an additional adapter part from PullRite.

Single Point Attachment Benefits

By mounting to a single gooseneck ball rather than four rail points or four pucks, the SuperLite spreads forces differently and reduces stress concentration on your truck bed. This design also makes the hitch easier to remove.

Short Bed Slider Elimination

Many short bed owners choose the SuperLite specifically because it eliminates the need for a slider. The hitch's geometry provides enough cab clearance for most trailers without the slider mechanism.

18. PullRite 2900 SuperGlide 20K Auto-Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch

The PullRite 2900 SuperGlide is the original auto-sliding fifth wheel hitch, and it remains the benchmark for short bed trucks towing large fifth wheels. The 14-inch automatic slide moves the hitch rearward as you turn, then returns it forward for towing, all without any driver input.

Unlike manual sliders where you have to remember to move the hitch before a tight turn, the SuperGlide's cam and capture plate system handles the slide automatically based on the truck's turning angle. You simply drive and the hitch moves itself.

Owners report the 2900 takes chucking out of towing better than most fixed hitches. The automatic slide absorbs much of the push-pull motion that traditional jaw hitches transmit during acceleration and braking.

The capture plate is required to activate the sliding cam, and it is sold separately. The capture plate attaches to your trailer's king pin box and stays there permanently.

Auto-Slide Mechanism Explained

The capture plate on the trailer king pin engages a cam in the hitch base. As the truck rotates relative to the trailer, the cam pushes the hitch along curved rails. The geometry is designed so the hitch moves rearward exactly as much as needed to maintain cab clearance.

Large Fifth Wheel Compatibility

Owners tow fifth wheel campers up to 44 feet in length with the 2900 SuperGlide. The 20K capacity handles most large luxury fifth wheels, and the auto-slide eliminates the cab contact risk that long trailers create during tight turns.

19. PullRite 4500 OE Puck Series 24K SuperGlide for GM Trucks

The PullRite 4500 OE Puck Series combines the auto-sliding SuperGlide technology with a direct mount for 2020 and newer GM trucks equipped with factory pucks. The 24,000-pound capacity makes it suitable for heavy luxury fifth wheels that would max out lighter hitches.

This is the most expensive hitch in this roundup, but for GM short bed owners towing big fifth wheels, it solves multiple problems at once: puck system fitment, automatic cab clearance, and heavy-duty capacity.

The dual articulating head moves both side-to-side and front-to-back independently. This provides a smoother ride than single-axis heads, especially on uneven highways.

PullRite states this hitch is 100 percent built, engineered, and sold in the USA. The 94 percent five-star rating from verified buyers confirms the build quality matches the marketing.

GM OE Puck Fitment Specifics

The 4500 OE Puck fits 2020 and newer Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD plus GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD trucks with the factory fifth wheel prep package. It does not fit Ford or Ram trucks.

Weld Failure Awareness

One verified review reported a catastrophic weld failure after 5.5 years of use. PullRite disputed the warranty claim. This appears to be an isolated incident, but it is worth noting if you plan to keep the hitch long-term.

20. PullRite 1800 OE Puck Series Super 5th 25K for GM Long Bed

The PullRite 1800 OE Puck Series is a long bed specific fifth wheel for 2020 and newer GM trucks with the factory prep package. The 25,000-pound capacity handles heavy fifth wheels, and because long bed trucks do not need slider function, this hitch skips the auto-slide mechanism for a simpler, lighter design.

The standout feature is tool-free head removal. Pull two pins and clips, and the head lifts off the base for easy bed access. No wrenches required for routine removal.

Height adjustment runs from 15 to 18 inches in multiple positions. This range covers the vast majority of GM long bed trucks paired with fifth wheel trailers at typical ride heights.

With only a handful of reviews, this is a newer entry in PullRite's OE Puck lineup. The perfect five-star rating from current owners is promising, but the sample size is small.

Long Bed Versus Short Bed Decision

Long bed truck owners do not need slider function in most cases. The PullRite 1800 gives long bed GM owners a clean, no-slider solution that still benefits from OE puck fitment and PullRite build quality.

Tool-Free Head Removal Workflow

For GM long bed owners who use their truck bed for cargo between trips, the tool-free head removal is a major convenience. The head weighs roughly 60 pounds, the base stays in the pucks, and you have bed access in under two minutes.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch for Your Truck

Choosing from the best fifth wheel hitches for trucks comes down to five key decisions: weight capacity, truck bed length, mounting system, slider versus fixed, and chucking control. Get any of these wrong and you will be shopping for a replacement before the season ends.

1. Match the Hitch Capacity to Your Loaded Trailer Weight

Your hitch's gross trailer weight rating must exceed your trailer's loaded weight by at least 20 percent. A 12,000-pound empty fifth wheel that you load to 15,000 pounds needs at least an 18,000-pound hitch. Going with a 16K hitch leaves no margin and shortens hitch life.

Pin weight matters just as much. Your hitch's vertical load rating must exceed your loaded pin weight, and your truck's payload capacity must handle that pin weight plus passengers, cargo, and the hitch itself.

2. Truck Bed Length Drives the Slider Decision

Short bed trucks (5.5 to 6.5 feet) generally need a slider hitch or an offset adapter to make 90-degree turns without the trailer contacting the cab. Long bed trucks (8 feet) can run fixed hitches in most cases. Measure your bed from the tailgate to the back wall of the cab before ordering.

The Andersen Ultimate and PullRite SuperLite provide offset without a slider mechanism, which saves weight and complexity. The PullRite SuperGlide automates the slide so you never have to think about it.

3. Puck System Versus Base Rails

Late model Ford, GM, and Ram HD trucks offer factory fifth wheel prep packages with puck systems. If your truck has pucks, you can buy puck-specific hitches from B&W, CURT, and PullRite that drop directly into the factory holes with no drilling. This is the cleanest setup and worth every penny if your truck has the prep.

Older trucks or trucks without the prep package require base rails bolted to the bed. Industry standard rails accept CURT, Reese, B&W Patriot, and Andersen Rail Mount hitches interchangeably. Rails are permanent but give you flexibility to swap hitch brands later.

4. Chucking Noise and How to Reduce It

Chucking is the fore-and-aft push-pull motion that happens during acceleration and braking. It transmits as a clunking sound through the truck frame and is the single most common fifth wheel complaint on RV forums.

Polyurethane bushings (B&W Companion, Patriot) absorb chucking. Poly-torsion inserts in cast yoke heads (CURT A16, A25) suppress shock loads. ShockDrop isolators (CURT CrossWing) cushion against jerking. Andersen's ball-and-coupler design naturally reduces chucking because the connection geometry differs from jaw hitches.

Other chucking fixes include a MorRyde pin box, an air-ride pin box like the Reese Goose Box, or tightening jaw-to-pin clearance on adjustable hitches.

5. Hitch Weight and One-Person Operation

If you tow solo or remove your hitch frequently, weight matters more than you think. Traditional jaw hitches run 95 to 305 pounds. The Andersen Ultimate (37 pounds), Andersen Rail Mount (40 pounds), and CURT CrossWing (60-pound main body) make one-person installation realistic.

For perspective, lifting a 130-pound B&W Companion over the tailgate and walking it into position is genuinely difficult for most people. Plan for two people or build a hoist if you choose a heavy hitch.

6. Puck System Compatibility by Truck Brand

Ford uses a specific puck pattern on 2011 and newer Super Duty trucks with the prep package. GM introduced a different pattern on 2020 Silverado HD and Sierra HD trucks. Ram's pattern is different again on trucks with the factory prep. B&W, CURT, and PullRite each build truck-specific puck bases, so verify your truck brand and year before ordering.

For towing safety beyond the hitch itself, consider pairing your setup with the best wireless backup cameras for towing to make hookup and backing easier. RV owners should also look at our RV security cameras guide for protecting your investment at campsites.

Final Thoughts on the Best Fifth Wheel Hitches for Trucks

The best fifth wheel hitches for trucks in 2026 come down to your specific truck, your trailer weight, and your towing style. For most owners, the B&W Companion RVK3500 remains the gold standard for build quality and reliability. Ford Super Duty owners with the OEM prep package should look at the B&W 25K Companion RVK3305 for the cleanest fit. Solo travelers and anyone who values one-person operation should seriously consider the Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate at just 37 pounds.

Short bed truck owners have excellent options across price ranges, from the PullRite SuperGlide auto-slider to the Andersen offset designs. Whatever you choose, match the hitch capacity to your loaded trailer weight, confirm your truck's puck system or rail setup before ordering, and budget for a proper torque wrench to install it correctly. Safe towing starts with the right hitch.