5th wheel hitches are the desired option for towing heavy and large trailers and cab with a truck. In this guide we'll explore the best fifth wheel hitches for short bed trucks which offer superior weight outputs and stability.
What is a Fifth Wheel Hitch?
A fifth wheel hitch gets used for towing hardware. It is heavier and more significant than the traditional trailers. The best hitch gets designed to absorb bumps so that you can have a smooth ride.
The hitch settles over the rear wheels of the truck and provides stable support. It gets attached to the bed of a short bed truck. 5th wheel hitches often get permanently affixed to the short truck bed.
Different Types of Fifth Wheel Hitches
Fifth wheel hitches get designed to haul huge weights. There are different types of hitches for short and long bed trucks. When you gain awareness about them, it will help you make an intelligent choice.
Fixed
A fixed hitch is one of the best options if you are on a budget. Most of these best models get designed for long bed trucks. Fixed hitches get installed to the bottom of the bed of your truck. It is heavy and not versatile.
Before installing the fixed hitches, you should ensure adequate space between the truck and the hitch. It will help prevent your vehicle from smashing into a corner whenever you take a turn.
The significant benefit of a fixed hitch is that it is sturdy and has an excellent towing capacity. Always choose a fixed hitch with a dual jaw system. A single jaw system also works well. It helps in locking the connection securely to the fifth wheel trailer. The secure connection reduces the jerking movement when towing.
Manual
The manual hitch is less expensive than the sliding hitch. If you install a manual slide hitch, you will have to pull to the side of the road whenever you have to take a turn. It is because the front of the trailer is close to the cab. If you don’t do this, the cab might get damaged.
Auto
The auto slide is like the manual slide. The only difference is that it works automatically. It means you don’t have to pull the truck to one side of the road before turning. The best automatic slide models cost more due to their unique features.
Gooseneck
Gooseneck hitches are a popular choice as they have the best features. A turnover ball system gets used when you mount the gooseneck to the frame of the truck. Installation is easy. When not in use, you can flip the ball back, which restores the truck box’s functioning.
Ranch
The ranch hitch adapter gets attached to the kingpin. You can adjust the height of the kingpin. When choosing a ranch 5th wheel hitch, you're required to select a hitch at least with an 8-inch offset. It helps in maintaining the turning radius.
Sliding
The fifth wheel sliding hitch is the best option if you have a short bed truck (6.5 feet or a smaller size). It will ensure that the trailer will not crash into the cab when you make a turn.
The best and unique design of this hitch helps create room for the trailer. The extra space that gets created helps make tight turns without hitting the cab. The kingpin gets positioned to move back or forward along with the slide bars.
Benefits of Installing a Fifth Wheel Hitch
Tow Heavy Weights
One of the most significant benefits of a 5th wheel hitch is that it can tow heavyweights. The heavyweight capacity is due to the construction quality and location of the hitch. Make sure you buy only the best wheel hitch for a short bed.
The weight of the trailer often presses next to the rear axle of the short bed truck. It enables it to take a greater load in comparison to the rear bumper. The hitches work well with fifth wheel trailers and campers for cargo and other things.
Reduce Damage
A 5th wheel hitch helps reduce damage to the trailer or truck during transit. You will be able to maneuver the trailer easily in comparison to a ball hitch. It is because there is space for the trailer and hitch to pivot around the truck.
Stabilize Heavy Loads
Apart from excellent weight capacity, the fifth wheel hitch also provides stability. When you connect a fifth-wheel trailer to a truck bed, it ensures the load is stable. It is due to the location of the hitch. It will also help you tow the trailer on challenging terrain.
Drawbacks of Fixing a 5th Wheel Hitch in a Short Bed Truck Permanently
If you get the 5th wheel hitch fixed in the truck’s box forever, it can lead to some issues. The short bed means you already have limited space in your vehicle. When you place a hitch in the truck bed, you may find the space getting further constrained.
When you have limited space, you might find it difficult to even fit a toolbox. You can overcome this drawback by opting for fifth wheel hitches that are lightweight.
The biggest advantage of installing such hitches is that you can install and remove them whenever you want. You don’t need heavy tools and equipment to install and remove the hitch.
Do remember that you might need the help of another person when installing or removing the lightweight fifth wheel hitches. When not in use, you can remove the hitch, creating extra space in the truck bed.
Brief Explanation of the Different Parts of a Fifth-Wheel Hitch
Many moving parts make up a 5th wheel hitch. When you understand what these parts are and how they work, you will find the best fifth-wheel hitch.
The King Pin
It is that component that gets firmly affixed to the fifth-wheel trailer. It helps connect the hitch coupler. Apart from this, it also helps turn when you start towing.
Hitch Coupler
It is an even part of the hitch. It is set in the case of the pickup truck. The main job of this part is to interact with the 5th wheel trailer. The part gets welded or bolted to the frame of the bed of your truck.
Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch
It is one of the most crucial parts you need to pay attention to when choosing the best fifth wheel hitch for your short bed truck. The best fifth wheel hitch has got specifically designed as per industry standard to slide both forward and backward in the truck bed.
The part helps pull the trailer smoothly when it is going forward. It ensures the turning angle is perfect when the trailer goes through the corners. It prevents the best fifth wheel hitch from hitting the cab when you take tight turns.
Hitch Locking Leveler
The design of the component helps you place a lockdown on the bar. It plays an essential role in releasing the receiver from the wheel pin box. The lock helps prevent the fifth wheel from accidentally detaching.
Pucks
Pucks are attachments in the bed of the truck. These attachments ensure that the under-bed frame has a hitch preparation package installed.
Mounting Rails
The mounting rails help attach the truck bed to the 5th wheel hitch. You can link it to the bed of the truck. You can later attach the hitch coupler.
Extended Pin Box
When you make tight turns, it prevents the front of the fifth trailer from hitting the rear of the cab.
How to Choose the Right Fifth Wheel Hitch for Short Bed Trucks
Pivoting Head
The trailer slides in and connects to the head of the fifth wheel hitch. When you tow the trailer, it creates a secure connection. Most experts recommend an articulating head. It will rotate with the trailer even on challenging terrain.
A two-way pivoting system also gets used by some heads. It will twist along one axis. A four-way pivot head is expensive. It articulates along two axes, and this provides stability. If you want to get the proper connection, then a self-aligning head with a height change feature is also good.
Mounting System
If you want to mount a hitch to a truck, you'll need a base. Most hitches use rail kits for this purpose. It often comes along with the hitch, or it gets sold separately. You can bolt the rails into the frame of the truck. It offers better stability.
The other available mounting systems include above the bed mounting system and under the bed mounting system. A base or a bracket gets used to attach these mounting systems to the hitch.
Usage
There are many things that you have to consider when towing and owning a camper. When you buy easy to use hitches, it will make your life a lot easier.
Complicated hitching mechanisms will make maintenance and installation a challenging task. If you want to learn more about hitch usage, you can refer to the owner’s manual for more information.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a fifth wheel hitch will enable you to find out how much weight it will be able to tow. Due to this, the weight capacity of the hitch needs to be equal to the weight of the truck.
It is the most crucial thing you will have to consider before you buy a hitch. You not only need a hitch that will tow a camper, but you also need a truck that can tow. Find the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the vehicle. Do an online VIN search to determine the information. You may also find this information inside the trucks driver’s door on a sticker.
Brand
There are many prominent brands of fifth wheel hitches available for trucks. The most reputed brand includes B&W, Anderson, Curt, and Resse.
Resse Hitches
Resse Hitches, founded in 1977, specializes in towing accessory design and towing hitch manufacturing. The company offers a complete line of hitches and parts for any truck or vehicle.
Curt Hitches
It is a well-known brand that produces towing products. Weight distribution hitches and gooseneck hitches are famous lines of the brand.
Ease of Installation
Choosing a simple installation process is best when selecting the best fifth wheel hitches for short bed trucks. You should be able to install the hitches on your own without spending much time and effort.
Even though professional hitch installations are the best, you will save money to install the hitch on your own.
Check Out the 8 Best Fifth Wheel Hitches for Short Bed Trucks
Let's take a close look at our top choices.
1. Andersen Aluminum Hitches Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection
Anderson hitches offer the most affordable fifth wheel hitches to tow your vehicle. Different tow vehicles need different types of fifth wheel hitches, so Anderson offers different kinds of hitches.
This hitch has three height adjustments. 19-1/8 in the upper position, 17-7/8 in the middle position and 16-3/4 in the lower position. The fifth wheel connection has got designed to give a smooth ride.
The custom ball offers 3” of adjustable height and the ball is inside a greaseless coupler. It means no more mess and dirty hands when handing the hitch. The swivel of the hitch also improves. You will be able to move the hitch in any direction you want.
The Anderson fifth wheel connection fits not only on short bed trucks but also on long and standard truck beds. The hitch is also easy to install.
The design of the B&W Companion is rail free. It comes with a mounting system. As it is rail free, there are no limitations on how you can use the truck bed. The high-grade construction and unique design of the hitch ensure that it lasts long.
This dual jaw and other components of the hitch get made of steel. The powder-coated exterior helps avoid corrosion. The B&W Companion hitch has a four-way pivoting head. It ensures that the fifth wheel hitch remains stable.
You will be able to adjust the hitch vertically in three positions (from 16 ¼ inches to 18 ¼ inches). There are three positions in the back to front adjustments, and they can get used for coupling.
The cam action latching feature ensures you get an easy release even if you have parked the truck on uneven ground. With a trailer gross weight rating of 20,000 lbs. and 5,000 lbs. on the tongue, the B&W Companion is a good choice for a 5th wheel hitch.
The Curt fifth wheel hitch features the patented spherical axial bearing. It allows you to tilt the hitch head in any direction you want. The fifth wheel gets engineered to provide the quietest towing experience possible.
A three-position coupling indicator shows the coupling status of the trailer and the hitch. The indicator will let you know when the fifth wheel gets coupled, decoupled and ready to tow.
The short-throw handle has an ergonomic design making it easy to handle the fifth-wheel. You will also be able to lock the handle. It provides extra security to your trucks on the road.
The Curt fifth wheel hitch has got tested and rated for a weight capacity of 20,000 pounds. Apart from this, it is also available in capacities of 24,000 and 25,000 with different mounting options.
The dual jaws ensure that the kingpin gets 360-degree contact. It helps in resisting chucking noises. The powder-coated fifth wheel hitch prevents corrosion and ensures a long lifespan.
The PullRite fifth wheel hitch is affordable and designed to tow lightweight trailers. The best thing about this hitch is the ability to remove it when you don’t want to use it for towing. It enables you to use the truck bed in any way you want.
When making a turn, the fifth wheel can move up to 14 inches. It is more than 50 per cent what other manually sliding hitches do. The fifth wheel works automatically when you make short turns when driving the truck.
The rotary latch and dual-pivot head features are unique. Also, the rotary latch locks automatically when you hook up the trailer. The latch design is gear driven and helps minimize the bumps when you tow.
The Reese Elite fifth wheel unit comes pre-assembled. It will help save a lot of time on installation. The wide footprint of the hitch increases stability. The fifth wheel hitch comes with an extended handle that can get locked to offer better security for your trucks.
With a weight capacity of 18,000 lbs., the hitch will be able to tow heavy loads. The hitch will not fit a short truck with a side-by-side flare. The stamped rounded head helps pivot in four different ways.
The Curt fifth wheel hitch features a dual pivoting head. It ensures ten degrees of lateral movement, and this promotes stable and smooth towing. The coupler has an automatic locking feature. It makes the coupling process secure and easy.
The anti-rattle skid plate helps reduce vibration and rattling at the coupling point. The sliding hitch allows for 12 inches of extra turning space for your trucks. You can mount the hitch on any standard short bed truck.
This Pro Series fifth wheel is one of the most efficient hitches available. The four-way pivoting system makes it easy to move the fifth wheel in any direction you want. The installation process is easy, and you will be able to do it on your own.
When looking at the towing capacity, it is 20,000 lbs. This makes the hitch for short bed capable of hauling big loads. The lightweight fifth wheel is affordable.
This Curt 5th wheel hitch for short bed has a load of features that makes it one of the best hitches for short bed trucks. The 360-degree tilt feature allows the coupling point and hitch head to tilt in any direction. The double jaw construction wraps around the kingpin and ensures a smooth towing experience.
This fifth wheel is affordable and has a remarkable loading capacity of 24,000 lbs.
Tips for Installing
How to Install A Fifth Wheel Hitch on A Short Bed Truck?
Installing a fifth wheel hitch for short beds is challenging. There are a few things you'll need to complete the installation process.
Brake Controller
You'll require a brake control unit to control the brakes of the 5th wheel. You will find the unit in the cab.
Corded Drill
A 1/16-inch drill and a ¾ inch step drill will get used. It gets utilised for drilling holes in the wheel hitch for a short truck bed.
Extension Harness
It is the power system transmitting braking information between the wheel trailer and the cab. When you have to brake, the harness sends information to the braking system of the fifth wheel.
Padlock
It secures the kingpin to the hitch for short truck beds.
Ratchet
After you have aligned the slide rails and the brackets mounted, you'll need a ratchet to attach the bolts.
Nylon Boot Plate
It ensures that the wheel hitches for a short bed don’t get scratches on the top.
Tape Measure
It is one of the most crucial components you'll need to install evenly. If the installation is not even, it will affect the efficiency of the hitch for short truck beds.
Torque Wrench
After you connect everything, you can use the wrench to tighten the connections. It will make the hitch roadworthy.
A simple installation guide will help you complete the process without much effort.
Common Questions & Answers
What is the best 5th wheel hitch for a short bed truck?
If you want to choose the best 5th wheel hitch for a short bed truck, you will have to measure the short bed length. You should also consider weight and towing capacity.
Can I put a 5th wheel hitch in a short bed truck?
You will be able to tow a 5th wheel trailer with a short bed truck. You don’t need a sliding hitch to do so. Always consider the weight and towing capacity before choosing.
Can you pull the 5th wheel with a 5.5 ft box?
The 5th wheel is capable of pulling a 5.5 ft box. The fifth wheel is capable of pulling more weight than any other tool.
Does a 6.5 ft bed need a sliding fifth-wheel?
If you have a 6.5 ft short bed truck, you don't need a slider hitch. Most short bed trucks need a slider hitch. The trailer width needs to get measured before you choose a fifth wheel.
How does a fifth wheel hitch work?
The fifth wheel gets attached to the short bed truck, which helps you tow heavy and oversized loads. The trailer gets connected to the 5th wheel hitch using a kingpin.
How much does a fifth wheel hitch weigh?
The weight of a fifth-wheel hitch varies from 7,000 – 20,000 pounds. The lightest fifth-wheel trailer is 2,400 pounds, whereas the heaviest is 20,000 pounds.
Is a sliding 5th wheel hitch necessary?
If you have a short bed truck, a sliding 5th wheel hitch is preferable. The rear axle is close to the cab on the short trucks, unlike long trucks. The trailer is close to the cab on short bed trucks.
How to put a fifth wheel hitch in a truck?
The hitch gets attached to the short bed between the rear axle and the cab of the truck. The exact place where you need to put the fifth wheel in a truck will be available in the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Are all 5th wheel hitches the same?
There are different models and types of 5th wheel hitches. From a two-way pivot head, four-way pivot head, and sliding fifth wheel hitches, you have many options to choose from, depending on your specific needs.
In Summary
Our choice of the best fifth wheel hitches for short bed trucks is Andersen Aluminum Hitches Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection. The Anderson Hitch has some fantastic features, and this makes it a preferred choice. You will also love the design and the convenience it offers.