Best Fifth Wheel Hitch For Short Bed Truck for 2023 (Review)

Sometimes it might be quite difficult to find the best fifth wheel hitch for short bed truck. With every niche market offering so many different products, it makes sense that this is the case.

Unfortunately, this very fact can make it incredibly difficult to find the item that best suits your needs, which is why we’ve put together this fifth wheel hitch for short bed truck buying guide.

Our Best Picks:

The 10 Best Fifth Wheel Hitch For Short Bed Truck Reviews:

Bestseller No. 1
CURT 16541 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 20,000 lbs
  • SELF-RESETTING. This A-series 5th wheel hitch features a unique, ergonomic handle and extra-wide head to make coupling your 5th wheel trailer easier than ever. After uncoupling, the handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position
  • FULL ARTICULATION. This 5th wheel hitch provides controlled towing of your 5th wheel camper with its patented head technology. The head is built on a cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts that reduce shock loads, chucking and noise at the coupling point
  • COUPLING INDICATOR. Built into this 5th wheel hitch is a 3-position indicator that shows the coupling status. It conveniently shows if the 5th wheel hitch is coupled, uncoupled or ready to tow
  • TESTED STRENGTH. This 5th wheel hitch is tested and rated for 20,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 5,000 lbs. vertical load (limited to lowest-rated towing component). It is tested according to SAE J2638 specifications
  • VERSATILE FIT. This 5th wheel slider hitch comes with a roller to allow for 12 inches of additional turning clearance with short-bed trucks. It mounts onto any industry-standard 5th wheel hitch rails (rails and brackets sold separately)
Bestseller No. 2
CURT 16521 A16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 16,000 lbs
  • SELF-RESETTING. This A-series 5th wheel hitch features a unique, ergonomic handle and extra-wide head to make coupling your 5th wheel trailer easier than ever. After uncoupling, the handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position
  • FULL ARTICULATION. This 5th wheel hitch provides controlled towing of your 5th wheel camper with its patented head technology. The head is built on a cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts that reduce shock loads, chucking and noise at the coupling point
  • COUPLING INDICATOR. Built into this 5th wheel hitch is a 3-position indicator that shows the coupling status. It conveniently shows if the 5th wheel hitch is coupled, uncoupled or ready to tow
  • TESTED STRENGTH. This 5th wheel hitch is tested and rated for 16,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 4,000 lbs. vertical load (limited to lowest-rated towing component). It is tested according to SAE J2638 specifications
  • VERSATILE FIT. This 5th wheel slider hitch comes with a roller to allow for 12 inches of additional turning clearance with short-bed trucks. It mounts onto any industry-standard 5th wheel hitch rails (rails and brackets sold separately)
Bestseller No. 3
CURT 16546 Q24 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 24,000 lbs
  • QUIET RIDE. This Q-series CURT 5th wheel hitch is engineered to promote the quietest 5th wheel towing possible. It features a patented, spherical axial bearing that allows the head to easily tilt in any direction needed
  • COUPLING INDICATOR. Built into this 5th wheel hitch is a 3-position indicator that shows the coupling status of the hitch and your trailer. It conveniently shows if the 5th wheel hitch is coupled, uncoupled or ready to tow
  • EASY OPERATION. This CURT 5th wheel hitch operates with a single, short-throw handle to promote ergonomic operation and easier coupling of your 5th wheel trailer. The handle is also lockable for maximum security on the road
  • SAFETY-TESTED. Tested and rated for 24,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 6,000 lbs. vertical load, this 5th wheel hitch is capable of towing a wide variety of 5th wheels (limited to lowest-rated towing component). It tested to SAE J2638 specifications
  • VERSATILE FIT. This 5th wheel slider hitch comes with a roller for 12 inches of additional turning clearance (rails and brackets sold separately). (Not compatible with articulating or turret-style pin boxes, such as Rota-Flex and Sidewinder)
Bestseller No. 4
CURT 16536 Q20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 20,000 lbs
  • QUIET RIDE. This Q-series CURT 5th wheel hitch is engineered to promote the quietest 5th wheel towing possible. It features a patented, spherical axial bearing that allows the head to easily tilt in any direction needed
  • COUPLING INDICATOR. Built into this 5th wheel hitch is a 3-position indicator that shows the coupling status of the hitch and your trailer. It conveniently shows if the 5th wheel hitch is coupled, uncoupled or ready to tow
  • EASY OPERATION. This CURT 5th wheel hitch operates with a single, short-throw handle to promote ergonomic operation and easier coupling of your 5th wheel trailer. The handle is also lockable for maximum security on the road
  • SAFETY-TESTED. Tested and rated for 20,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 5,000 lbs. vertical load, this 5th wheel hitch is capable of towing a variety of 5th wheels (limited to lowest-rated towing component). It tested to SAE J2638 specifications
  • VERSATILE FIT. This 5th wheel slider hitch comes with a roller for 12 inches of additional turning clearance (rails and brackets sold separately). (Not compatible with articulating or turret-style pin boxes, such as Rota-Flex and Sidewinder)
Bestseller No. 5
CURT 16566 Q25 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 24,000 lbs , Black
  • QUIET RIDE. This Q-series CURT 5th wheel hitch is engineered to promote the quietest 5th wheel towing possible. It features a patented, spherical axial bearing that allows the head to easily tilt in any direction needed
  • COUPLING INDICATOR. Built into this 5th wheel hitch is a 3-position indicator that shows the coupling status of the hitch and your trailer. It conveniently shows if the 5th wheel hitch is coupled, uncoupled or ready to tow
  • EASY OPERATION. This CURT 5th wheel hitch operates with a single, short-throw handle to promote ergonomic operation and easier coupling of your 5th wheel trailer. The handle is also lockable for maximum security on the road
  • SAFETY-TESTED. Tested and rated for 24,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 6,000 lbs. vertical load, this 5th wheel hitch is capable of towing a wide variety of 5th wheels (limited to lowest-rated towing component). It tested to SAE J2638 specifications
  • VERSATILE FIT. This 5th wheel slider hitch comes with a roller for 12 inches of additional turning clearance (rails and brackets sold separately). (Not compatible with articulating or turret-style pin boxes, such as Rota-Flex and Sidewinder)
Bestseller No. 6
Demco 8550034 Autoslide 18K Above-Bed Mount Fifth Wheel Hitch
  • Wrap around jaw with locking bar for a smoother, safer and more secure ride
  • No locking plate required for standard pin boxes to activate slide mechanism
  • Slides utilizing rack and pinion gear technology
  • Up to 14" of travel to help get in and out of those tight spots; Three vertical height adjustments to help you level truck and trailer
  • Lower profile design; Lighter weight for easier hitch installation and removal
Bestseller No. 7
CURT 16646 Q24 5th Wheel Slider Hitch with Base Rails for Short Bed Trucks, 24,000 lbs
  • QUIET RIDE. This Q-series CURT 5th wheel hitch is engineered to promote the quietest 5th wheel towing possible. It features a patented, spherical axial bearing that allows the head to easily tilt in any direction needed
  • COUPLING INDICATOR. Built into this 5th wheel hitch is a 3-position indicator that shows the coupling status of the hitch and your trailer. It conveniently shows if the 5th wheel hitch is coupled, uncoupled or ready to tow
  • EASY OPERATION. This CURT 5th wheel hitch operates with a single, short-throw handle to promote ergonomic operation and easier coupling of your 5th wheel trailer. The handle is also lockable for maximum security on the road
  • SAFETY-TESTED. Tested and rated for 24,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 6,000 lbs. vertical load, this 5th wheel hitch is capable of towing a wide variety of 5th wheels (limited to lowest-rated towing component). It tested to SAE J2638 specifications
  • VERSATILE FIT. This 5th wheel slider hitch comes with a roller and base rails to mount onto under-bed 5th wheel brackets (brackets sold separately) (Not compatible with articulating or turret-style pin boxes, such as Rota-Flex and Sidewinder)
Bestseller No. 8
CURT 16560 R16 5th Wheel Roller for Short Bed Trucks, 16,000 lbs
  • TURNING CLEARANCE. This 5th wheel roller is designed to provide a 5th wheel slider hitch solution. It provides 12 inches of rearward travel for additional turning clearance with short-bed trucks
  • EASY TO INSTALL. This 5th wheel roller installs easily on any industry-standard 5th wheel base rails. They allow you to maximize the functionality of your truck bed, dropping into the 5th wheel rails
  • VERSATILE. This 5th wheel roller is compatible with any CURT industry-standard 5th wheel base rails and most CURT 5th wheel hitch heads (sold separately)
  • SOLID STRENGTH. This 5th wheel roller is rated for 16,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, allowing for a wide variety of towing applications (limited by lowest-rated towing component)
  • DUAL-COAT. For dependable weather-resistance in your truck bed, this 5th wheel roller features a dual-coat finish of rust-resistant A-coat and a tough carbide black powder coat
Bestseller No. 9
CURT 16621 A16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch with Base Rails for Short Bed Trucks, 16,000 lbs
  • SELF-RESETTING. This A-series 5th wheel hitch features a unique, ergonomic handle and extra-wide head to make coupling your 5th wheel trailer easier than ever. After uncoupling, the handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position
  • FULL ARTICULATION. This 5th wheel hitch provides controlled towing of your 5th wheel camper with its patented head technology. The head is built on a cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts that reduce shock loads, chucking and noise at the coupling point
  • COUPLING INDICATOR. Built into this 5th wheel hitch is a 3-position indicator that shows the coupling status. It conveniently shows if the 5th wheel hitch is coupled, uncoupled or ready to tow
  • TESTED STRENGTH. This 5th wheel hitch is tested and rated for 16,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 4,000 lbs. vertical load (limited to lowest-rated towing component). It is tested according to SAE J2638 specifications
  • VERSATILE FIT. This 5th wheel slider hitch comes with a roller to allow for 12 inches of additional turning clearance with short-bed trucks. It mounts onto the included industry-standard 5th wheel hitch rails (brackets sold separately)
Bestseller No. 10
CURT 16641 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch with Base Rails for Short Bed Trucks, 20,000 lbs
  • SELF-RESETTING. This A-series 5th wheel hitch features a unique, ergonomic handle and extra-wide head to make coupling your 5th wheel trailer easier than ever. After uncoupling, the handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position
  • FULL ARTICULATION. This 5th wheel hitch provides controlled towing of your 5th wheel camper with its patented head technology. The head is built on a cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts that reduce shock loads, chucking and noise at the coupling point
  • COUPLING INDICATOR. Built into this 5th wheel hitch is a 3-position indicator that shows the coupling status. It conveniently shows if the 5th wheel hitch is coupled, uncoupled or ready to tow
  • TESTED STRENGTH. This 5th wheel hitch is tested and rated for 20,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 5,000 lbs. vertical load (limited to lowest-rated towing component). It is tested according to SAE J2638 specifications
  • VERSATILE FIT. This 5th wheel slider hitch comes with a roller to allow for 12 inches of additional turning clearance with short-bed trucks. It mounts onto the included industry-standard 5th wheel hitch rails (brackets sold separately)

Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to find the best fifth wheel hitch for short bed truck?

Here, we’ll be going over a number of factors that you can use to ensure that you’re purchasing the best fifth wheel hitch for short bed truck for you.

Regardless of which type of item you’re looking to buy, chances are that there are existing buying guides on the internet, all of which aim to give you good fifth wheel hitch for short bed truck recommendations.

Despite these recommendations, however, it’s always a good idea to do your own research. In addition to this research, asking yourself the following questions is also super helpful:

  • What features does the fifth wheel hitch for short bed truck need to have to be perfect for my needs?
  • What is my budget?
  • Do I need to purchase a certain brand?

Once you’ve answered these questions and have a good idea of what you’re looking for and the buying process becomes much easier. Keep in mind that when looking for the best product, there’s no need to rush. In fact, very rarely are the ideal products found by choosing the first one you see or by basing your decisions on only one factor. Take your time and enjoy the process!

Now, with the answers to the previous questions in mind, we urge you to use our upcoming buying guide for fifth wheel hitch for short bed truck to find what you’re looking for:

Brand

In some cases, the brand of fifth wheel hitch for short bed truck is very important. For example, if you’re looking for an item that works in tandem with another, you might very well need both products to be the same brand. If this is the case, it’s vital to pay attention to this factor, as choosing the wrong product can mean the difference between wasting your money and buying a great product that functions as it should.

Features

The features in any given fifth wheel hitch for short bed truck are important because they can dictate which version of an item you need and how much money you need to spend. Consider all the key features that you want your item to have and don’t settle for anything that doesn’t check at least ¾ of your boxes.

Reviews

Customer reviews about fifth wheel hitch for short bed truck are crucial – especially when you’re buying a product that costs a lot of money or serves a big importance. Luckily, most products can be found online, which means that it’s common for there to be scores of customer reviews from those who have already purchased any given product.

Pay attention to these reviews. Take note of the pros and cons that they mention, and factor these into your big decision. In some cases, you’ll be forced to sacrifice one con in order to gain a particular pro, but being aware of the potential con is going to be beneficial in either case.

Quality

Of course, quality is key. You don’t want to purchase a low-quality product. If you do, you run the risk of your item breaking, not working properly, or otherwise proving to be very disappointing, as well as a waste of money.

You can compare fifth wheel hitch for short bed truck quality by researching what your potential purchases are made from, contrasting the individual items against each other to discern which one is made of the best materials.

Warranty

Warranty isn’t always going to be important, but it definitely can be. This is especially true if the item in question is tech-related or expensive. A good warranty will be valid for an extended time after purchase and cover a variety of problems ranging from item defects to random accidents, water damage, and other miscellaneous events that could ruin your product.

Conclusion

The quest to find the best fifth wheel hitch for short bed truck can be daunting – but it doesn’t have to be. It can be made much easier by asking yourself a few simple questions and then thinking critically about the items you want to buy. Consider their features, quality, brand, warranty, and customer reviews and you’re more likely to make a great purchase.