by Liam O'Brien
Finding the right fifth wheel hitch for your truck is one of the most important decisions you'll make before hitting the road with a fifth wheel trailer. With so many designs, weight ratings, and mounting styles available, it can quickly become overwhelming — especially for first-time fifth wheel owners just getting started.
A fifth wheel hitch gives you access to larger, more stable trailers than a standard ball hitch ever could. The kingpin-and-jaw connection sits directly over the rear axle, which distributes tongue weight more evenly and reduces trailer sway compared to conventional receiver hitches. The result is a more confident towing experience, even with long, heavy rigs.
In this review, we tested and evaluated the top seventh wheel hitches available on Amazon in 2026, covering everything from budget-friendly rail-mounted models to premium automatic sliders for short-bed trucks. Whether you're towing a 16,000 lb luxury fifth wheel or a lighter travel trailer, this guide will help you find the right hitch for your specific setup.
Contents
The B&W Companion RVK3500 is the top choice for serious fifth wheel towers who want a hitch built to last a lifetime. Its cam-action handle releases the coupler even on uneven terrain, which is something single-action hitches routinely struggle with on sloped campground sites.
This model connects directly to the factory fifth wheel towing prep package found on many modern trucks, eliminating the need for separate rails. The dual-jaw design delivers a secure, rattle-free connection, and each jaw is visually verifiable from outside the truck so you always know the hitch is properly seated.
The Companion ships with chains on every pin so you won't lose them when removing the hitch for storage. The head separates from the base by simply pulling two safety pins, making solo removal much easier than comparable hitches. B&W builds every unit in their own facility in Kansas with employee-owners who stake their reputation on each product.
The main downside is price — the Companion costs significantly more than budget alternatives. However, its 5-year warranty and exceptional resale value make it a smart long-term investment for frequent towers.
Pros
Cons
The B&W Patriot RVK3255 is the rail-mounted sibling to the Companion, designed for trucks without factory puck systems. At 18,000 lbs capacity it covers the majority of fifth wheel trailers on the road, and it shares B&W's signature cam-action release that uncouples smoothly even when the trailer is sitting at an angle.
The Patriot features a rugged steel construction with a corrosion-resistant finish. The coupler jaw snaps over the kingpin with a positive latch, and the coupling indicator is visible from the truck bed so you can confirm a good connection before driving away. The hitch mounts to standard industry rail legs sold separately.
One of the Patriot's best features is how much lighter it is compared to the full Companion setup. If you regularly remove the hitch head when not towing, the reduced weight makes solo handling practical.
The Patriot does not include slider capability for short-bed trucks — owners of 6.5-foot beds may need to add B&W's sliding rail kit sold separately. The 18,000 lb rating also excludes heavier fifth wheels over 16,000 lbs pin weight.
Pros
Cons
The CURT Q24 is engineered for towers who need both serious capacity and a smooth, quiet ride. The Q-Series spherical axial bearing allows complete, unimpeded head movement in every direction, which dramatically reduces the rattle and chucking noise common with lower-tier hitches on rough roads.
Dual locking jaws wrap 360 degrees around the kingpin, eliminating any play between the hitch and the trailer. A three-position coupling indicator is clearly visible from the truck cab, so you can confirm coupling status without getting out of the vehicle. Adjustable anchors let you fine-tune the hitch-to-leg connection for a rattle-free fit on any rail system.
The Q24 includes a short-throw locking handle that automatically engages around the kingpin during hitching. The handle locks with a simple cam action and can be padlocked for added theft deterrence when parked at campgrounds.
At 24,000 lbs, the Q24 is one of the highest-capacity hitches in its price range. The main limitation is its weight — installation typically requires two people. The Q24 does not include rails and requires a separate purchase of CURT's 5th wheel rail kit for universal installation.
Pros
Cons
The CURT Q20 delivers the same Q-Series spherical axial bearing technology as the Q24 but at a 20,000 lb capacity point that fits more truck and trailer combinations. For towers whose fifth wheel stays under the 20,000 lb limit, the Q20 offers excellent value compared to its higher-capacity sibling.
Like the Q24, the Q20 features dual locking jaws providing full 360-degree kingpin engagement. The self-aligning head opens wide to make backing under the kingpin easier, and the coupling indicator gives a green confirmation signal visible from the driver's seat.
The Q20 mounts to a standard rail system and works with CURT's round tube slider for short-bed truck applications. It is compatible with most Ford, GM, Ram, and Toyota truck beds when paired with the appropriate rail kit.
Owners note the Q20 can be slightly harder to unhitch if the truck and trailer aren't level — keeping the rig close to level before unhitching is always recommended. The hitch requires standard rails sold separately, which adds to the overall purchase cost.
Pros
Cons
The Andersen GEN 3 Ultimate Fifth Wheel Connection is the lightest full-capacity fifth wheel hitch on the market. While traditional steel hitches average over 130 lbs, the Andersen GEN 3 weighs just 35–40 lbs thanks to an all-aluminum build — making it the only hitch most people can remove from a truck bed without help.
Instead of the traditional pivoting head and rail system, the Andersen uses a ball-and-coupler design. The kingpin coupler connects directly to a ball that swivels freely in every direction, eliminating the need for grease entirely. No greasing schedule means no mess and virtually zero maintenance compared to conventional hitches.
The GEN 3 mounts to a standard gooseneck ball in roughly 5 minutes. This means truck owners who already have a gooseneck setup can switch between gooseneck and fifth wheel towing without drilling additional holes or mounting extra hardware. The SAE-certified design meets the same strength and safety standards as conventional steel hitches.
The Andersen design requires a gooseneck ball or puck mounting system — it does not work with standard rail kits. Some owners also report a slightly different hitching feel compared to conventional hitches while learning the system. At 20,000 lbs GTW it is not suited for the heaviest luxury fifth wheels.
Pros
Cons
The Reese 30047 16K is an excellent entry-level fifth wheel hitch for towers who don't need the higher capacities of premium models. Its straightforward design and wide availability of replacement parts make it one of the most accessible hitches for first-time fifth wheel owners setting up their rig.
Reese's dual-pivoting head moves side-to-side and front-to-back independently, absorbing trailer movement before it transfers to the truck. This pivot system reduces stress on the kingpin connection and contributes to a smoother towing experience on country roads and uneven terrain.
The 30047 mounts to a standard universal rail kit and includes all necessary hardware for installation. The coupling jaw clearly snaps over the kingpin, and the safety latch is easy to verify visually from beside the truck. Its 5-year warranty backs Reese's confidence in the product's long-term durability.
The 16,000 lb GTW rating limits this hitch to lighter fifth wheel trailers — towers with heavier rigs should step up to a 20K model. The pivoting head can occasionally produce minor sounds during hitching that inexperienced owners sometimes mistake for a coupling problem.
Pros
Cons
The PullRite 2900 SuperGlide is the definitive solution for short-bed truck owners who need to tow a fifth wheel without risking cab contact. Most short-bed trucks have less than 8 feet between the back of the cab and the tailgate, and without a sliding hitch, a fifth wheel trailer can smash into the cab during tight turns.
The SuperGlide automatically slides up to 14 inches rearward the moment the truck begins turning, providing more clearance than manual slider hitches which require stopping the vehicle to unlock and re-lock the slide. This hands-free operation eliminates the most common short-bed towing error — forgetting to unlock the slider before turning.
Built from high-quality American steel, the SuperGlide delivers 20,000 lbs GTW capacity with a robust cam-and-lock jaw. The automatic cam arm senses directional change and actuates the slide without driver input, then recenters the hitch when straight-line travel resumes.
The SuperGlide is significantly heavier and more expensive than fixed-position hitches, making it overkill for full-size or long-bed truck owners who have sufficient clearance. The automatic slide mechanism requires occasional lubrication to prevent binding over time.
Pros
Cons
Choosing the right fifth wheel hitch involves more than picking the most popular brand. The hitch must match your truck's towing rating, bed configuration, and preferred mounting style. Knowing these key factors before you buy will save you money and prevent a dangerous mismatch between your hitch and your rig. For detailed trailer safety guidance, see the NHTSA trailer safety resource.
A fixed-position fifth wheel hitch stays centered over the rear axle at all times. This is the simplest, lightest, and most affordable design, and it works perfectly for full-size pickups with 8-foot beds or extended-cab trucks where enough clearance exists between the cab wall and the leading edge of the trailer.
A sliding hitch moves rearward during turns to prevent the trailer from contacting the back of the cab. Short-bed trucks (typically 5.5 to 6.5 feet) almost always need a sliding hitch for safe operation. Manual sliders require the driver to stop and unlock before turning, while automatic sliders like the PullRite SuperGlide handle the movement without driver intervention. If you're unsure whether your truck needs a slider, measure from the back of your cab to the rear of the bed — less than 72 inches usually means you need a slider.
Every hitch has a Gross Trailer Weight rating (GTW) and a vertical load or pin weight rating. The GTW is the maximum total trailer weight the hitch can handle; pin weight is the downward force the trailer kingpin exerts on the hitch. Before purchasing any hitch, compare both numbers against your loaded trailer's actual weight and the tongue weight specification from the trailer manufacturer.
As a general rule, fifth wheels transfer about 20–25% of their loaded weight down through the kingpin. A 16,000 lb trailer will put roughly 3,200–4,000 lbs of pin weight on the hitch. Make sure the hitch's pin weight rating exceeds this number — exceeding either GTW or pin weight limits is unsafe and can cause hitch failure at speed.
A 2-way pivot head moves front-to-back only, which absorbs the pitching motion when the truck and trailer travel over dips and crests in the road. A 4-way pivot head adds side-to-side movement, absorbing lateral sway as well. The B&W Companion uses a cam-action head that functions similarly to a 4-way design, providing smooth movement in any plane.
For most applications, a 4-way pivot or equivalent provides a noticeably smoother towing experience. The extra movement isolates the truck from trailer feedback on rough roads, reducing driver fatigue on long hauls. Budget hitches with 2-way or fixed heads transfer more vibration into the truck frame over time.
A single-jaw hitch uses one jaw that wraps around one side of the kingpin. A double-jaw design uses two locking jaws that simultaneously grip opposite sides of the kingpin, providing twice the contact area and significantly better resistance to chucking — the fore-and-aft play between hitch and kingpin that causes annoying banging sounds and premature wear.
Most premium hitches from B&W, CURT Q-Series, and PullRite use double-jaw designs. If you've ever heard a banging or clunking sound from under the bed while towing, it's likely caused by a worn or single-jaw hitch. Upgrading to a double-jaw design almost always eliminates this noise.
Fifth wheel hitches mount in one of three ways: universal rail kits, OEM puck systems, or gooseneck ball mounts. Universal rails bolt through the truck bed floor to the frame and work with virtually every full-size pickup — they are the most common and least expensive mounting option. Most CURT, Reese, and PullRite hitches use this style.
OEM puck systems are factory-installed anchor points found in many Ford, GM, and Ram trucks from the last decade. B&W makes Companion models specifically designed to connect directly to these pucks, eliminating the need for additional rail hardware. The puck system provides a cleaner installation and allows the truck bed to be used normally when the hitch is removed.
Gooseneck ball mounts — used by the Andersen Ultimate — attach to the gooseneck ball and don't require any additional drilling or permanent hardware. This is the fastest to install and remove, but requires a gooseneck ball already present in the truck bed.
Fifth wheel hitches range from under $300 for basic rail-mounted models to over $1,500 for premium auto-sliding systems. In most cases, spending more buys you better materials, tighter manufacturing tolerances, quieter operation, and longer warranties. For towers who move frequently or put tens of thousands of miles per year on their rig, the investment in a premium hitch pays off in reduced maintenance and a more comfortable tow.
Budget hitches from Pro Series or basic Reese models are a reasonable choice for occasional or seasonal towers who keep their rig under 15,000 lbs. For full-time RVers or people towing luxury fifth wheels, B&W's 5-year warranty and CURT's Q-Series engineering justify the higher price. Always factor in the cost of the required rail kit when comparing hitch prices — a cheap hitch that requires a $200 rail kit may end up costing more than a slightly pricier all-inclusive package.
B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3500 - Walmart Link
B&W Trailer Hitches Patriot 18K Rail Mounted Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3255 - Walmart Link
CURT 16245 Q24 5th Wheel Hitch, 24,000 lbs - Walmart Link
CURT 16130 Q20 5th Wheel Hitch, 20,000 lbs, Black - Walmart Link
Andersen Hitches GEN 3 Ultimate Fifth Wheel Connection SAE Certified Gooseneck Mount - Walmart Link
Reese 30047 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch - Walmart Link
PullRite 2900 SuperGlide 20,000 lb Automatic Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch - Walmart Link
B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3500 - eBay Link
B&W Trailer Hitches Patriot 18K Rail Mounted Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3255 - eBay Link
CURT 16245 Q24 5th Wheel Hitch, 24,000 lbs - eBay Link
CURT 16130 Q20 5th Wheel Hitch, 20,000 lbs, Black - eBay Link
Andersen Hitches GEN 3 Ultimate Fifth Wheel Connection SAE Certified Gooseneck Mount - eBay Link
Reese 30047 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch - eBay Link
PullRite 2900 SuperGlide 20,000 lb Automatic Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch - eBay Link
Finding the best fifth wheel hitch means matching the right product to your specific truck, trailer, and towing habits. The B&W Companion RVK3500 earns its Best Overall designation through a combination of American manufacturing, cam-action reliability, and ease of use that no competitor fully matches. If budget allows, it is the one hitch most experienced towers eventually settle on.
Short-bed truck owners should prioritize the PullRite 2900 SuperGlide for its fully automatic slide action that removes the possibility of forgetting to unlock before a tight turn. Towers who value lightweight and simplicity will appreciate the Andersen GEN 3 — at just 35–40 lbs, it redefines what a full-capacity fifth wheel hitch can weigh.
For towers who want serious capacity and a quiet ride at a mid-range price, the CURT Q24 delivers 24,000 lbs GTW with spherical axial bearing technology that keeps cab noise to a minimum. And for first-time fifth wheel owners working with a tighter budget, the Reese 30047 16K covers the most common trailer weights with a 5-year warranty to back it up.
Whichever hitch you choose, always verify that both the GTW rating and the pin weight rating exceed your loaded trailer's specifications before you hitch up for the first time. A properly selected fifth wheel hitch will give you years of safe, confident towing.
A fifth wheel hitch is a specialized coupling device mounted in the bed of a pickup truck that connects to a kingpin on the front of a fifth wheel trailer. It provides a strong, stable connection that distributes trailer tongue weight across the truck bed and frame, allowing safe towing of heavy RV trailers and travel trailers.
You need a fifth wheel hitch with a GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) rating that exceeds your trailer's loaded weight, and a pin weight rating that exceeds your trailer's tongue weight. Most travel trailers and mid-size RVs fall in the 16,000–20,000 lb range. Always check your trailer's specification tag and your truck's tow rating before selecting a hitch.
Yes, if your truck has a bed shorter than 8 feet (typically 5.5- or 6.5-foot beds), you almost always need a sliding fifth wheel hitch. Without a slider, the trailer can contact the rear of the cab during tight turns. Automatic sliders like the PullRite SuperGlide handle the movement without any driver action required.
A double-jaw hitch uses two locking jaws that grip opposite sides of the kingpin simultaneously, providing more contact area and significantly reducing chucking — the fore-and-aft play that causes banging sounds while towing. Single-jaw hitches are simpler but allow more kingpin movement, which can cause wear over time. Most premium fifth wheel hitches use a double-jaw design.
Basic rail-mounted hitches can be installed by a mechanically capable DIYer with standard tools, though most weigh 130–145 lbs and require two people. OEM puck-system hitches like the B&W Companion install in minutes once the base rails are secured. If you are not comfortable drilling through your truck bed or torquing hardware to specification, professional installation is recommended.
Pin weight is the downward force the trailer's kingpin exerts on the hitch when the trailer is loaded. It typically represents 20–25% of the total loaded trailer weight. If pin weight exceeds the hitch's rated capacity, the hitch can be damaged or fail, creating a dangerous situation at highway speeds. Always confirm that the hitch's pin weight rating exceeds your trailer's actual tongue weight.
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About Liam O'Brien
Liam O'Brien is a tools and equipment specialist who has been buying, breaking, and reviewing automotive tools for over a decade. He focuses on what actually holds up in real-world DIY garage use, not just what looks good on a workbench.
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