Towing trailers and campers are a special task that requires a suitable tool. To haul them successfully, a regular hitch is not going to help. What you need is a reliable and superior tool to move such heavyweights – in this scenario, a 5th wheel hitch.
Picking the right 5th wheel hitch can be quite challenging as there are numerous hitch models out there to choose from, especially for a short bed. But once you’re able to find one, you will benefit from several advantages, unlike bumper pull trailers.
This article will serve as a guide to help you familiarize yourself with all the nitty-gritty when determining the right hitch for your short bed and trailer. Have a look at these 5 best fifth wheel hitches for short bed trucks and see which one is best suited for you.
Top 5 Reviews
Image | Product | Towing Capacity | Ratings | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Andersen 3220 | GTWR: 24,000 lbs VTWR: 4,500 lbs |
4.5/5 | Price | |
B&W Trailer Hitches RVK3400 | GTWR: 20,000 lbs VTWR: 5,000 lbs |
4.7/5 | Price | |
PullRite Pulliam Enterprises 4100 | GTWR: 16,000 lbs VTWR: 4,000 lbs |
4.7/5 | Price | |
CURT 16516 E16 | GTWR: 16,000 lbs VTWR: 4,000 lbs |
4.3/5 | Price | |
Pro Series 30128 | GTWR: 15,000 lbs VTWR: 3,750 lbs |
4.0/5 | Price |
1. Anderson 3320
The Anderson 3320 is an incredible aluminum hitch from Anderson Hitches, a manufacturer that is best known for producing top-grade fifth wheel hitches.
As far as its design and construction are concerned, it is peerless. One of the most appealing things about this product is the fact that it is lightweight, weighing just 35 lbs. That is quite light in comparison to other models. This makes the whole process of installing, removing, and attaching much easier.
Aside from its lightweight build, it is designed to fit all standard varieties of gooseneck hitches. Plus, it is quite easy to install. Many customers claim that it takes less than 5 minutes to install the device. But that is not to say it is without flaws. The installation process can sometimes be inconvenient as you need a torque wrench for latching. This isn’t much of an issue since it takes just five minutes overall.
With the Anderson 3320, you can enjoy a quiet and smooth ride with no chatter and buck whatsoever.
You can fit your trailer to perfection with the three height adjustments: 16-3/4″ at the lowest position, 17-7/8″ at the middle position, and 19-1/8″ at the highest position. Additionally, it has a patented remote unlatch/latch cable that enables you to attach the pin box directly. Finally, it has a maximum weight capacity of 2,400 lbs and 4,500 pounds of tongue weight.
The funnel coupler in this hitch is grease-free, meaning no more messy and dirty hands. And because the coupler is housed on a ball, you can swivel the hitch in several directions and making it easy to latch.
- Lightweight(just 35 lbs)
- Easy installation process
- Simple and robust construction
- Adjustable height
- Requires a torque wrench for latching during installation
2. B&W Trailer RVK3400
Another excellent fifth wheel hitch is the RVK3400 by B&W Trailer Hitches. This tool has been designed for some of the market’s highest standards. It helps in eliminating the risk and fuzziness of towing large trailers. It is quite sturdy and durable because it is built with top-grade, powder-coated steel and its jaws are built using cast iron, thereby withstanding constant harsh weather. If you tend to traverse off-road, this hitch might just be the one that you are looking for.
Unlike other standard fifth wheel hitches, you do not need rails and bolts for installing it. Attaching and removing the hitch is pretty easy. When you are planning to tow, all you have to do is put it in. If you need your truck bed for another usage, you can remove the hitch entirely in just a matter of minutes. However, you may have to purchase a mounting bracket separately.
The RVK3400 features a 12-inch slide that will not only enable you to enjoy a smooth ride but will also offer enough room for maneuvering your trailer, especially if your car is a short bed truck. Additionally, you get three vertical adjustments: 19”, 18”, and 17” along with a cam action fastening handle with which you can easily release the hitch, even when you park your truck on uneven terrains.
The mounting system that the RVK3400 utilizes is its Turnoverball under-bed, which allows for efficient usage of the flat-bed once you remove the hitch. Because it features polyurethane bushings, you will be able to enjoy a rattle-free & quiet towing experience.
As far as its performance is concerned, the RVK3400 offers everything you get from a quality fifth wheel hitch. It has a maximum GTW of 20,000 lbs and VTW of 5,000 lbs. Sadly, it is a little more on the expensive side.
- Easy installation
- Sturdy and durable
- Smooth and noise-free towing experience with its polyurethane bushings
- Quite expensive
3. PullRite Pulliam Enterprises 4100 Superglide 16K 5Th Hitch
This is a product from one of the biggest industry leaders known for producing top-notch 5th wheel hitches. One of the key features of the 16k Superglide 4100 is that it allows you to detach the hitch when not in use without any tools. It offers a unique mounting system that allows you to slightly swivel the mounting posts, which enable you to lift the hitch out and leaves a neat truck bed.
Performance-wise, it offers everything you can get from the company’s higher-end Superglide hitch line at a much lower price. The 4100 Superglide hitch features a weight rating that is designed explicitly for towing lighter trailers. It has a maximum trailer weight capacity of 16,000 lbs and a vertical weight capacity of 4,000 lbs.
The hitch can move up to 14” while you are making a turn, which is 50% farther than what manually adjusted sliders do. Plus, it works automatically whenever you make short turns while driving.
The PullRite 16k Superglide features a dual pivot head along with a unique rotary bar that fastens by itself when you connect it to your trailer. With its gear-driven lock design, inch bumps are minimal when towing. This allows a 0.030” clearance between the kingpin and the latch.
The hitch also features a powder coating, making it more durable and sturdy. The PullRite 16k Superglide, however, does not include a capture plate. You will have to buy separate capture plates for every 5th wheel that you plan on hauling.
If you need a short-bed 5th hitch, then this is an extremely appropriate one that will serve your needs well.
- It is quite affordable
- Features a dual pivot head
- Comes with a unique latch that fastens automatically when you connect it to your trailer
- Great latch design that helps in reducing bumps when towing
- Sturdy and durable due to its powder coating
- Does not include a capture plate
- Does not have a mounting & rail kit
4. CURT 16516 E16
The CURT 16516 is an excellent sliding unit, meaning it is specifically designed for short truck beds (< 8 ft). Generally, sliding units tend to use hollow rails that reduce the strength of the hitch. However, this particular hitch is quite different from the standard sliding units in the sense that it distributes the weight evenly. As such, it prevents the hitch to bend even under pressure. It features a weight rating with a GTW of 16,000 lbs and a GVWR of 4,000 lbs.
The dual-axis head will enable you to pivot the hitch sideways up to 10 degrees at least, thereby ensuring a smooth and stable towing experience. The CURT 16516 also has an automatic locking system, which ensures that your hitch is securely and safely connected. The trailer movement is also well-regulated even when driving through sharp curves.
Besides, it comes with a specialized anti-rattle plate so that it does not make any noise, even when you are traversing through uneven terrains. Who doesn’t love a quiet and smooth ride right?
You will love the excellent assembly that is compatible with any industry-standard brackets & base rails for easier installation and mounting. It has an adjustable height (14″ – 17″), which enables you to accommodate various types of truck beds. And it also can travel 12 inches horizontally from the front to the back of the truck bed.
This is quite an affordable product and does a pretty solid job for its price. However, there were some complaints made by previous customers regarding the hitch being heavy and slightly tricky to install.
- Very affordable
- The automatic locking mechanism ensures a safe and stable mount
- Compatible with all industry-standard mounting rails
- Has a sturdy and robust design
- Its dual-pivot head offers a smooth and stable towing experience
- Heavy in comparison to other hitches in the list
- Installation can be tricky
5. Pro Series 30128
The Pro Series 30128 is another incredibly brilliant hitch and you can expect nothing less in terms of performance, stability, and flexibility. And the best part of it is that you get to own it at an affordable price. It is probably the cheapest product on this list.
The hitch features a weight rating that is designed specifically for towing trailers with short truck beds. It has a max trailer weight capacity of 15,000 lbs and a vertical weight capacity of 3,750 lbs.
If you get this product, you no longer have to go through the process of manually attaching the hitch to your trailer. This is because of its rounded slide latch mechanism which allows automatic latching by using its cushion grip haft.
Navigating through uneven and rough terrains is a smooth experience with the Pro Series as it has a four-way pivot head. It makes it easier for you to hook up even on tricky surfaces. Additionally, it features an adjustable height that makes the whole installation process simple. You can adjust it vertically between 13” to 17”, which allows you to find the right fit for your truck. It also enables you to latch different trailers to the vehicle. Aside from that, you also get a parts kit.
However, you must be extra careful and precise while installing it. Even a slightly odd angle will cause it to bind and you will struggle to release it. Also, the hitch is not ideal for all trucks so check with the seller beforehand to avoid buying the wrong item.
- It is quite affordable
- Comes with a parts kit
- Four-way pivot head makes it easy to hook up
- The latches bind automatically
- 10 year limited warranty
- Slightly smaller
- The product comes dented in some instances
What to Consider before Buying a 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for a Short Bed Truck?
As mentioned earlier, picking the right fifth-wheel trailer hitch can seem like quite a challenge. However, keeping a few tips in mind will ease up the whole buying process. Here are a few points worth considering when looking for the right one for your short bed.
1. The Length of Your Truck Bed
Is it short or long? The length of your truck bed will help in determining the mounting platform type you will require for your fifth wheel hitch, i.e., rollers or legs.
Basically, you have the long bed type, which is 8 feet long and the short bed platform, which is 6.5 feet long.
If it is a short bed, you will need a sliding hitch. Whereas for long bed types, the standard option will do which is the 5th wheel legs.
2. The Puck System
This is another factor that might help you in picking a hitch that fits your trailer perfectly. Pucks are attachments in your truck’s bed, indicating that it features an under-bed hitch prep package. Also, the mounting rails are present in the truck’s bed.
3. Types of Fifth Wheel Hitch
There are two popular variants of 5th wheel hitches – fixed and sliding.
A fixed style hitch stays put in one place and will not move. Its operation is simple, robust, and is ideal for long bed trucks. Also, the price is much cheaper in comparison with other styles. However, if you possess a short bed, you will have to use an extension. The small space between the cap and the trailer might impact the tight turns, so you need to be careful.
On the contrary, if you own a short truck bed that is less than 8 feet, a sliding style hitch is an ideal choice. Such type of hitch helps prevent the trailer from knocking your truck when you are making sharp turns.
Most sliding hitches need manual adjustments, which is quite a hassle as you will have to get out of the vehicle every now and then to adjust your trailer depending on the trail you are taking.
You also have the option of getting a model that comes with an automated resetting feature. Going for such variants will be a great investment as you will get a more convenient and comfortable towing experience.
4. Weight Capacity
This is another essential factor you will have to consider before making your final choice. If you end up getting the wrong hitch, it will be quite dangerous and difficult to drive around.
You need to make sure that the hitch will be able to withstand the overall weight of your trailer. Also, it helps to buy a hitch that offers a greater load capacity as it can help in saving some money in the future should you need to get one with a higher weight capacity.
5. Features
5th wheel hitches have varying designs and features. Some can be latched to the rear bumper of your truck while others are compatible with industry-standard rails and that is what you need. This is because it enables you to transport heavy loads with ease.
6. Price
You need to remember that getting the most expensive hitch on the market will not guarantee that it is top quality and ideal for you. You have to make sure that the hitch you plan on buying correlates with its price. Also, since 5th wheel hitches are generally pricey, it is in your best to pick one that offers the features that you will actually need.
7. Easy Installation
This is an important factor in determining whether you should get the product or not. First, you need to check whether your hitch and trailer are compatible if you want an easy installation.
Look for one that allows you to install the hitch without any help. Also, remember to check the parts & accessories you get in the installation kit. Make sure the package includes all the items you need to avoid buying individual parts separately.
Finally, you should also be able to latch and unlatch the hitch as per the given specifications.
Conclusion
One thing is clear and that is 5th wheel hitches are equally important as the trailers. And the best hitch is one that ticks every single box in terms of stability, price, and performance.
When it comes to choosing the one that suits your short truck beds, there are various factors that play an important part and keeping some of these points in mind will help considerably in making an optimum decision.
If you wish to have a smooth and convenient experience while traversing with a heavy recreational vehicle, you will have to get one that is well-built and most durable. Although they are available at varying prices, you can find fairly inexpensive ones.
The products mentioned in this article are all excellent products with great functionality and are worth the investment. Make sure that you examine all of these choices and see which one fits your needs and requirements.