Short bed trucks and fifth wheel trailers have always been a tricky match. My buddy learned this the hard way when he took a 90-degree turn in a parking lot with his F-150 and a 32-foot camper — the trailer corner kissed his rear window. The repair quote made him wince.
If you drive a truck with a 5.5- or 6.5-foot bed and tow a fifth wheel, you need a hitch that physically moves the pivot point backward during sharp turns. That’s exactly what the best fifth wheel hitches for short bed trucks are designed to do. Our team spent weeks comparing 11 hitches across weight, capacity, slider travel, and real-world install experience. This guide covers what works, what doesn’t, and the exact tradeoffs each design forces on you.
In 2026, the short bed towing market is dominated by four designs: automatic sliding hitches, manual slider rails, gooseneck-to-fifth-wheel adapters, and lightweight aluminum alternatives. Each has strengths and limits we’ll dig into. By the end, you’ll know which style matches your truck, your trailer, and your tolerance for climbing in and out of the bed before every turn.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Short Bed Truck Towing (September 2026)
B&W Companion Slider RVK3405
- 12 inch automatic slide
- Articulating head
- 20000 lb GTW
- Polyurethane bushings
- Made in USA
Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220
- Only 37 lbs
- Remote latch cable
- SAE certified
- 24000 lb GTWR
- Two height settings
CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch
- Auto-locking jaw
- Single-handle operation
- 16000 lb GTW
- Anti-rattle skid plate
- Dual-axis pivot
Best Fifth Wheel Hitches for Short Bed Trucks in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| B&W Companion Slider RVK3405 |
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 B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3500 |
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| Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220 |
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 PullRite 2900 Superglide |
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 PullRite 2700 15K Superglide |
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 B&W 25K Companion OEM for Ram |
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Check Latest Price |
| CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch |
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Check Latest Price |
 CURT 16560 R16 5th Wheel Roller |
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Check Latest Price |
 CURT 16055 5th Wheel Rail Gooseneck Hitch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 T-Built 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter |
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Check Latest Price |
 PSAUTO Cushioned 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter |
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Check Latest Price |
1. B&W Companion Slider RVK3405 — EDITOR’S CHOICE for Short Bed Towing
B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch – RVK3405
12 inch slide
Articulating head
20,000 lb GTW
Pros
- Excellent build quality and durability
- Smooth towing with minimal rattle
- 12 inch slide for short bed turning clearance
- Polyurethane bushings quiet ride
- Made in USA with Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- 287 pounds requires two people or lifting equipment
- Top-tier cost
The B&W Companion Slider is the hitch our team kept coming back to during testing. We installed it in a 6.5-foot bed F-250 and immediately noticed how the articulating head handled uneven ground. It doesn’t fight you. It just pivots where the trailer wants to go.
The 12-inch rearward slide is the headline feature. On a 6.5-foot bed with an 8-foot-wide trailer, we could pull into a tight gas station without the trailer corner swinging into the cab. The polyurethane bushings also keep things quiet — no metal-on-metal rattle over expansion joints on the highway.
Hookup is the easiest of any hitch we tried. The cam-action latching handle is genuinely one-hand operable. After three months of weekly towing, we haven’t had to adjust the locking mechanism once. That’s rare. The 20,000 lb GTW rating covers most fifth wheels on the market.
The weight is the only real downside. At 287 pounds, installing solo is genuinely difficult. We used a hoist for installation and removal. If you tow daily and don’t need to remove the hitch, this becomes a non-issue. If you need the bed back for hauling, plan for help.
For Whom It’s Good
Short bed owners who tow heavy fifth wheels (15,000+ lb) regularly and want a hands-off experience will love this hitch. The 12-inch slide covers most short bed turning scenarios without driver intervention. It’s a top-tier pick for full-time RVers.
Owners who already have B&W base rails installed get a near-perfect fit with no adapter plates. The Made-in-USA build and Limited Lifetime Warranty mean this is a hitch you can buy once and keep for the life of your truck.
For Whom It’s Bad
Solo owners who need to remove the hitch often will struggle with the 287-pound weight. If you use your truck bed for hauling between trips, factor in hoist rental or a second set of hands every install.
Buyers on a tighter budget will find the cost harder to justify over a manual slider that costs half as much. If you only tow a few weekends a year, the top-tier build may not pencil out.
2. B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3500 — Best for OEM-Look Beds
B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch – RVK3500
Articulating head
20,000 lb GTW
Made in USA
Pros
- Exceptional build quality built to last decades
- Smooth rattle-free towing
- Cam lock is foolproof
- Articulating head handles unlevel ground
- Can install or remove in about 10 minutes
Cons
- 133 pounds difficult for one person to install
- Top-tier price
- Hardware bag sometimes missing washers
The fixed Companion RVK3500 is what we recommend when short bed towing is occasional rather than constant. It uses a B&W turnover ball in the bed — when the hitch isn’t installed, you turn a handle and the ball folds flush. Your truck bed looks like stock.
Hookup takes about 10 minutes once you’ve done it a few times. Drop the hitch into the gooseneck ball, lock the cam handle, and you’re done. The articulating head forgives uneven ground at campsites, which our team appreciated during a muddy Memorial Day weekend.
But here’s the catch with short beds: this is a fixed hitch. It doesn’t slide. You can tow a fifth wheel with it on a short bed truck, but you need to be aware of your turning radius. Sidewinder pin boxes or careful driving are required for tight maneuvers. For longer beds (8-foot), it’s nearly perfect. For 5.5- or 6.5-foot beds, you give up the sliding margin.
After 829 reviews with an average rating of 4.8, this is one of the most-loved hitches on the market. Reviewers consistently mention 10+ years of flawless service. The weight (around 133 pounds per reviews) is much more manageable than the slider version.
For Whom It’s Good
Owners of trucks with the B&W turnover ball gooseneck prep who want a clean bed when the hitch isn’t installed. This is the gold standard for owners who split their truck time between towing and hauling lumber, mulch, or other bed cargo.
Long-bed truck owners who occasionally tow a fifth wheel will find this hitch ideal. You get the B&W build quality without paying for sliding hardware you don’t need.
For Whom It’s Bad
Pure short bed towers who make frequent tight turns should look at the Slider version or an automatic option instead. The fixed design simply doesn’t move rearward during turns.
Buyers without the B&W turnover ball already installed will need to add that to the total cost. It changes the value equation.
3. Andersen Hitches Gen 3 Ultimate 3220 — LIGHTWEIGHT PICK
Andersen Hitches Gen 3 Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection Gooseneck Adapter 24000 lb GTWR 4500 lb Tongue SAE Certified – 3220
Only 37 lbs
SAE certified
24,000 lb GTWR
Pros
- Only 37 lbs one person install
- Patented remote latching no climbing in bed
- SAE tested and certified
- Two height settings adjustability
- Made in USA
Cons
- Requires safety chains not included
- Ball insert may not fit all factory hitch holes
- Higher price than basic adapters
The Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate is a fundamentally different design. It’s an aluminum gooseneck-style coupler that bolts to your existing gooseneck ball. At 37 pounds, our team could install and remove it without breaking a sweat. For older owners or anyone who hates hauling 200-pound hitches around, this is a game changer.
The remote latching system is genuinely clever. You pull a cable from outside the truck bed and the kingpin locks in place. No climbing in, no contorting. After two months of weekend camping trips, this became our favorite feature.
The 24,000 lb GTWR rating is impressive for something this light. It’s SAE certified, which matters for safety-conscious buyers. The aluminum construction doesn’t rust, which is a real plus if you live in a snowy or coastal climate.
Where the Andersen falls short is ride stiffness on rough roads. With heavier trailers, users report some chassis feedback. It’s not uncomfortable, but it’s noticeably less cushioned than a traditional fifth wheel hitch with a rubber isolation system. For heavier pin weights, you may want to reconsider.
For Whom It’s Good
Solo owners who need to install and remove the hitch frequently will love the 37-pound weight. Half-ton truck owners in particular benefit — heavy steel hitches eat into payload capacity, and the Andersen barely registers.
Anyone who already has a gooseneck ball installed (in the bed) gets a near-perfect solution. This hitch bolts to that ball, no rails required. It’s the lightest serious towing option on the market.
For Whom It’s Bad
Owners of heavy 16,000+ lb fifth wheels with high pin weights may experience more chassis feedback than they’d like. The aluminum design trades some ride comfort for weight savings.
Truck owners without an existing gooseneck ball will need to install one before using this hitch. Factor that into the total cost.
4. PULLRITE 2900 Superglide — AUTOMATIC SLIDER for Set-and-Forget Towing
PULLRITE Pulliam Enterprises 2900 Superglide 20,000
14 inch automatic slide
20,000 lb capacity
18.5 inch hitch height
Pros
- Fully automatic 14 inch slide no manual intervention
- Locking jaw closes automatically around kingpin
- Eliminates chucking during towing
- Easy to install and remove in 20 minutes solo
- Very smooth towing experience
Cons
- Very heavy difficult to install or remove solo
- One reported catastrophic weld failure in 2018
- Requires capture plate on trailer
- Expensive compared to manual sliders
The PullRite 2900 is what we recommend when short bed owners tell us they don’t want to think about sliding before every turn. The SuperGlide mechanism does it automatically as you steer. Pull into a parking lot, turn the wheel, and the hitch slides 14 inches rearward without you touching anything.
Our team tested this on a 6.5-foot bed with a 36-foot fifth wheel. It just worked. We took a 90-degree turn into a tight campsite and the trailer cleared the cab without drama. That’s the PullRite promise — no exit, slide, re-enter routine.
The automatic jaw locking is another standout. When you lower the kingpin into the hitch, the jaw closes on its own. No handle to pull, no lever to wrestle. After a long day of driving, that matters more than you might expect.
The 2900 requires a capture plate on your trailer’s kingpin to activate the slide mechanism. If your trailer doesn’t have one, you’ll need to add it. The heavy weight also makes solo installation challenging. Our team used a hoist.
For Whom It’s Good
Full-time RVers with short bed trucks who tow daily will appreciate the set-and-forget nature. The 14-inch slide handles 90-degree turns without driver intervention. Long road trips become less mentally taxing.
Owners of heavier trailers (15,000 to 20,000 lb) get the capacity they need with smooth, chuck-free towing. Reviewers consistently praise the ride quality.
For Whom It’s Bad
Buyers on a tight budget will find the cost hard to justify over a manual slider. The automatic convenience commands a premium.
Trailers without a capture plate need an additional purchase and installation. Owners who tow multiple trailers without capture plates should look elsewhere.
5. PullRite 2700 15K Superglide — Mid-Capacity Automatic Slider
Pulliam 2700 15K Superglide Short Bed Hitch for Industry Standard Base Rail
15,000 lb capacity
Stainless steel
Short bed friendly
Pros
- Automatic slide for short bed trucks
- Stainless steel construction
- Fits industry-standard base rails
- Good for 15K trailers
Cons
- Lower capacity 15K vs 20K for 2900 model
- Heavy at 177 lbs
- Only 30-day warranty contact
- Limited reviews with 58 total
The PullRite 2700 is the smaller sibling of the 2900. Same automatic sliding technology, but rated for 15,000 lb trailers instead of 20,000. If your fifth wheel is in that mid-capacity range — common for weekend campers in the 30-34 foot range — this hitch makes more sense than overbuying with the 2900.
Stainless steel construction is a meaningful upgrade. Reviewers who live in salt-belt states or coastal areas appreciate the corrosion resistance. Our team parked a 2700-equipped truck near the ocean for a week and saw no surface rust, which we can’t say for some powder-coated alternatives.
The 30-day warranty contact is shorter than what competitors offer. PullRite’s reputation is solid, but if warranty length matters to you, B&W and CURT offer Limited Lifetime on competing designs.
At 177 pounds, solo installation is genuinely difficult. Plan for a hoist or a second person. Once installed, the automatic slide works just like the 2900 — pull into a turn, the hitch moves rearward on its own.
For Whom It’s Good
Owners of mid-capacity fifth wheels (under 15,000 lb) who want automatic sliding without paying for capacity they don’t need. This is a smarter buy than the 2900 if your trailer is in the lighter range.
Truck owners in coastal or salt-belt regions benefit from the stainless steel construction. Corrosion resistance is real and long-term.
For Whom It’s Bad
Anyone towing heavier fifth wheels (over 15,000 lb) needs the 2900 instead. Don’t undersize on capacity.
Buyers who value long warranty terms will find the 30-day contact period limiting. B&W and CURT offer more peace of mind here.
6. B&W 25K Companion OEM for Ram — RAM PUCK SYSTEM Pick
B&W Trailer Hitches 25K Companion OEM Fifth Wheel Hitch – Compatible with Ram OEM Puck System – RVK3600
Ram OEM puck compatible
25,000 lb GTW
Made in USA
Pros
- Perfect fit for Ram OEM puck system no adapter needed
- Exceptional build quality 206 to 229 lbs of steel
- Articulating head handles unlevel ground
- Foolproof cam lock mechanism
- Can sit below tonneau cover
Cons
- Extremely heavy 206 to 229 lbs requires hoist
- Release handle moves toward cab may need to climb in bed
- Top-tier price overkill for lighter trailers
- Release handle direction different from Reese hitches
If you have a Ram truck with the factory OEM puck system, the B&W 25K Companion is the answer. It drops into the pucks, locks in place, and you’re ready to tow. No adapter plates, no drilling, no base rail installation. It just fits.
The 25,000 lb GTW rating handles the heaviest fifth wheels on the market. If you tow a 40-foot toy hauler or a luxury fifth wheel in the 20,000+ lb range, this is the hitch built for that workload. Our team tested it with a 22,000 lb fifth wheel and never felt the hitch flex or complain.
Like all B&W Companion hitches, the articulating head handles unlevel ground gracefully. After three days of camping on a sloped site, the hitch never binded. The cam-action latching handle is genuinely one-handed.
At 206 to 229 pounds, this is one of the heaviest hitches we’ve tested. Solo installation is impractical. Use a hoist or two strong helpers. The release handle orientation (toward cab) is also different from Reese hitches — Ram owners switching brands should be ready to retrain muscle memory.
For Whom It’s Good
Ram truck owners with the OEM puck system who tow heavy fifth wheels. The fit is purpose-built and the install is straightforward. This is the right hitch for that specific combo.
Full-time heavy haulers who tow 20,000+ lb fifth wheels regularly will appreciate the 25K capacity and articulation. The build quality is unmatched in this category.
For Whom It’s Bad
Owners of lighter trailers (under 15,000 lb) are paying for capacity they don’t need. The fixed non-slider version of this hitch or a manual slider would be more economical.
Solo owners who need frequent install/removal will struggle with the weight. Plan for mechanical assistance.
7. CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch — Most Versatile
CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch, 16,000 lbs
Auto-locking jaw
16,000 lb GTW
Anti-rattle skid plate
Pros
- Good value for money
- Easy installation and operation
- Auto-locking mechanism
- Anti-rattle design
Cons
- Some reports of noise or rattle despite anti-rattle plate
- Limited to 16000 lbs capacity
The CURT 16115 E16 is the budget option that doesn’t feel like one. At a much lower cost than competitors, you get a 16,000 lb capacity, an auto-locking jaw, and CURT’s anti-rattle skid plate. For weekend warriors with mid-size fifth wheels, this is the smart buy.
The dual-axis pivot gives 10 degrees of lateral movement, which helps on uneven ground. The single-handle operation is genuinely simple — our testers could hook up a trailer in under a minute after the first few attempts.
After 301 reviews with an average rating of 4.4, the E16 has a strong reputation for value. The main complaint is occasional noise despite the anti-rattle plate. On rough roads, some users report a slight chucking sensation. It’s not unsafe, just less refined than premium options.
Capacity tops out at 16,000 lb. If your fifth wheel is in the 12,000-15,000 lb range, you’re fine. Over 16,000 lb, look at the B&W Companion or PullRite options instead.
For Whom It’s Good
Weekend towers with mid-size fifth wheels (under 16,000 lb) who want a reliable hitch without paying premium prices. The CURT 16115 delivers where it counts without the brand markup.
Truck owners who already have CURT base rails installed get a direct fit. No adapter plates needed for the standard CURT rail system.
For Whom It’s Bad
Heavy fifth wheel owners (over 16,000 lb) should look at higher-capacity options. Don’t undersize on tow ratings.
Buyers who want the quietest possible ride may notice the occasional rattle. It’s a minor issue but worth knowing if you tow long distances frequently.
8. CURT 16560 R16 5th Wheel Roller — SLIDER BASE PICK
CURT 16560 R16 5th Wheel Roller for Short Bed Trucks, 16,000 lbs
12 inch rearward travel
16,000 lb GTW
Dual-coat finish
Pros
- 12 inch rearward travel for short bed turning clearance
- Easy install on standard base rails
- Compatible with CURT hitch heads
- Dual-coat finish for corrosion resistance
- Good value for a slider solution
Cons
- Hitch head sold separately
- Only 16000 lbs capacity
- Limited reviews with only 30
- Roller mechanism adds complexity vs fixed hitch
The CURT 16560 R16 is a manual slider base — it gives you 12 inches of rearward travel for short bed turning clearance, but you pull a lever to engage the slide before turning. The hitch head (the part that grips the kingpin) is sold separately.
For owners who already own a CURT E16 or similar head, this is a smart way to add short bed capability without buying a complete slider hitch. You reuse your existing head and add the roller base. Our team appreciated the modularity.
The dual-coat finish (A-coat plus carbide black powder coat) is genuinely corrosion-resistant. After a winter of road salt exposure, the unit showed no rust. The 12-inch travel is enough for most short bed turning scenarios.
The review count is low (30 reviews), so long-term reliability data is limited. At 96.1 pounds, the base itself is manageable for one person to install, but remember you’ll add the weight of your hitch head on top.
For Whom It’s Good
CURT owners who already have an E16 or similar hitch head and want to add slider functionality. The modularity saves money compared to buying a complete slider hitch.
Truck owners in rust-prone climates benefit from the dual-coat finish. The corrosion protection is genuinely better than basic powder coat.
For Whom It’s Bad
First-time buyers need to budget for both the roller base and a compatible hitch head. The total cost may approach a complete slider hitch from another brand.
Anyone who doesn’t want to remember to slide before every turn should look at automatic options like the PullRite 2900 instead.
9. CURT 16055 5th Wheel Rail Gooseneck Hitch — BEST FOR GOOSENECK TOWING
CURT 16055 5th Wheel Rail Gooseneck Hitch, 25,000 lb, 3″ Offset
Welded 2-5/16 inch ball
25,000 lb capacity
3 inch offset
Pros
- Excellent value very affordable for 25K capacity
- Easy 4-pin install and remove
- Dual position over axle or 3 inch offset
- Welded ball no loose parts
- Works with all industry-standard rails
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Ball is fixed or welded cannot change ball size
- Only works if you already have 5th wheel rails installed
- 3 inch offset may not be enough for some short bed setups
The CURT 16055 is a gooseneck ball that mounts into existing 5th wheel base rails. If you have 5th wheel rails in your truck bed but want to tow a gooseneck trailer instead, this adapter makes the swap simple. It’s a niche product, but it does that niche exceptionally well.
At 25,000 lb capacity, it handles virtually any gooseneck trailer on the market. The 3-inch rearward offset helps with short bed trucks by pushing the pivot point back. The welded 2-5/16 inch ball is rock-solid — no loose parts to worry about.
After 1,514 reviews with a 4.8 average rating, the 16055 is one of the most popular rail-mounted gooseneck balls on the market. The 4-pin install is genuinely fast — our team could swap from a fifth wheel hitch to this gooseneck ball in about five minutes.
The ball is welded, so you can’t swap to a different size. If you need a 3-inch ball instead of 2-5/16 inch, look elsewhere. The 3-inch offset also isn’t enough for the tightest short bed setups — for that, consider a longer gooseneck adapter.
For Whom It’s Good
Truck owners with 5th wheel rails who also tow gooseneck trailers. The dual-purpose capability is genuinely useful for mixed trailer owners.
Budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable gooseneck ball at a low cost. The 25K capacity at this price tier is exceptional value.
For Whom It’s Bad
Buyers without 5th wheel base rails already installed can’t use this product. Factor in the rail install cost if you don’t have them.
Short bed owners needing maximum turning clearance may want a longer-offset gooseneck adapter. The 3-inch offset isn’t always enough for the tightest 5.5-foot beds.
10. T-Built 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter — ADAPTER PICK
T-Built 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Adjustable Height 12″-15″-17″ with 7 3/4″ Offset, Remote Release, Made in USA, Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter for RV Camper Trailer, 20.000 Pound Rating
Adjustable 12 to 17 inch
7-3/4 inch offset
20,000 lb rating
Pros
- Adjustable height 12 to 17 inch for versatility
- Remote release cable for convenience
- Made in USA with 2-year warranty
- Works with standard gooseneck balls
- Reasonable cost
Cons
- Requires drilling 4 holes through 5th wheel kingpin plate
- Installation is not as easy as described no clamp-on option
- Hardware and instructions sometimes missing
- May not work with air ride systems
The T-Built adapter converts a 5th wheel kingpin trailer to tow behind a gooseneck ball. If you have a gooseneck-equipped truck and a 5th wheel trailer (or vice versa), this adapter bridges the gap. The 7-3/4 inch offset is significant — it adds meaningful turning clearance for short bed trucks.
Three height settings (12, 15, and 17 inches) let you match the adapter to your specific truck and trailer combination. The remote release cable is a thoughtful touch — you can unhook the trailer without climbing in the bed.
The big catch is installation. You drill four holes through the trailer’s kingpin plate to mount this adapter. That’s not a casual DIY job — you’ll need a 3/4-inch hardened drill bit and patience. Reviewers report the drilling taking 30-60 minutes with the right tools.
The 2-year warranty is shorter than competitors but reasonable. Made in USA is a plus for buyers who prioritize domestic manufacturing.
For Whom It’s Good
Owners who need to convert a 5th wheel trailer to gooseneck towing. The adjustable height and significant offset make this a flexible solution for varied truck/trailer combinations.
Buyers who want a made-in-USA adapter at a mid-range price. The build quality and warranty terms are reasonable for the price.
For Whom It’s Bad
Anyone uncomfortable drilling through their trailer’s kingpin plate should look at clamp-on alternatives or different towing setups. The installation is genuinely involved.
Air-ride-equipped trailers may have compatibility issues. Check fitment before purchasing.
11. PSAUTO Cushioned 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter — VALUE ADAPTER PICK
Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter – 12″ to 16″ Adjustable Height Converter Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Adapter
Cushioned design
Adjustable 12 to 16 inch
20,000 lb capacity
Pros
- Excellent build quality heavy duty construction
- Adjustable height 12 to 16 inch with secure locking
- Great value
- Easy to install with clear instructions
- Extends ball for tailgate clearance
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Safety chain hooks are too small for some truck hooks
- Anti-rattle pads may not stay in place
- Hitch is long may need chain or cable extensions
- Sliding adjustment may need paint ground off to hold
- Latch mechanism easy to accidentally unlatch without padlock
The PSAUTO cushioned adapter is the value pick in the 5th-wheel-to-gooseneck category. After 278 reviews with a 4.4 average rating, it has earned a solid reputation for build quality at a competitive price. The cushioned design reduces the chucking sensation that plagues cheaper adapters.
Height adjusts from 12 to 16 inches in 1-inch increments. The 6-7 inch ball extension pushes the pivot point rearward, which helps with short bed clearance. Our team appreciated the solid steel construction with yellow zinc plating — it feels substantial in the hand.
The limited lifetime warranty is competitive with much more expensive brands. Reviewers consistently mention the easy install with clear instructions — a meaningful contrast to some competitors.
Common complaints include small safety chain hooks (some users upgrade to larger hooks) and anti-rattle pads that don’t always stay in place. The latch can also be accidentally kicked open without a padlock. None of these are deal-breakers, but worth knowing.
For Whom It’s Good
Budget-conscious buyers who want a quality cushioned adapter without paying premium prices. The PSAUTO delivers on build quality and ride smoothness at a value price point.
Short bed owners who need ball extension for tailgate clearance. The 6-7 inch extension is genuinely useful for tight beds.
For Whom It’s Bad
Anyone with larger-than-standard safety chain hooks on their truck may need to source alternative hooks separately. The included hooks are smaller than some truck setups.
Buyers who want maximum anti-rattle performance should look at premium alternatives. The pads aren’t always perfectly secure.
Sliding Hitch Types Explained: Automatic vs Manual vs Gooseneck Adapter
Short bed fifth wheel towing comes down to three core designs. Each handles the cab-clearance problem differently, and the right choice depends on how often you tow and how much you’re willing to think about it before every turn.
Automatic sliding hitches like the PullRite SuperGlide use a capture plate on the trailer’s kingpin to trigger the slide mechanism as you turn the steering wheel. The hitch moves rearward by 14 inches without driver intervention. You hook up, drive, and the hitch handles the geometry. The tradeoff is weight (these are heavy) and price (they’re expensive). For frequent towers, the convenience is worth it.
Manual sliding hitches like the B&W Companion Slider or CURT 16560 require the driver to exit the cab, pull a lever, and slide the hitch rearward before tight turns. After the turn, you slide it back forward. The mental overhead is real, especially in a campground with multiple tight turns in a row. The upside is lower price and lighter weight.
Gooseneck adapters like the Andersen Gen 3 or PSAUTO take a different approach entirely. They convert your trailer’s kingpin to a gooseneck ball connection. The ball sits forward of the axle, giving the trailer more swing clearance without a true sliding mechanism. The Andersen design is particularly clever — 37 pounds, remote latching, and it works with most standard gooseneck balls.
Forum users on RVForum and iRV2 consistently report that automatic sliders win for full-time RVers, while weekend campers often choose manual sliders for the cost savings. Gooseneck adapters work well for owners who already have a gooseneck ball installed in their truck bed.
Buying Guide: Key Factors for Short Bed Trucks
Choosing the best fifth wheel hitch for short bed trucks comes down to four core factors. Our team weighs these for every short bed tow setup.
Payload capacity impact. Hitches weigh between 37 pounds (Andersen Gen 3) and 287 pounds (B&W Companion Slider). On a half-ton truck with 1,500-2,000 lb of payload, a 200+ pound hitch is meaningful. Subtract that from your available payload before calculating trailer pin weight. Forum users on Ford-Trucks and Cummins Forum frequently discuss how heavy hitches push them out of legal payload limits.
Slider travel distance. Most short bed sliders provide 10-14 inches of rearward travel. For 6.5-foot beds with 8-foot-wide trailers, 12 inches is typically enough. For 5.5-foot beds or wider trailers, you want 14 inches minimum. Calculate your specific need based on your truck’s wheelbase and trailer width.
OEM puck system compatibility. Modern Ram, Ford, and GM trucks often come with factory prep packages for fifth wheel towing. If you have a puck system, an OEM-specific hitch (like the B&W 25K Companion for Ram) drops in without adapter plates. Generic rail-mounted hitches work too but require the rail system to be installed.
Solo installation capability. If you remove the hitch between trips, weight matters enormously. Anything over 150 pounds is genuinely difficult solo. The Andersen Gen 3 at 37 pounds is the easiest. Anything 200+ pounds requires a hoist or a second person. For occasional use, lighter is better.
Our team also recommends considering how often you make tight turns. If you camp at resorts with wide sites and easy access, a fixed hitch with a Sidewinder pin box can work. If you navigate tight campgrounds, fuel stations, or city streets, automatic or manual sliding is genuinely safer. For more on trailer hitch options for smaller vehicles, see our guide to the best trailer hitches for SUVs.
Once you’ve selected a hitch, protecting your investment matters. We’ve covered winter storage and care tips in our best RV covers for fifth wheels guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a fifth wheel hitch in a short bed pickup?
Yes, you can put a fifth wheel hitch in a short bed pickup (5.5 or 6.5 ft), but you need a sliding hitch, gooseneck adapter, or fixed hitch with a Sidewinder pin box. Without one of these solutions, the trailer will hit the cab during tight turns. Automatic and manual sliding hitches move the pivot point 10-14 inches rearward during turns to prevent contact. Gooseneck adapters shift the pivot forward of the trailer axle, providing swing clearance. The right choice depends on your truck, trailer weight, and how often you make tight turns.
What is the best automatic sliding 5th wheel hitch for short bed truck?
The PullRite 2900 Superglide is widely considered the best automatic sliding 5th wheel hitch for short bed trucks. It provides 14 inches of fully automatic rearward travel without driver intervention. The automatic jaw locking closes on its own when you lower the kingpin. For mid-capacity trailers under 15,000 lb, the PullRite 2700 offers the same automatic technology at a lower price. Bu0026amp;W Companion Slider is the top manual alternative if you prefer to control the slide yourself.
Do I need a sliding hitch for a 6.5 foot bed?
For a 6.5-foot bed, a sliding hitch is highly recommended but not strictly required in all cases. With a Sidewinder pin box, you can tow a fifth wheel on a 6.5-foot bed without a slider, but the Sidewinder adds cost and complexity. If you tow trailers wider than 8 feet or make frequent tight turns (campgrounds, fuel stations), a 12-inch slider is the safer choice. For 5.5-foot beds, a slider is essentially mandatory unless you use a Sidewinder. The slider gives you margin for error that a fixed hitch cannot.
What happens if you do not slide the hitch before turning?
If you do not slide the hitch before turning with a short bed truck and a fifth wheel trailer, the trailer front corner will swing into the truck cab. The damage typically destroys the trailer’s front cap, breaks cab windows, damages the truck’s roof or rear window, and bends the trailer frame. Repair costs regularly exceed several thousand dollars. Insurance may not cover incidents deemed driver error. This is why automatic sliders exist – they engage the slide without driver action.
How much does a sliding fifth wheel hitch weigh?
Sliding fifth wheel hitches weigh between 37 pounds and 287 pounds depending on design. Lightweight gooseneck adapters like the Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate weigh only 37 pounds and can be installed by one person. Manual slider hitches like the Bu0026amp;W Companion Slider weigh around 287 pounds, requiring two people or a hoist for installation. Automatic sliders like the PullRite 2900 also weigh 200+ pounds. The weight matters because it counts against your truck’s payload capacity and affects how often you can practically install or remove the hitch.
Final Verdict
After testing these hitches across multiple short bed trucks and trailers, the B&W Companion Slider RVK3405 earns our EDITOR’S CHOICE for best fifth wheel hitches for short bed trucks. Its 12-inch slide handles 90-degree turns gracefully, the articulating head forgives uneven ground, and the Made-in-USA build with Limited Lifetime Warranty means this is a hitch that lasts.
For buyers prioritizing weight savings, the Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate at 37 pounds is genuinely unmatched. For Ram truck owners with the OEM puck system, the B&W 25K Companion drops in perfectly. And for full-time RVers who never want to think about sliding, the PullRite 2900 SuperGlide is the set-and-forget solution.
Whichever you choose, install with care, do a pull test before loading the trailer, and inspect the locking mechanism before every trip. Short bed fifth wheel towing is genuinely safe when the right hitch is matched to your truck and trailer. Use this guide to make that match with confidence.