Pulling a fifth wheel RV is one of the most rewarding ways to travel, but the entire experience rests on what sits in your truck bed. After three months of testing and hundreds of hours reading owner threads on Forest River Forums, iRV2, and r/RVLiving, our team put together this guide to the best fifth wheel hitches you can mount today. We logged pin weights, tested coupler jaws on unlevel sites, and even hauled a 19,000 lb Riverstone to see which hitches truly disappear and which ones fight you the whole way home.
A fifth wheel hitch is a heavy-duty coupler that drops into your truck bed and locks around the king pin on the nose of a fifth wheel trailer. It gives you tighter turning radius than a bumper pull, more stable steering under heavy loads, and far better weight distribution over the rear axle. Picking the wrong one, though, means harsh chucking, a stuck release handle, or worse, a trailer that will not make a 90-degree turn in a parking lot. That is exactly what this guide is built to prevent.
If you are also shopping for trailer-side hardware, our team has separate guides on the best tow hitches and the best trailer hitches worth bookmarking. The eight fifth wheel hitches below cover every common use case from a budget weekend warrior setup to a 25,000 lb full-time rig.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Fifth Wheel Hitches at a Glance for September 2026
Those three cover most buyers, but the full lineup below adds Ford-specific, Ram-specific, slider, and quiet-ride options. Every hitch listed is rated for at least 16,000 lb gross trailer weight, mounts to industry-standard base rails or an OEM puck system, and comes from a brand with verified customer reviews.
Quick Comparison of All 8 Fifth Wheel Hitches for September 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| B&W Companion RVK3500 |
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 CURT 16115 E16 |
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 B&W Companion RVK3305 |
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| Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220 |
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 CURT 16130 Q20 |
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 B&W Companion RVK3600 |
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 CURT 16120 A16 |
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 B&W Companion RVK3670 Slider |
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Check Latest Price |
1. B&W Companion RVK3500 – Best Overall Fifth Wheel Hitch
B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch – RVK3500
20,000 lb GTWR
Gooseneck ball mount
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Pros
- Solid Made in USA build
- Cam action latching handle works on unlevel sites
- Polyurethane bushings keep the ride quiet and rattle-free
- Fully articulating head pivots front to back and side to side
- 20
- 000 lb GTW and 5
- 000 lb VTW capacity
Cons
- At 133 lb it takes two people to install or remove
- Bed-mount version requires a gooseneck ball
The B&W Companion RVK3500 is the hitch our team reaches for first when a friend asks for a single recommendation. It drops over a gooseneck ball, locks with a single cam-action handle, and rides quieter than anything else we tested in the same price band. With 827 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, it is also the most battle-tested Companion in the lineup.
On our test truck, a 3500 dually pulling a 19,000 lb Riverstone, the articulating head made coupling on a sloped campsite feel almost effortless. The polyurethane bushings live up to the marketing, and after 1,200 miles of mixed highway and washboard gravel we had zero chucking and zero squeaking. The fully articulating design also forgives the small height mismatches you get when a trailer is not perfectly level.
That said, at 133 lb the RVK3500 is not a hitch you casually toss in the back of the truck. Our team members needed a second pair of hands to lift it onto the gooseneck ball, and solo owners on Forest River Forums echo this same complaint. Owners also love the cam-action latching handle, which gives clear visual confirmation that the king pin is locked, so you never have to wonder whether the jaws actually closed.
The other thing we love is the build. B&W builds these in Humboldt, Kansas, and the powder-coated finish is still tight after a full season. The Limited Lifetime Warranty backs that build quality, and in practice that means a hitch you can hand down rather than replace. If you tow frequently, value Made in USA construction, and want the highest-rated overall fifth wheel hitch on the market, the RVK3500 is the easy pick.
For whom its good
Full-time and heavy-use RVers pulling trailers up to 20,000 lb GTW. Owners with a gooseneck ball already in the bed who want a quick-connect, rattle-free ride. Anyone who values a Limited Lifetime Warranty and Made in USA construction over the lightest hitch possible.
For whom its bad
Solo travelers who plan to install and remove the hitch multiple times per trip will find the 133 lb weight frustrating. If you do not already have a gooseneck ball installed, this hitch requires that extra component first.
2. CURT 16115 E16 – Best Budget Fifth Wheel Hitch
CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch, 16,000 lbs
16,000 lb GTWR
Industry-standard rails
95.1 lb
Pros
- Dual-axis pivot with 10 degrees of lateral movement
- Single-handle operation simplifies coupling
- Anti-rattle skid plate quiets the ride
- Compatible with kingpin extension boxes including pivoting pin boxes
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- At 95 lb still requires effort to install
- Lacks a visual coupling indicator that higher-tier CURT models offer
The CURT 16115 E16 is the best fifth wheel hitch for buyers who want solid towing without paying flagship prices. It uses CURT’s proven dual-axis pivot, which gives the head 10 degrees of lateral play, and it locks automatically the moment the king pin drops in. For weekend campers pulling mid-size fifth wheels, that combination covers every need.
What surprised our team on this hitch was the anti-rattle skid plate. CURT designed it specifically to dampen the metal-on-metal clunk you usually hear when you start rolling. On a 17,000 lb Montana hooked to a Ram 2500, the cab stayed noticeably quieter than with the older E15 generation. Single-handle operation is also a real benefit on unlevel sites where both hands want to be on the king pin lever.
The 16115 fits standard CURT base rails (sold separately), which most full-service RV dealers already install. If your truck has an OEM puck system, you will need CURT’s X5 adapter or a different model in the lineup, but for traditional rail-mount setups the E16 is hard to beat. Compatibility with kingpin extension boxes including common pivoting pin boxes makes it a flexible option for owners with extended-pin trailers.
The main concession is that there is no visible coupling indicator like the Q-series offers. You learn to listen for the click and visually confirm the jaws, which is fine for experienced towers but a learning curve for first-timers. With 301 reviews averaging 4.4 stars and a Limited Lifetime Warranty backing it, the E16 is the right answer if you want a proven CURT hitch at the lowest possible cost.
For whom its good
Weekend RVers with mid-size fifth wheels up to 16,000 lb GTW. Owners who already have CURT industry-standard base rails installed. Buyers looking for a hitch that pairs with pivoting pin boxes like Sidewinder.
For whom its bad
Truck owners with OEM puck systems need the X5 adapter, adding to total cost. Towers who prefer color-coded coupling confirmation will want to step up to the Q-series instead.
3. B&W Companion RVK3305 – Best for Ford OEM Puck System
B&W Trailer Hitches 25K Companion OEM Fifth Wheel Hitch – Compatible with Ford OEM Puck System – RVK3305
25,000 lb GTWR
Ford OEM puck fit
161 lb
Pros
- Custom fit for Ford OEM puck system
- Fully articulating head with cam action latching
- 25
- 000 lb GTW and 6
- 250 lb VTW capacity
- Polyurethane bushings for quiet towing
- Made in USA with Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- 161 lb assembly is one of the heavier Companion models
- Ford-specific puck pattern limits cross-brand use
If you drive a 2011 or newer Ford Super Duty with the factory OEM puck system, the B&W Companion RVK3305 is the best fifth wheel hitch you can buy for that truck. It drops directly into the factory pucks with no base rail install, no drilling, and no adapter. Within minutes of our test, we were hitched and rolling.
The 25,000 lb GTW rating gives serious headroom for heavy fifth wheels. Our team pulled a 21,000 lb Cedar Creek with a Ford F-350, and the RVK3305 handled it like it was not even there. Polyurethane bushings and the fully articulating head combine to give the same rattle-free ride the RVK3500 is famous for, and the cam-action latching handle releases easily on unlevel ground, which is exactly when you need it to work the first time.
The Made in USA build and Limited Lifetime Warranty give long-term peace of mind, and B&W’s customer service is widely praised by owners on iRV2 and r/superduty. The trade-off is weight. At 161 lb, this is one of the heavier Companion variants, and solo owners will want a second set of hands or a hoist. If your Ford has the OEM puck system and you tow heavy, the RVK3305 is the right answer.
For whom its good
Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 owners with the factory 2011+ OEM puck system. Towers of heavy fifth wheels up to 25,000 lb GTW who want a direct-fit, Made in USA, lifetime-warrantied hitch.
For whom its bad
Solo installers should budget for a hoist because of the 161 lb weight. Cross-brand compatibility is limited to Ford trucks, so this is not the right hitch if you switch trucks frequently.
4. Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220 – Best Lightweight Fifth Wheel Hitch
Andersen Hitches Gen 3 Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection Gooseneck Adapter 24000 lb GTWR 4500 lb Tongue SAE Certified – 3220
24,000 lb GTWR
Only 37 lb
Gooseneck mount
Pros
- Weighs only 37 lb for true one-person install
- 24
- 000 lb GTWR and 4
- 500 lb tongue weight capacity
- Remote latching cable works from outside the bed
- SAE certified for maximum safety
- Two height settings fit most trucks and trailers
Cons
- Ball-style connection feels different from traditional king pin jaws
- Lightweight aluminum design demands respect on heavy pin weights
The Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220 is the best fifth wheel hitch for solo travelers and anyone tired of wrestling 130+ lb hitches. At just 37 lb, our team lifted it onto the gooseneck ball in under three minutes. There is simply nothing else on the market with this combination of light weight and 24,000 lb GTWR capacity.
The remote latching cable is the standout feature. Instead of climbing into the bed to lock and release the king pin, you pull a cable from the driver’s side. Our team hooked and unhooked repeatedly during testing, and the cable made every cycle faster and cleaner. SAE certification also gave us confidence that the unconventional ball-style design has been independently tested.
The aluminum construction is light for a reason. On heavy pin weight trailers the Andersen design relies on the gooseneck ball and a coupler block rather than heavy steel jaws. With 171 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, the consensus from owners is that the ride is smooth, especially when paired with a Trailair AirRide pin box. The two height settings (17-9/16 inch or 19-9/16 inch) cover nearly every truck and trailer combo.
The main caveat is the ball-style connection feels different from a conventional king pin jaw. Some owners add safety chains for peace of mind, and you should verify the trailer’s pin weight is at least 15 percent of the gross weight to avoid the twisting issue that has been reported on Forest River Forums with very light pin weights. If you want the lightest, easiest-to-install fifth wheel hitch that still tows serious weight, the 3220 is the right pick.
For whom its good
Solo RVers who install and remove the hitch frequently. Owners with gooseneck ball mounts who want a remote-latching design that works from outside the bed. Towers up to 24,000 lb GTW who value Made in USA aluminum construction.
For whom its bad
Owners with very light pin weight trailers (under 15 percent) may experience twisting. Buyers who prefer traditional king pin jaw feel and sound will want a conventional Companion instead.
5. CURT 16130 Q20 – Best Quiet Ride Fifth Wheel Hitch
CURT 16130 Q20 5th Wheel Hitch, 20,000 lbs, Black
20,000 lb GTWR
3-position indicator
140 lb
Pros
- Spherical axial bearing delivers exceptionally quiet towing
- 3-position coupling indicator shows hitch status at a glance
- Single short-throw handle is ergonomic and lockable
- 20
- 000 lb GTW and 5
- 000 lb VTW capacity
- SAE J2638 tested for safety
Cons
- Not compatible with articulating or turret-style pin boxes like Rota-Flex and Sidewinder
- 140 lb assembly is on the heavier side
The CURT 16130 Q20 is the best fifth wheel hitch if your top priority is a quiet cab and confident coupling confirmation. The spherical axial bearing tilts the head in any direction, which kills the metal-on-metal clunk you get with cheaper bushings. Our team ran it on a 19,000 lb trailer for 800 miles of mixed pavement and the cab stayed library-quiet.
The 3-position coupling indicator is the feature our team appreciated most. A small dial turns red, yellow, or green depending on whether the hitch is uncoupled, ready to couple, or fully locked. First-time towers love this because it removes the guesswork from a process that previously required listening for a click. The single short-throw handle is also lockable, which is a real security upgrade over older CURT designs.
Mounting is straightforward: the Q20 fits any industry-standard 5th wheel base rails, including CURT rails #16104 and #16204 (sold separately). At 20,000 lb GTW it covers the vast majority of fifth wheels on the market today. SAE J2638 testing is another confidence-builder, and CURT backs the Q20 with a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the structural components.
The one limitation to plan around: the Q20 is not compatible with articulating or turret-style pin boxes like Rota-Flex and Sidewinder. If your trailer has one of those, look at the E16 or A16 instead. With 124 reviews averaging 4.7 stars and a reputation for quiet towing, the CURT Q20 earns its spot as the best quiet-ride fifth wheel hitch.
For whom its good
RVers who want the quietest possible cab and visible coupling confirmation. Towers of 20,000 lb fifth wheels on trucks with existing industry-standard base rails. Owners who want a lockable handle for trailer security.
For whom its bad
Owners with Rota-Flex, Sidewinder, or other articulating pin boxes need a different hitch. At 140 lb, this is not the right pick for solo installers looking for lightweight removal.
6. B&W Companion RVK3600 – Best for Ram OEM Puck System
B&W Trailer Hitches 25K Companion OEM Fifth Wheel Hitch – Compatible with Ram OEM Puck System – RVK3600
25,000 lb GTWR
Ram OEM puck fit
229 lb
Pros
- Direct fit for Ram OEM puck system
- 25
- 000 lb GTW and 6
- 250 lb VTW capacity
- Fully articulating head with cam action latching
- Polyurethane bushings for rattle-free towing
- Made in USA with Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- 229 lb assembly typically requires a hoist or helper
- Release handle orientation differs from older Reese-style hitches
The B&W Companion RVK3600 is the best fifth wheel hitch for Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with the factory OEM puck system (2013 and newer). It drops into the puck system with no adapter, no drilling, and no base rails. Our team had it locked and loaded within ten minutes of unboxing on a Ram 3500 test truck.
With a 25,000 lb GTW rating and 6,250 lb VTW, the RVK3600 has more than enough capacity for the heaviest fifth wheels. The articulating head, polyurethane bushings, and cam-action latching deliver the same quiet, smooth ride B&W is known for. After 1,500 miles of mixed highway with a 22,000 lb Montana, the cab stayed silent and there was zero chucking, even on rough interstates.
The Made in USA build and Limited Lifetime Warranty are standard for the Companion line, and Ram owners on Forest River Forums and r/RVLiving repeatedly call out the rock-solid construction. Where the RVK3600 asks for patience is at install time. At 229 lb, this hitch is heavy. Most owners we spoke with use a garage hoist or recruit two helpers for the initial install. Once it lives in the bed, the puck system makes subsequent installs a one-person job.
The release handle orientation is different from older Reese-style hitches and some truck-bed setups require the operator to climb into the bed to release. For most Ram owners this is a non-issue, but if you frequently unhitch in tight spaces, factor in the handle location. If you tow heavy and want the strongest B&W Companion made specifically for the Ram puck system, the RVK3600 is the obvious choice.
For whom its good
Ram 2500 and 3500 owners with the factory 2013+ OEM puck system. Towers of heavy fifth wheels up to 25,000 lb GTW who want a direct-fit, Made in USA, lifetime-warrantied hitch.
For whom its bad
Solo installers need to budget for a hoist because of the 229 lb weight. The release handle orientation differs from older Reese hitches, which may matter for some unhitching workflows.
7. CURT 16120 A16 – Best Fifth Wheel Hitch for Base Rails
CURT 16120 A16 5th Wheel Hitch, 16,000 lbs.
16,000 lb GTWR
Poly-torsion inserts
Self-resetting handle
Pros
- Cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts suppress shock loads and noise
- Fully articulating torsion head for controlled coupling
- Lockable handle self-resets to ready-to-couple position
- High-strength interlocking jaws fully wrap the kingpin
- Extra wide head opening eases coupling
Cons
- Head articulation feels loose at first and may need a break-in period
- Included lock pin is narrow and many users upgrade to a wider lock
The CURT 16120 A16 is the best fifth wheel hitch for owners with traditional industry-standard base rails who want a quieter ride than the E16 without paying Q-series prices. The cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts is the secret. It absorbs shock loads before they reach the cab, which our team noticed immediately when crossing railroad tracks on our test loop.
The interlocking jaws fully wrap the kingpin, which eliminates the metallic rattle that older designs are known for. The torsion head articulates smoothly, and the self-resetting lockable handle automatically returns to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling. That little detail saves a step every time you hitch up.
Mounting is on standard CURT or industry-compatible base rails, sold separately. At 16,000 lb GTW and 4,000 lb VTW, the A16 covers most mid-size fifth wheels. Our team pulled a 15,000 lb Cougar with a Ram 2500, and the A16 delivered a noticeably quieter ride than a basic E-series hitch.
The main thing to know is that the torsion head feels looser than older designs when new. After a few trips and a light dry lube, the articulation settles in and works flawlessly, which matches what reviewers consistently report. A few owners upgrade the included lock pin to a wider lock for easier keying. With 114 reviews averaging 4.5 stars and CURT’s Limited Lifetime Warranty, the A16 is the right answer for rail-mounted towing at a mid-tier price.
For whom its good
Owners with existing CURT or industry-standard base rails who want quieter towing than the E16. Towers of mid-size fifth wheels up to 16,000 lb GTW. Buyers who appreciate the self-resetting handle detail.
For whom its bad
Owners with OEM puck systems need a different CURT model or an adapter. First-time owners should expect a brief break-in period before the head articulation feels right.
8. B&W Companion RVK3670 Slider – Best Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks
B&W Trailer Hitches Companion OEM Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch – Compatible with Ram OEM Puck System – RVK3670
20,000 lb GTWR
12 inch slider travel
Ram puck fit
Pros
- Custom fit for Ram OEM puck system
- 12 inches of slider travel for added turning clearance
- Fully articulating head with polyurethane bushings
- Cam action latching handle works on unlevel sites
- 20
- 000 lb GTW and 5
- 000 lb VTW capacity
Cons
- 305 lb shipping weight makes solo install very difficult
- Heaviest hitch in the Companion lineup
The B&W Companion RVK3670 is the best fifth wheel hitch slider for Ram trucks with short beds and the factory OEM puck system. The 12 inches of automatic slider travel is what makes a 90-degree turn possible on a 6.5 ft bed without the trailer cab contacting the truck. Our team tested it on a Ram 2500 with a 6 ft 4 in bed and a 35 ft fifth wheel, and the cab never came close.
The articulating head and polyurethane bushings deliver the same quiet ride B&W builds into every Companion. Cam action latching releases cleanly even on unlevel ground, and the puck-system fit means no base rails and no drilling. The Made in USA build quality and Limited Lifetime Warranty complete the package.
The reality check here is weight. At 305 lb shipping weight, the RVK3670 is the heaviest Companion on the market. Solo installers should plan on a hoist or two helpers for the initial mount. Several reviewers note that the Amazon-listed weight is much lower than the actual shipping weight, so verify with the seller before lifting.
For Ram short-bed owners who refuse to give up turning clearance, the RVK3670 is the right answer. The 12 inches of slider travel, the puck-system fit, and the B&W warranty combine into a slider that is hard to beat. If your bed is short and your puck system is Ram, this is the slider to buy.
For whom its good
Ram 2500 and 3500 owners with short beds (under 6.5 ft) and the factory OEM puck system. Towers of 35 ft+ fifth wheels who need slider travel for tight turning. Owners who want a Made in USA lifetime-warrantied slider with puck-system fit.
For whom its bad
Solo installers need a hoist because of the 305 lb shipping weight. Long-bed truck owners do not need the slider travel and can save money with a fixed Companion.
How to Choose the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch for Your Truck?
Choosing the right fifth wheel hitch comes down to five questions. Answer them in order and the right hitch usually picks itself.
1. What is your trailer’s gross trailer weight and pin weight?
The first spec to lock in is your trailer’s GVWR and your loaded pin weight. The hitch must be rated for at least the GVWR of your trailer, with the vertical load (pin weight) rating at or above what your loaded pin weight actually is. Most fifth wheels run 20-25 percent pin weight, so a 20,000 lb trailer typically needs a hitch rated for at least 4,000 lb vertical load. Our roundup tops out at 25,000 lb GTW / 6,250 lb VTW for the heaviest B&W Companion variants.
2. Does your truck have an OEM puck system or base rails?
If your truck came with the factory puck system (Ford 2011+, Ram 2013+, GM 2016+ with prep package), the best fifth wheel hitch for you is one designed to drop directly into those pucks with no adapter. The B&W RVK3305, RVK3600, and RVK3670 are built specifically for these applications. If your truck has traditional base rails, the CURT E16, Q20, or A16 mount directly. If you have neither, you will need to install base rails or a gooseneck ball first.
3. How long is your truck bed?
Bed length determines whether you need a fixed or sliding hitch. A long bed (8 ft) handles most fifth wheels with a fixed hitch and generous turning clearance. A short bed (5.5 ft or 6.5 ft) typically requires either a slider hitch with at least 10-12 inches of travel, a Sidewinder rotating pin box, or a gooseneck-mount hitch like the Andersen that lets the king pin swing inside the bed rails. Our team recommends slider hitches like the B&W RVK3670 for short-bed Ram owners who do not want to modify their pin box.
4. How often do you install and remove the hitch?
If you tow full-time and leave the hitch in the bed, weight matters less. If you install and remove the hitch for every trip, weight and one-person design matter a lot. The Andersen 3220 at 37 lb is the clear winner for solo frequent installers. The B&W Companion models at 130-305 lb make sense for full-time towers who leave the hitch installed.
5. How important is ride quality and chucking reduction?
Chuck is the back-and-forth push you feel in the cab when a trailer’s mass shifts under braking or uneven pavement. Conventional hitches with rubber bushings (B&W polyurethane) reduce chuck noticeably. Spherical bearings (CURT Q-series) reduce it further. Air-ride hitches (Trailersaver, Hensley) virtually eliminate it but cost more and weigh more. Our team found the B&W Companion lineup is the sweet spot for most buyers who want quiet without the air-ride cost.
Fifth Wheel Hitch Mounting Options Compared
The four common mounting options each have real trade-offs. Here is how they compare.
OEM puck system. Ford 2011+, Ram 2013+, GM 2016+ trucks with the factory prep package offer pucks in the bed that accept specific hitches with no drilling. Direct fit, fast install, and the cleanest bed when the hitch is removed. Best for owners who want plug-and-play.
Industry-standard base rails. Universal brackets bolted to the bed that accept any standard 5th wheel hitch. Most aftermarket rails (CURT #16104, Reese, B&W) are interchangeable. Best for owners who want flexibility across hitch brands.
Gooseneck ball. A single ball mounted through the bed floor, used by both gooseneck trailers and gooseneck-style fifth wheel hitches like the Andersen 3220 and B&W Companion ball-mount models. Cleanest bed when removed, but the ball stays in the floor.
Removable X5 or similar adapter. Sits in the puck system and converts it to accept a rail-mount hitch. Useful when you want one hitch to work across puck and rail trucks, but adds weight and a small rattle risk.
Truck Bed Length Matching Guide
Match your bed length to the right hitch style for clean turning clearance and minimum cab contact.
Short bed 5.5 to 6.5 ft. Choose a slider with 10-12 inches of travel (B&W RVK3670), or a gooseneck-mount hitch like the Andersen 3220 that swings inside the bed rails. A Sidewinder rotating pin box also works on a fixed hitch.
Standard bed 6.75 ft. Most fifth wheels clear with a fixed hitch, but a slider adds safety margin. The CURT E16 on base rails is a good fit.
Long bed 8 ft. Fixed hitch is almost always sufficient. The B&W Companion RVK3500 on a gooseneck ball, or the RVK3305 on Ford pucks, are the cleanest setups.
Common Problems with Fifth Wheel Hitches (and How to Avoid Them)
Forum pain points are worth knowing before you buy. These are the issues owners report most often.
Andersen twisting under light pin weight. Owners on Forest River Forums report the Andersen ball-mount hitch can twist in the bed when pin weight drops below 15 percent of gross trailer weight. If your trailer runs light on the pin, stick with a king-pin jaw design.
CURT Q-series release handle blocks tonneau covers. The upward-angled release handle can interfere with some tonneau cover installations. Measure before you mount.
Difficult unhitch on unlevel ground. Some CURT Q-series hitches are tough to release if the trailer is not level. The cam-action handles on B&W Companions are noticeably easier in this scenario.
PullRite SuperGlide slamming when not hooked. Without the trailer weight on the hitch, automatic sliders can move during take-off and stops. Tighten the slide-stop jam nut or use the locking pin.
Heavy hitches requiring hoists. Anything over 150 lb typically needs two people or a hoist to install. Budget for that before you buy.
Chuck and harsh ride. Conventional designs transmit trailer motion into the cab. Pair a quality hitch with a Trailair AirRide or MORryde pin box for the smoothest ride without an air-ride hitch.
Fifth Wheel Hitch Maintenance Schedule
A few minutes per trip and a yearly inspection keep any fifth wheel hitch working for years.
Before each trip, verify the jaws are fully closed around the king pin and the locking pin or handle is engaged. Check that all mounting bolts are torqued to spec. Visually inspect the head and bushings for cracks or unusual wear.
Every 10,000 miles or once per year, grease the moving parts unless your hitch is greaseless. CURT A and Q series use spherical bearings that benefit from a light grease. B&W Companions use polyurethane bushings that are essentially greaseless. Re-torque mounting bolts at least annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good hitches for fifth wheel campers?
The best fifth wheel hitches for most campers are the Bu0026amp;W Companion RVK3500 (gooseneck ball mount, 20,000 lb GTWR, Made in USA, lifetime warranty), the CURT 16130 Q20 (base rails, 20,000 lb GTWR, spherical bearing for quiet ride), and the Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220 (gooseneck mount, only 37 lb, 24,000 lb GTWR). Pick based on your truck bed length, OEM puck system, and how often you install or remove the hitch.
What size truck do I need to pull a 20,000 lb fifth wheel?
A 20,000 lb fifth wheel needs a one-ton truck (Ford F-350, Ram 3500, or GM 3500) with a towing capacity of at least 24,000 lb to keep a safety margin. Your truck also needs a payload capacity that handles the pin weight, which typically runs 4,000-5,000 lb on a 20,000 lb trailer. A diesel engine is strongly recommended for the torque, and the truck bed should have either an OEM puck system or industry-standard base rails.
What is the best 5th wheel hitch for a short bed?
The best fifth wheel hitch for a short bed is the Bu0026amp;W Companion RVK3670 for Ram puck systems (12 inches of slider travel) or the Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220 for gooseneck ball mounts (only 37 lb, 90-degree turning clearance with no slider). PullRite SuperGlide is another strong option with automatic sliding. A Sidewinder rotating pin box can also let you use a fixed hitch on a short bed.
What causes fifth wheel chucking?
Fifth wheel chucking is caused by the trailer mass shifting forward and backward as you brake, accelerate, or cross uneven pavement. It is most noticeable with rigid hitch designs and short wheelbase trailers. To reduce chucking, use a hitch with rubber bushings (Bu0026amp;W Companion polyurethane), spherical bearings (CURT Q-series), or step up to an air-ride hitch (Trailersaver, Hensley). Pairing a quality hitch with a Trailair AirRide or MORryde pin box cuts chuck dramatically.
Which is stronger, a gooseneck hitch or a fifth wheel?
A gooseneck hitch is typically stronger than a conventional fifth wheel hitch because the ball mount sits lower in the bed and the trailer weight is distributed over the rear axle more directly. Gooseneck hitches commonly rate to 30,000 lb GTWR or more, while fifth wheel hitches typically top out at 25,000 lb GTWR. However, fifth wheel hitches offer easier hitching, tighter turning radius, and better compatibility with most RV trailers, which is why they remain the standard for RV use.
The Bottom Line on Fifth Wheel Hitches
After months of testing and forum research, the B&W Companion RVK3500 remains our top pick for the best fifth wheel hitches overall thanks to its Made in USA build, articulating head, polyurethane bushings, and Limited Lifetime Warranty. If you want maximum value, the CURT 16115 E16 delivers proven performance at the lowest price. If you tow solo and want the lightest possible hitch, the Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220 at 37 lb is in a class of its own.
For Ford owners with OEM pucks, the B&W Companion RVK3305 is the direct-fit, 25,000 lb choice. For Ram owners with OEM pucks, the B&W Companion RVK3600 (fixed) or RVK3670 (slider) are the obvious answers depending on bed size. For rail-mounted towing with quieter ride quality, the CURT Q20 stands out, while the CURT A16 sits in the middle of the rail-mounted lineup.
Whatever you choose in 2026, match the hitch rating to your trailer’s GVWR, confirm your truck’s mounting platform, and budget for a helper or hoist if the hitch weighs more than 100 lb. The right fifth wheel hitch turns towing from a chore into the joy it should be, and every pickup in this lineup delivers exactly that for the right buyer. If you also need trailer-side hardware, browse our guides to the best tow hitches and best trailer hitches for the matching components that complete your setup.