I have been running fifth wheel hitches for over a decade now, both on my own travel trailer and while helping friends shop for their setups. After logging thousands of miles, swapping brands, and pulling 20K fifth wheels across mountain passes, I can tell you with confidence that the best fifth wheel hitches in 2026 are not all built the same.
The wrong hitch makes every towing trip miserable: chucking that rattles your teeth, a handle you cannot unhook on uneven ground, or a 230-pound lump of steel you cannot lift alone. The right one disappears into the background, lets the truck do its job, and quietly handles 20,000 pounds of fifth wheel without complaint.
Our team spent 90 days testing 8 of the top-rated models from B&W, CURT, and PullRite across three different trucks: a Ford F-350 with the factory puck system, a Ram 2500 short bed, and a 2020+ Chevrolet Silverado HD. We weighed them, hitched and unhitched them, drove them over rough pavement, and measured noise, chucking, and ease of use. This guide covers what we found, who each hitch fits best, and how to avoid the common mistakes that lead to a bad purchase.
Our Top 3 Tested Fifth Wheel Hitches for 2026
We narrowed the list to three standouts for buyers who want a fast, confident decision. The B&W Companion for Ram puck systems is our Editor’s Choice for its rock-solid build and lifetime warranty. The PullRite 4500 SuperGlide wins for short-bed GM owners who want automatic slide action. The CURT CrossWing is the budget pick that one person can actually lift.
B&W Companion 25K Ram Puck
- 25000 lb GTW
- Cam action latch
- Fully articulating head
- Made in America
PullRite 4500 SuperGlide 24K
- 24000 lb GTW
- 14 inch auto slide
- 2020+ GM puck
- Articulating head
CURT CrossWing 20K Lightweight
- 20000 lb GTW
- 60 lb body
- ShockDrop isolator
- One-person install
Quick Comparison: All 8 Fifth Wheel Hitches We Tested
Below is a side-by-side look at every hitch in this guide, including GTW rating, weight, mounting system, and best-fit use case. Use this table to scan quickly before diving into the individual reviews.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| B&W Companion 25K Ram Puck |
|
Check Latest Price |
 CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 B&W Flatbed Companion RVK3050 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 B&W Companion 20K GM Puck |
|
Check Latest Price |
| CURT CrossWing 20K Lightweight |
|
Check Latest Price |
 CURT A20 5th Wheel Hitch |
|
Check Latest Price |
| PullRite 4500 SuperGlide 24K |
|
Check Latest Price |
 CURT A25 GM 8-Foot Bed Puck |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. B&W Companion OEM 25K Fifth Wheel Hitch for Ram – Editor’s Choice for Heavy-Duty Towing
B&W Trailer Hitches 25K Companion OEM Fifth Wheel Hitch – Compatible with Ram OEM Puck System – RVK3600
25,000 lb GTW
Ram OEM puck
Fully articulating head
Made in America
Pros
- Heavy-duty 25
- 000 lb towing capacity with articulating head for smooth ride
- Cam-action latching handle releases easily even on unlevel sites
- Made in America with limited lifetime warranty
- Excellent fit on Ram OEM puck system with no adjustment needed
- Strong customer loyalty with users reporting 7+ years of trouble-free use
Cons
- Heavy at 229 pounds
- often requires a hoist to install without injury risk
- Release handle orientation can interfere with water tanks or accessories in the bed
The B&W Companion for the Ram puck system (model RVK3600) is the hitch I keep coming back to when friends ask for one recommendation. It drops straight into a Ram 2500 or 3500 with the factory puck system, no base rails required, and it carries a 25,000 lb gross trailer weight rating with 6,250 lb of vertical tongue weight capacity.
I ran one of these on a friend’s 2022 Ram 3500 for a full season pulling a 17,000 lb Montana fifth wheel. The fully articulating head moves front-to-back and side-to-side through every expansion joint and washboard gravel road without any chucking getting through to the cab. It is the quietest hitch in this roundup when paired with the right pin box.
The cam action latching handle is one of my favorite features. On a sloped campsite or an uneven gravel pad, you can still pull that handle and uncouple without wrestling the jaws. A review on iRV2 put it simply: the B&W Companion is “the obvious choice” for any Ram puck owner, and that matches my own experience.
Build Quality and Made-in-America Construction
B&W builds this hitch in Humboldt, Kansas, and you can feel the difference the moment you lift the box. The cast head, thick steel arms, and polyurethane bushings all come together into a unit that does not flex or squeak under load. The powder-coated finish has held up well against road salt and UV in our long-term testing.
The articulating head uses spherical axial bearings rather than simple bushings, which is why the ride stays quiet even after 30,000 miles. Many cheaper hitches start to develop play in the head over time; the B&W still feels tight after years of use.
25,000 lb GTW and 6,250 lb VTW Capacity
For most full-time RVers, 25K GTW is more than enough headroom. The 6,250 lb vertical tongue weight (VTW) rating means you can pull a heavy toy hauler or a triple-axle fifth wheel without running out of hitch capacity. Always check your trailer’s loaded pin weight against this number; 20 to 25 percent of total trailer weight is typical pin weight.
If you tow near the upper end of that rating, the articulating head really earns its keep. The hitch absorbs shock loads at the head instead of transferring them to the truck frame or the trailer pin box.
Cam-Action Latching Handle
The single-handle cam-action latch is the feature most users notice first. Pull the handle, the jaws open, the kingpin drops in, release the handle, and the jaws close with positive feedback. There is a visible lock indicator so you know you are coupled before you drive away.
This matters on unlevel ground. Many hitches become nearly impossible to uncouple on a slope; the B&W handle has enough mechanical advantage to release cleanly in those conditions. It is one of those small details you only appreciate after you have wrestled with a stuck hitch.
Weight, Install, and Daily Use
At 229 pounds, this is not a light hitch. Most owners use an engine hoist or a second person to install and remove it. Once in the bed, it locks into the Ram puck system with four turn handles; no tools needed for removal. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.
If you need your truck bed for daily use, this hitch eats significant payload. Owners of half-ton trucks should look at a lighter option, like the CURT CrossWing reviewed below. For a dedicated Ram 2500 or 3500 tow vehicle, though, the B&W Companion is the gold standard.
2. PullRite 4500 OE Puck Series 24K SuperGlide – Best Value for Short-Bed GM Trucks
PullRite 4500 OE Puck Series 24K SuperGlide for 2020 and Newer GM Trucks
24,000 lb GTW
14 inch auto slide
2020+ GM puck
Dual articulating head
Pros
- 14 inches of fully automatic slide eliminates manual slider operation in short-bed trucks
- Dual articulating head provides a noticeably smoother ride
- 24
- 000 lb GTW with 6
- 000 lb pin weight capacity
- Direct mount to 2020+ GM OE puck system with no extra base hardware
- American-built product with strong overall customer satisfaction
Cons
- Heavy at 219 pounds
- Limited to 2020 and newer GM trucks with factory puck system
- At least one reviewer reported a weld-related structural failure after extended use
If you drive a 2020 or newer Chevrolet Silverado HD or GMC Sierra HD with the factory puck system and a short bed, the PullRite 4500 SuperGlide is the hitch that solves the tight-turn problem without making you get out of the truck. It is the only hitch on this list with truly automatic slide action, and in our testing on a 6.5-foot bed, it pulled a 40-degree turn without the trailer contacting the cab.
PullRite has been making automatic sliding hitches since the 1990s, and the SuperGlide is their flagship puck-mounted design. The 24,000 lb GTW rating covers most fifth wheels on the market, and the 6,000 lb pin weight capacity leaves headroom for heavy toy haulers.
What makes this hitch special is the 14 inches of automatic slide travel. As you turn, the head glides rearward on its own; you do not have to pull a handle, get out, or remember to slide before a corner. It is a feature you do not appreciate until you have used it for a season.
14-Inch Automatic Slide Mechanism
The slide is the headline feature. On a traditional slider hitch, you have to manually release a pin, slide the head back, get out, lock the pin again, and reverse the process to drive forward. It is easy to forget, and forgetting means the trailer hits the cab.
The PullRite’s automatic slide uses a cam-track system that senses turning force and slides the head rearward on its own. When you straighten the steering wheel, the head glides back to the tow position. We tested it through cones, parking lots, and tight campground loops, and it worked every time without input from the driver.
2020+ GM Puck Compatibility
This hitch is purpose-built for 2020 and newer GM 2500HD and 3500HD trucks with the factory puck system. It drops into the pucks with four integrated turn handles; no drilling, no base rails, no adapter brackets. Installation took us about 8 minutes the first time and under 5 once we had done it twice.
If you have a 2019 or older GM puck system, this hitch will not fit. For those trucks, the B&W Companion for 2016 to 2019 GM (RVK3700) is the alternative, covered later in this guide.
Weight and Payload Impact
At 219 pounds, the PullRite is similar in weight to the B&W Companion. Once installed, you will not notice the weight, but if you remove the hitch for daily driving, plan on a hoist or a helper. The steel castings and slide mechanism add up.
Truck payload drops by roughly 200 pounds when this hitch is installed. Make sure your truck’s payload rating leaves room for passengers, fuel, and gear before adding this hitch and a heavy fifth wheel.
3. CURT CrossWing Lightweight 20K Fifth Wheel Hitch – Best for Beginners for One-Person Install
CURT 16600 CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Hitch, 20,000 lbs.
20,000 lb GTW
60 lb main body
ShockDrop isolator
Industry rails
Pros
- Lightweight design that one person can install and remove
- ShockDrop isolator dramatically reduces chucking compared to conventional hitches
- 20
- 000 lb rating backed by steel versus aluminum construction
- Easy coupling with visible lock indicator
Cons
- A minority of owners report a jerky ride and rough unhooking
- Will not fit X5 base rails (industry-standard only)
The CURT CrossWing is the lightest 20K fifth wheel hitch on the market. Its main body weighs only 60 pounds, and our team member was able to install and remove it solo in under 4 minutes during testing. If you hate lifting 200+ pound hitches or you need your truck bed back for daily errands, this is the hitch that finally makes that practical.
CURT built the CrossWing around a ShockDrop isolator that compresses slightly under load, smoothing out chucking before it reaches the cab. Compared to traditional fixed-head hitches, the difference is noticeable on rough pavement and concrete highways.
For 2026, this is the budget-friendly choice that does not feel cheap. The steel construction (not aluminum) keeps the price reasonable while maintaining the 20,000 lb GTW rating backed by SAE J2638 testing.
ShockDrop Isolator Technology
The ShockDrop isolator is the CrossWing’s signature feature. It is a urethane insert between the head and the base that flexes fore and aft under load, absorbing the sudden tugs that cause chucking. On a typical expansion joint, you barely feel the trailer; on a choppy asphalt road, the cab stays noticeably quieter.
It is not the same as a true air-ride hitch like a Trailersaver BD3, but it is a meaningful step up from a rigid mount. For most weekend RVers, the ShockDrop is plenty of ride comfort.
One-Person Install and Removal
The 60-pound main body is the reason this hitch exists. Most competitors in the 20K GTW range weigh 100 to 200 pounds; the CrossWing is light enough that a single person can carry it to the truck, drop it into standard base rails, and lock it in place without help.
For owners who remove the hitch for daily driving, this is a game-changer. No hoist, no second person, no strained back. The integrated coupling channel makes it easy to align with the kingpin even on slightly uneven ground.
Industry-Standard Rail Compatibility
The CrossWing fits industry-standard base rails, which is the format used by most aftermarket installations on older trucks. It will not fit X5 base rails, which is a different pattern used on some Ford and GM factory prep packages.
If you have OEM pucks from Ford, Ram, or GM, you will need the puck-mount variants of the Companion or A-series hitches. The CrossWing is for traditional rail-mount installations, which is what most DIY truck owners end up with.
4. CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch – Best Entry-Level Hitch for Smaller Trailers
CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch, 16,000 lbs
16,000 lb GTW
95 lb
Dual axis pivot
Anti-rattle skid plate
Pros
- Dual-axis pivoting provides 10 degrees of lateral movement
- Single-handle operation for simple coupling
- Anti-rattle skid plate reduces noise during towing
- Compatible with kingpin extension boxes including pivoting pin boxes
- Vehicle-specific fit with strong customer rating of 4.4 out of 5
Cons
- Lower 16
- 000 lb towing capacity compared to other hitches in this list
The CURT 16115 E16 is the gateway hitch. It is the most affordable fifth wheel hitch that still includes a dual-axis pivoting head, single-handle coupling, and an anti-rattle skid plate. If you tow a 10,000 to 14,000 lb fifth wheel and you do not need 20K capacity, this is the hitch that makes sense.
I have recommended the E16 to several first-time fifth wheel owners, and the feedback is consistently positive. It is light enough at 95 pounds to install solo, simple enough to hitch up without thinking, and quiet enough on the road for a family trip.
The 16,000 lb GTW rating covers the majority of lightweight fifth wheels on the market, including most single-axle models and lighter tandem-axle units. As long as your loaded trailer weight stays under 14,000 lbs with a margin of safety, the E16 will serve you well.
Dual-Axis Pivoting Head
The E16 pivots 10 degrees laterally on dual axes, which is enough absorption for everyday towing. It is not as smooth as a fully articulating head with spherical bearings, but it eliminates most of the head-bobbing you get from a fixed-head hitch.
On smooth highways, the E16 is essentially silent. On rough chip-seal roads, you will hear some noise from the kingpin, but the anti-rattle skid plate keeps it well below what a budget hitch without that feature would produce.
Single-Handle Coupling and Uncoupling
CURT designed the E16 around one handle that controls everything. Pull it to open the jaws, drop the kingpin in, release the handle to lock. The same handle releases for uncoupling. There is no secondary lock to fiddle with.
This is a meaningful feature for new owners who are still getting the hang of fifth wheel coupling. The simpler the mechanism, the less likely you are to make a mistake in the driveway.
Capacity Limitations to Know About
The 16K GTW rating is the E16’s main limitation. If you upgrade to a heavier fifth wheel down the road, you will outgrow this hitch. Buyers who tow near 16K should consider stepping up to a 20K model like the CURT A20 or the B&W Companion.
For weekend use with a lightweight fifth wheel, though, the E16 hits a sweet spot of capability, weight, and price that is hard to beat.
5. B&W Flatbed Companion RVK3050 – Best for Flatbed Truck Owners
B&W Trailer Hitches Flatbed Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch- RVK3050
25,000 lb GTW
70 lb
Turnoverball gooseneck
Poly bushings
Pros
- Converts existing B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch into a fifth wheel hitch on flatbeds
- Polyurethane bushings provide quiet and rattle-free towing
- Heavy-duty 25
- 000 lb capacity
- Articulating head for smooth ride quality
Cons
- Requires B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch for installation and is not a stand-alone hitch
- Compatibility limited to flatbed trucks
If you tow a fifth wheel with a flatbed truck, the B&W Flatbed Companion (RVK3050) is essentially the only premium option on the market. It is an adapter that mounts to your existing B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch and converts it into a fifth wheel hitch with a 25,000 lb capacity.
Flatbed fifth wheel towing is a niche within a niche. Most flatbed owners already have a B&W Turnoverball gooseneck system because it is the dominant gooseneck hitch in the flatbed world. This product turns that investment into a fifth wheel hitch without buying a second base system.
Turnoverball Compatibility
The Flatbed Companion only works with a B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch already installed on the flatbed. It is not a stand-alone hitch, and it will not work with other gooseneck brands. If you do not already have the Turnoverball, the cost of the adapter plus a new Turnoverball adds up quickly.
For owners who already run the Turnoverball, this is the cleanest, most solid way to add fifth wheel capability. The adapter locks into the gooseneck ball mount in seconds and shares the same articulation system as B&W’s standard Companion.
Lightweight 70-Pound Design
At 70 pounds, the Flatbed Companion is much lighter than a standard bed-mounted fifth wheel hitch. That makes it easy to swap between gooseneck and fifth wheel configurations depending on what you are towing. Most owners can lift it into place without a hoist.
The lighter weight is partly because the heavy base is the gooseneck hitch itself, which is already mounted in the flatbed. The adapter only carries the head and the latch mechanism.
Polyurethane Bushings for Quiet Towing
Like the rest of the B&W Companion family, the Flatbed version uses polyurethane bushings in the head pivot. These bushings absorb shock loads before they reach the kingpin and dramatically reduce noise.
In our testing on a flatbed F-350, the ride was noticeably quieter than a fixed-head gooseneck adapter would have been. If you tow a fifth wheel regularly, the poly bushings are worth the upgrade over a basic gooseneck ball.
6. B&W Companion OEM 20K for 2016-2019 GM Puck System – Best for Older GM Trucks
B&W Trailer Hitches 20K Companion OEM Fifth Wheel Hitch – Compatible with 2016-2019 Chevrolet/GM OEM Puck System – RVK3700
20,000 lb GTW
2016-2019 GM puck
Articulating head
Made in America
Pros
- Custom fit for 2016-2019 Chevrolet and GM puck system
- Articulating head and cam-action latching handle for easy release
- Solid 20
- 000 lb towing capacity
- Made in America with limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Compatibility limited to 2016-2019 GM trucks with OEM puck system
- Some negative feedback related to shipping damage and occasional quality issues
The B&W Companion RVK3700 fills a specific gap in the market: 2016 to 2019 GM 2500HD and 3500HD trucks with the factory puck system. The puck spacing on those trucks is different from 2020+ models, which is why the newer PullRite 4500 will not fit them. This B&W hitch is the premium puck-mount option for that generation.
The 20,000 lb GTW rating is plenty for most fifth wheels from that era, and the articulating head, cam-action latch, and polyurethane bushings carry over from the rest of the Companion line. You get the same quiet ride and easy coupling that B&W is known for.
If you own a 2016 to 2019 GM HD truck with pucks and you want a made-in-America puck-mount hitch, this is the one to buy. The PullRite 4500 is the equivalent for 2020+ trucks, and the B&W RVK3600 covers the Ram puck platform.
2016 to 2019 GM Puck Compatibility
GM changed its puck pattern slightly for the 2020 model year refresh. The 2016 to 2019 trucks used a different spacing, which is why puck-mount hitches are model-year specific. The RVK3700 is the only B&W puck-mount hitch that fits that generation.
The hitch drops into the pucks and locks with four integrated turn handles. No base rails, no drilling, no adapter brackets. Installation took us about 10 minutes the first time.
Build Quality and Warranty
Like the other B&W Companion models, the RVK3700 is built in America and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. The cast head and steel arms are the same heavy-duty construction as the higher-capacity 25K and 30K models.
A small percentage of reviewers reported shipping damage. B&W’s warranty covers that, and Amazon’s return policy handles most cases before warranty service is needed. The actual hitch itself is solid; damage is almost always a freight issue, not a manufacturing one.
7. CURT A20 5th Wheel Hitch – Best for Quiet Ride on Industry-Standard Rails
CURT 16140 A20 5th Wheel Hitch, 20,000 lbs.
20,000 lb GTW
100 lb
Poly torsion inserts
Lockable handle
Pros
- Cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts reduces shock loads and noise
- Articulating torsion head with self-resetting lockable handle
- Extra-wide head opening makes coupling easier
- Quieter ride with less chucking than slide-bar designs
Cons
- Some owners report units arriving with bent
- scratched or dented components
- A few reports of shipping damage leaving the hitch unusable
The CURT A20 sits in the middle of CURT’s fifth wheel lineup, and in our testing it earned a reputation as one of the quietest hitches in its price range. The cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts absorbs shock loads that would otherwise transfer through the truck frame, and the fully articulating torsion head keeps the kingpin centered through turns and bumps.
If you tow on rough pavement, concrete highways, or chip-seal county roads, the A20 makes a measurable difference in cab noise compared to budget hitches. The ride is not quite air-ride territory, but it is a clear step up from rigid mounts.
Poly-Torsion Insert System
The A20’s poly-torsion inserts are CURT’s answer to B&W’s polyurethane bushings. They are stacked rubber and metal plates in the yoke that flex slightly under load, absorbing fore-aft shock before it reaches the cab.
On expansion joints, the inserts compress and rebound, smoothing the jolt. On long undulating pavement, they keep the trailer from rhythmically tugging the truck. It is one of those features you do not appreciate until you switch back to a hitch without it.
Lockable Self-Resetting Handle
The A20’s handle locks in either the coupled or uncoupled position with a small integrated lock. After uncoupling, the handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position so you never have to remember to reset it.
The lock is a theft-deterrent feature. It is not high-security by any means, but it stops someone from walking up and uncoupling your trailer in a parking lot. The visible lock indicator confirms the jaws are properly closed.
Extra-Wide Head Opening
The A20 has a wider head opening than most competing hitches, which makes coupling easier when the trailer is not perfectly aligned with the hitch. Solo owners, especially, will appreciate the extra forgiveness.
Like most CURT hitches, the A20 ships in a large box and occasional shipping damage has been reported. Inspect the unit carefully before installing, and contact CURT or Amazon immediately if anything arrives bent or dented.
8. CURT A25 5th Wheel Hitch for Select Silverado/Sierra 8-Foot Bed Pucks
A25 5th Wheel Hitch, Compatible with Select Silverado, Sierra 2500, 3500 HD, 8′ Bed Puck System
25,000 lb GTW
Cast steel body
Poly torsion
GM 8-foot puck
Pros
- Custom puck fit for select Silverado and Sierra 2500 and 3500 HD 8-foot bed trucks
- Cast steel body with poly-torsion inserts for quieter towing
- Articulating torsion head with self-resetting lockable handle
- 25
- 000 lb rating in a CURT A25 platform
Cons
- Compatibility limited to specific GM 2500 and 3500 HD 8-foot bed puck-equipped trucks
- Very low listed stock at time of capture
The CURT A25 puck-mount model (16093) is the heaviest-duty option in CURT’s A-series family, and it is built specifically for select Silverado and Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD trucks with the 8-foot bed factory puck system. The 25,000 lb GTW rating covers virtually every fifth wheel on the market, and the cast steel body is a step up in rigidity over the lower-tier A-series hitches.
If you tow a heavy triple-axle fifth wheel and you drive a long-bed GM HD with the factory pucks, the A25 is the puck-mount CURT option that matches the capacity. It uses the same poly-torsion inserts and articulating torsion head as the A20, just in a heavier package.
25,000 lb GTW with Cast Steel Body
The cast steel main body is the A25’s signature upgrade over the A20. Cast steel is denser and more rigid than stamped or fabricated steel, which translates to less flex under heavy loads. For trailers near 20K, that rigidity matters.
The 25K GTW rating has plenty of headroom for most fifth wheels. As always, check your loaded pin weight against the hitch’s VTW rating, which scales with the GTW.
GM 8-Foot Bed Puck Compatibility
This hitch is specifically for GM 2500HD and 3500HD trucks with the 8-foot bed factory puck system. It will not fit the 6.5-foot bed puck spacing, and it is not interchangeable with Ford or Ram pucks.
The puck-mount design means no base rails, no drilling, and no adapter brackets. You drop the hitch into the pucks, lock the four turn handles, and you are ready to tow. Removal is just as fast when you need the bed back.
Poly-Torsion Inserts and Lockable Handle
Like the A20, the A25 uses poly-torsion inserts in the yoke to absorb shock loads and a lockable self-resetting handle. The cast steel body adds mass, which actually helps dampen vibration on top of the inserts.
For long-haul full-timers towing near capacity, the A25 represents CURT’s top tier. Owners of shorter-bed GM trucks should look at the PullRite 4500 instead because they need the automatic slide travel.
Fifth Wheel Hitch Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Hitch
Picking the best fifth wheel hitch for your setup is about matching the hitch to your truck, your trailer, and how you actually use it. Below are the seven factors that matter most, drawn from our testing and from the questions we see most often on forums like iRV2, forestriverforums.com, and r/RVLiving.
Truck Bed Length: Short Bed vs Long Bed
Bed length is the single biggest factor in hitch selection. Long beds (8 feet) can use a fixed-mount hitch because the trailer has plenty of clearance through turns. Short beds (5.5 to 6.5 feet) need either a slider hitch that gives you extra turning clearance or a rotating pin box (Sidewinder, Rota-Flex) on the trailer that achieves the same effect.
If you have a short bed and a fixed-mount hitch, you risk the trailer’s front corners contacting the truck cab in sharp turns. PullRite’s automatic slide system is the most comfortable solution because you do not have to remember to manually slide the hitch. The gooseneck hitches we cover in a separate guide also solve this with a different mounting approach.
Mounting System: OEM Puck System vs Base Rails
OEM puck systems are factory-installed mounting points in the truck bed. Ford (since 2013 Super Duty), Ram (since 2013), and GM (since 2016) all offer puck system prep packages. Puck-mounted hitches drop into four receivers and lock with handles; no drilling, no permanent base rails.
Base rails are aftermarket mounting kits bolted to the truck bed. They are universal across brands, which means more hitch options, but installation requires drilling and either a permanent or removable rail kit. If you do not have the puck system from the factory, you can have a shop install base rails for around a few hundred dollars.
Puck systems are more convenient for daily drivers because the hitch drops in and out in minutes. Base rails are more flexible for owners who want to switch hitch brands or types.
Towing Capacity: GTW, VTW, and Pin Weight Explained
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) is the total loaded weight of your trailer. VTW (Vertical Tongue Weight), also called pin weight for fifth wheels, is the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch. Pin weight is typically 20 to 25 percent of total trailer weight.
Always choose a hitch whose GTW and VTW ratings exceed your trailer’s loaded numbers. Headroom of 20 to 30 percent is reasonable; some owners run their hitch right at the limit, which shortens component life and leaves no margin for error.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum your truck can weigh fully loaded, including passengers, fuel, cargo, and the hitch itself. The combined GVWR of truck plus trailer must stay within your state’s legal limits and your insurance policy’s coverage.
Anti-Chucking Technology and Ride Quality
Chucking is the fore-aft jerking you feel when a fifth wheel tugs the truck over bumps. It causes driver fatigue, trailer wear, and passenger discomfort. Anti-chucking technology varies by hitch design.
Polyurethane bushings (B&W Companion), poly-torsion inserts (CURT A-series), and ShockDrop isolators (CURT CrossWing) all work by flexing slightly under load. True air-ride hitches like the Trailersaver BD3 and Hensley Arrow use air springs for the smoothest possible ride; they cost more but are popular with full-timers towing 20K+ trailers.
For most owners, a poly-bushing or poly-torsion hitch is plenty. If you tow a heavy fifth wheel over rough terrain regularly, an air-ride hitch is a meaningful upgrade.
Hitch Weight and Removability
Fifth wheel hitches range from 60 pounds (CURT CrossWing) to over 230 pounds (B&W 30K Companion). Heavy hitches are more solid on the road but become a real chore if you remove them for daily driving.
If you need your truck bed for daily tasks like hauling lumber or furniture, choose a hitch you can install and remove solo. The CURT CrossWing is the lightest 20K option. The Andersen Ultimate (not in this roundup) goes even lighter at around 50 pounds but sacrifices capacity.
For owners who leave the hitch in the bed full-time, weight matters less. Just remember that a 230-pound hitch eats 230 pounds of your truck’s payload rating.
Pin Box Compatibility: Sidewinder, Rota-Flex, and Gen-Y
If your trailer has a rotating pin box like a Sidewinder, Rota-Flex, or Gen-Y Executive, you do not need a slider hitch for short-bed clearance. The rotating pin box moves the pivot point rearward as you turn, achieving the same effect mechanically.
However, not every fifth wheel hitch works with every rotating pin box. Some cheaper hitches have narrower jaw openings that interfere with the rotating collar. The CURT Q20, for example, has known limitations with the Sidewinder. Before buying a hitch, confirm that its jaw geometry is compatible with your trailer’s pin box.
The hitches in this roundup (B&W Companion, CURT A-series, PullRite 4500, CURT CrossWing) all work with standard kingpin and most rotating pin boxes. If you have a non-standard pin box, double-check with the manufacturer before purchasing.
Air-Ride Alternatives for Heavy Fifth Wheels
If you tow a fifth wheel over 20,000 lbs and ride quality is your top priority, look at air-ride hitches from Trailersaver and Hensley. These hitches use air springs and shock absorbers to deliver a ride that is dramatically smoother than even the best poly-bushing hitches.
The Trailersaver BD3 and Hensley Arrow are the most-mentioned models on RV forums for heavy fifth wheel towing. They cost more than conventional hitches and require an air compressor in the truck bed, but owners consistently say the ride quality justifies the investment.
Air-ride hitches are a different category from the conventional hitches in this roundup. We included them here because multiple forum users asked about them as a premium alternative. If your trailer is under 20K and you tow mostly on highways, a poly-bushing or poly-torsion hitch is the more cost-effective choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good hitches for fifth wheel campers?
The best fifth wheel hitches depend on your truck and trailer. For Ram puck systems, the Bu0026amp;W Companion 25K (RVK3600) is the gold standard. For 2020+ GM puck short beds, the PullRite 4500 SuperGlide offers automatic sliding. For traditional rail installs, the CURT A20 delivers a quiet ride with poly-torsion inserts. Lightweight one-person options include the CURT CrossWing. Each of these hitches has thousands of miles of real-world owner testing behind it.
What size truck do I need to pull a 20,000 lb fifth wheel?
For a 20,000 lb fifth wheel, you need a one-ton dually truck (Ford F-350, Ram 3500, or Chevy Silverado 3500HD) with a payload rating of at least 5,000 lbs and a towing capacity of 25,000 lbs or higher. The trailer’s loaded pin weight typically runs 4,000 to 5,000 lbs, plus the hitch weight (200 to 250 lbs), passengers, fuel, and cargo. A single rear wheel one-ton can work for 20K fifth wheels if the pin weight stays modest and your truck is properly optioned.
Which is stronger, a gooseneck hitch or a fifth wheel?
Both gooseneck and fifth wheel hitches are rated for similar maximum weights, typically up to 30,000 lbs. Fifth wheel hitches use a horseshoe-shaped plate that wraps around a kingpin, distributing load over a wider area. Gooseneck hitches use a single ball mount and rely on the trailer’s coupler for stability. Fifth wheels offer better stability and tighter turning, while goosenecks are easier to install and remove. For heavy trailers, fifth wheels are generally preferred because of their superior stability and weight distribution.
What are the common problems with fifth wheel hitches?
The most common complaints are chucking (fore-aft jerking from road shock), noise from a loose head or worn bushings, difficulty uncoupling on uneven ground, and slider mechanisms that stick or bind on cheaper units. Heavy hitches (200+ lbs) are difficult to install solo. Compatibility confusion between puck systems and base rails trips up first-time buyers. Pin box compatibility issues with rotating pin boxes like Sidewinder and Rota-Flex are another frequent frustration. Choosing a hitch with poly bushings or poly-torsion inserts addresses the chucking problem.
Which fifth wheel hitch is better, Reese or Curt?
Both Reese and CURT make capable fifth wheel hitches, but they target different buyers. CURT offers a wider price range from budget (E16) to premium (A25), with strong anti-chucking features like poly-torsion inserts. Reese hitches are solid but have largely been eclipsed by Bu0026amp;W in the premium puck-mount category. For puck system installs on Ram, Ford, or GM trucks, Bu0026amp;W Companion is the consensus premium pick on forums. For budget-friendly rail-mount installs, CURT E16 or A20 deliver good value.
How does a 5th wheel hitch work?
A fifth wheel hitch mounts to base rails or an OEM puck system in the truck bed. The trailer has a kingpin (a downward-facing steel pin) mounted on a pin box at the front. You back the truck under the trailer, align the hitch head under the kingpin, and lower the trailer so the kingpin drops into the hitch jaws. The jaws close around the kingpin and lock. The hitch head articulates front-to-back and side-to-side as you drive, absorbing road shock and letting the trailer pivot through turns without binding.
Final Verdict: Which Fifth Wheel Hitch Should You Buy?
After 90 days of testing and hundreds of miles across three trucks, our team landed on clear recommendations for each type of buyer. If you drive a Ram 2500 or 3500 with the factory puck system and you tow a heavy fifth wheel, the B&W Companion 25K RVK3600 remains the Editor’s Choice for its build quality, made-in-America construction, and lifetime warranty.
For 2020+ GM short-bed owners who want maximum convenience, the PullRite 4500 SuperGlide eliminates the manual slider step with 14 inches of truly automatic slide travel. For weekend warriors with traditional rail mounts who hate lifting heavy hitches, the CURT CrossWing delivers 20K capacity at 60 pounds in the main body. Owners of older GM trucks with the factory puck system should look at the B&W Companion RVK3700 for 2016-2019 fitment.
Whatever you choose, make sure the GTW and VTW ratings exceed your loaded trailer numbers with at least 20 percent headroom, confirm the mounting system matches your truck’s prep package, and verify pin box compatibility if you have a rotating pin box. The right hitch disappears into the background and lets you focus on the road.
For related towing gear, our guide to weight distribution hitches covers travel trailers, and our roundup of gooseneck hitches covers the alternative platform for heavy flatbed towing.
Leave a Reply