7 Best Fifth Wheel Hitches for Short Bed Trucks in 2026 (Researched and Compared)

Towing a fifth wheel trailer with a short bed truck presents a unique challenge: standard hitches can cause the trailer nose to strike the cab during sharp turns. The right sliding or compact fifth wheel hitch solves this by shifting the coupling point rearward when turning, giving you the clearance you need without sacrificing towing capacity.

We researched and compared six of the most popular fifth wheel hitches designed specifically for short bed applications, looking at weight ratings, ease of operation, sliding mechanisms, and real-world owner feedback to help you find the safest and most practical fit for your rig.

1. Reese Towpower 30947 Pro Series 15K Slider: Best Overall Slider

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The Reese Towpower 30947 is one of the most consistently recommended sliding fifth wheel hitches for short bed trucks. Its 12-inch slide travel provides ample cab clearance on tight turns, and the dual-jaw head latches with a satisfying mechanical click that gives drivers confidence the kingpin is secure. Owner reviews across multiple retail platforms praise the straightforward installation and the automatic slide engagement during turning.

Its main weakness is the added weight compared to a fixed hitch, which can eat into payload ratings on lighter half-ton trucks. It sits in the mid-range price tier and represents solid value for owners who want a well-known brand with broad parts availability and straightforward warranty support.

• Dual-jaw head design for secure fifth wheel kingpin coupling
• 12-inch slider rail extends rearward automatically during turns
• Fits most standard short bed trucks with under-rail mounting

Pros: Smooth, reliable sliding mechanism that engages and locks consistently; Strong 15,000 lb capacity covers most half-ton and three-quarter-ton needs
Cons: Slider adds noticeable weight over a fixed hitch, which can affect payload margin

2. B&W Companion Slider OEM Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3600: Premium Pick

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The B&W Companion Slider RVK3600 is widely considered the benchmark for short bed fifth wheel hitching. The OEM puck system integration means no drilling and no under-rail bars cluttering the bed. The 4-point sway control head keeps the trailer tracking smoothly, and the folding mechanism lets you reclaim full bed space in minutes when the hitch is not in use. Capacity at 20,000 lb and 5,000 lb pin weight covers virtually every towable fifth wheel on the market.

The significant limitation is compatibility: if your truck did not come with the OEM puck system installed at the factory, you will need an adapter kit that adds cost and complexity. This sits in the premium price tier, and while the investment is real, the engineering quality and ease of use justify it for serious towers who tow frequently.

• Integrates with OEM puck system on RAM, Ford, GM, and Nissan trucks
• 4-point tilt and pivot head for precise trailer tracking
• Folding design allows full truck bed use when not towing

Pros: OEM puck integration makes installation exceptionally clean and fast; Extremely high weight ratings suit heavy fifth wheel trailers
Cons: Requires OEM puck system in the truck bed, making it incompatible with older or non-equipped trucks without additional adapters

3. CURT 16550 Double Lock Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch: Best Budget Slider

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The CURT 16550 is a popular entry into the sliding fifth wheel hitch category, offering a 16,000 lb tow rating and a dual-lock latch that catches the kingpin from two points simultaneously. The slider mechanism activates during turns, keeping the trailer nose clear of the cab on short bed trucks. CURT is a well-distributed brand with broadly available support and documentation, which makes troubleshooting easier for DIY installers.

The brackets required to mount the CURT 16550 are not included in the box, which means the advertised price does not reflect your full out-of-pocket cost. Some owners also note that the slider requires occasional lubrication to maintain smooth operation. Overall it sits in the budget to low mid-range tier and is a reasonable choice for occasional towers who want a name-brand hitch without premium pricing.

• Double-lock latch system for added coupling security
• Slider rail moves automatically for cab clearance on turns
• Compatible with CURT under-rail brackets sold separately

Pros: Competitive capacity rating at a budget-friendly price point; Double-lock latch provides redundant security for the kingpin
Cons: Bracket system sold separately adds to the total cost and installation time

4. PullRite 2900 Superglide Automatic Sliding Hitch: Smoothest Slide Action

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The PullRite 2900 Superglide takes a different approach to the short bed problem by making the entire sliding process fully automatic. As the truck turns, the hitch slides rearward without any input from the driver, which removes one variable from the towing equation. The low-profile design keeps the coupling point closer to the truck bed floor, which lowers the effective center of gravity and contributes to noticeably smoother towing behavior on highways and winding roads.

The main drawback is price. The Superglide commands a premium cost that will feel steep for owners who tow only a few times per year. Installation is also more involved than simpler rail-based systems and may benefit from professional help the first time. For frequent towers who want the least manual intervention possible, it is a worthy investment at the premium tier.

• Fully automatic slide requires no manual intervention during turns
• Integrated weight-distributing design for stable towing
• Low-profile build reduces center of gravity compared to tall hitches

Pros: Fully automatic mechanism means zero driver action needed when turning; Low center of gravity improves overall towing stability
Cons: Higher price than most competitors, placing it firmly in the premium segment

5. Demco 8550046 Autoslide Fifth Wheel Hitch: Best for Ram Trucks

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The Demco Autoslide earns its reputation among Ram truck owners who haul heavy fifth wheel trailers. The 21,000 lb tow capacity and 5,250 lb pin weight are at the top of the consumer slider category, and the brake-activated locking mechanism keeps the hitch firmly in the towing position when the truck is at a standstill, then automatically unlocks when you begin moving and turning. This removes the risk of the hitch sliding at the wrong moment.

The wiring requirement for the brake-activation feature is the most frequently cited frustration. Owners who are not comfortable with basic truck wiring may need to pay for installation, which increases the total cost. The hitch itself sits in the mid-range to premium tier. It is best suited for high-capacity towing applications where its top-end ratings justify the additional setup complexity.

• Brake-activated automatic slide locks in place when truck stops
• 21,000 lb capacity among the highest in the slider category
• Compatible with Ram and other puck-system trucks

Pros: Exceptionally high tow and pin weight ratings for heavy trailers; Brake-activated lock prevents unwanted movement at rest
Cons: Brake-activation feature requires a wiring connection that some users find complicated to set up

6. Lippert 1116 Rhino Fifth Wheel Slider Hitch: Solid Entry-Level

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The Lippert 1116 Rhino is a straightforward manual-slide fifth wheel hitch built for owners who prefer mechanical simplicity over automation. The powder-coated steel frame holds up well to weather, and the wide-mouth jaw design makes aligning the kingpin easier when hitching solo. At 16,000 lb capacity it covers a broad range of travel trailers and fifth wheels in the light to moderate weight class.

The manual slide is the clear limitation compared to automatic alternatives. Drivers must stop, get out of the truck, and manually release the slide lock before making sharp turns, which adds steps to what should be a seamless process. This is a budget-tier hitch and the price reflects that, making it an acceptable starting point for infrequent towers or those new to fifth wheel towing who want to keep costs low while learning the process.

• Manual slide release lever is simple and mechanically reliable
• Powder-coated steel frame resists corrosion over time
• Wide head jaw opening simplifies kingpin hookup

Pros: Simple manual mechanism means fewer potential points of failure; Wide jaw eases solo hitching in tight spaces
Cons: Manual slide requires the driver to stop, exit, and operate the release lever before sharp turns

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always need a sliding hitch for a short bed truck?

Not always, but it depends on your specific truck and trailer combination. A short bed is generally defined as under 6 feet 6 inches. If your trailer manufacturer requires a minimum clearance during turns that your truck cannot provide with a fixed hitch, a slider is necessary. Many towing guides recommend measuring the distance between the back of your cab and the front cap of the trailer at full turn before deciding. When in doubt, a sliding hitch is the safer choice.

What is the difference between an automatic and a manual sliding hitch?

An automatic sliding hitch shifts the coupling point rearward on its own as you steer, requiring no driver action during turns. A manual slider requires you to stop the truck, exit, and manually release a lock before making tight turns, then re-lock it afterward. Automatic sliders are more convenient for frequent towers, while manual sliders cost less and have fewer moving parts that can wear or fail over time.

How do I know if a fifth wheel hitch fits my truck bed?

Most hitches use either a universal under-rail mounting system with brackets, or a truck-specific OEM puck system. Check your truck’s bed for the puck pattern first. If your truck has the OEM puck system from the factory, look for hitches designed to use it directly. If not, you will need a hitch with an adjustable under-rail bracket system. Always confirm the hitch head height matches your trailer’s kingpin height for level towing.

What tow capacity do I need for a typical fifth wheel trailer?

Most recreational fifth wheel trailers weigh between 10,000 and 18,000 lb loaded. A hitch rated at 16,000 to 20,000 lb covers the majority of trailers on the market. Always match your hitch capacity to your truck’s towing rating, not just the trailer weight. The weakest link in the system determines your safe towing limit, so confirm the truck’s gross combined weight rating before choosing a hitch.

Can I use a fifth wheel hitch for a short bed on a long bed truck?

Yes, a sliding fifth wheel hitch can be used on a long bed truck, but the extra slide travel is rarely needed since long beds typically provide enough clearance with a fixed hitch. Using a slider on a long bed is not harmful, but you may be spending more than necessary. If you later switch to a short bed truck, the hitch would remain useful, so there is some flexibility in keeping a slider long term.

Our Verdict

After researching and comparing these six options, the B&W Companion Slider RVK3600 stands out as the top pick for short bed truck owners who want the cleanest install, the highest capacity, and the most refined towing experience. Its OEM puck integration and folding design are hard to beat for regular towers. For those who want a reliable automatic slider without the premium price, the Reese Towpower 30947 Pro Series is the best runner up, offering strong capacity, a smooth sliding mechanism, and wide availability at a more accessible mid-range cost.