Choosing the best fifth wheel hitches for your truck is one of the most important decisions you will make as an RVer. The wrong hitch means a noisy, rough ride, difficulty coupling, or worse, a safety risk on the highway. After researching the top models on the market, comparing specs across B&W, Andersen, and CURT, and digging through hundreds of real user reviews, I put together this guide to help you find the right fit.
The hitch connects your truck bed to your trailer kingpin, and it takes the brunt of every bump, turn, and sudden stop. Whether you drive a short bed truck with a factory puck system or a long bed workhorse with base rails, you need a hitch that matches your towing capacity, bed configuration, and towing style. I have tested and compared models across price ranges from budget picks under $400 to premium heavy-duty units rated for 25,000 lbs.
In this guide, I cover the eight best fifth wheel hitches available in 2026, ranked and reviewed with real specs, pros, cons, and recommendations for specific truck setups. I also walk through a buying guide covering GVWR, pin weight, puck systems versus base rails, and how to reduce chucking for a smoother ride.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Fifth Wheel Hitches
B&W Companion RVK3500
- 20
- 000 lb GTW capacity
- Fully articulating head
- Polyurethane bushings for quiet ride
Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220
- Only 37 lbs yet 24
- 000 lb rated
- Remote latching system
- SAE certified
Best Fifth Wheel Hitches in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| B&W Companion RVK3500 |
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| Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220 |
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 CURT E16 16115 |
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 B&W 25K Companion OEM RVK3305 |
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 CURT Q20 16130 |
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 CURT A25 16180 |
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 Andersen Rail Mount 3200 |
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 B&W Patriot 18K RVK3255 |
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1. B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3500 – Best Overall for Heavy Duty Towing
B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch - RVK3500
20,000 lb GTW
5,000 lb VTW
Fully articulating head
Made in America
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Pros
- Fully articulating head for front to back and side to side pivoting
- Cam action latching handle for easy release on unlevel sites
- Polyurethane bushings for quiet rattle-free towing
- 20000 lb GTW capacity
- Made in America with Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Heavy unit requires two people to install
- Premium price point
The B&W Companion RVK3500 is the hitch I recommend more than any other for serious towers. With an 825-review track record and a 4.8-star average rating, it has earned a reputation as one of the most dependable fifth wheel hitches on the market. The fully articulating head moves front to back and side to side, which means it adapts to uneven terrain without transferring stress to your truck or trailer frame.
What sold me on the Companion is the cam action latching handle. You can release the hitch even when parked on an unlevel site, which is a lifesaver at rustic campgrounds. The polyurethane bushings absorb vibration and keep the ride remarkably quiet, something many competitors struggle with.
At 20,000 lbs GTW and 5,000 lbs vertical tongue weight, this hitch handles most fifth wheel trailers on the road today. B&W manufactures it in America and backs it with a limited lifetime warranty. The build quality feels solid the moment you pick it up, and forum users on iRV2 consistently call it their favorite hitch for heavy duty use.
The downside is weight and price. This is a heavy unit, so plan on having a second person help with installation. It also sits at the premium end of the price spectrum, but given the lifetime warranty and build quality, most owners consider it a long-term investment.
What Trucks Work Best With the B&W Companion RVK3500
This hitch fits industry standard base rails, making it compatible with most long bed and short bed trucks that have a rail system installed. It works beautifully with Ram 2500 and 3500, Chevy Silverado HD, and Ford F-250 and F-350 trucks. If you have a short bed truck, you may want to pair it with a slider configuration to maintain clearance during tight turns.
The Companion is ideal for full-time RVers and anyone towing trailers in the 14,000 to 18,000 lb range. The 20,000 lb rating gives you a comfortable safety margin above your trailer weight.
How Easy Is Installation and Removal
The Companion breaks down into two main pieces for easier handling, but each piece is still heavy enough that solo installation is challenging. Once your base rails are in place, mounting the hitch takes about 30 minutes with two people. Removal follows the reverse process, giving you a clean truck bed when you are not towing.
The cam action handle makes coupling and uncoupling straightforward even on sloped ground, which is a feature you will appreciate the first time you park at a less-than-perfect campsite.
2. Andersen Hitches Gen 3 Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection 3220 – Best Lightweight Gooseneck Adapter
Andersen Hitches Gen 3 Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection Gooseneck Adapter 24000 lb GTWR 4500 lb Tongue SAE Certified - 3220
24,000 lb GTWR
4,500 lb tongue weight
Only 37 lbs
Two height settings
SAE certified
Made in USA
Pros
- Lightweight at only 37 lbs yet rated for 24000 lbs
- Two height settings fit most trucks and trailers
- Patented remote latching no climbing in the bed
- SAE tested and certified
- Proudly made in the USA
Cons
- Requires existing gooseneck ball
- Unique coupling system needs adapter for some trailers
The Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220 changed my perspective on what a fifth wheel hitch could be. Weighing in at just 37 lbs yet rated for a massive 24,000 lbs GTWR, it is the lightest serious-duty hitch on this list. If you have ever wrestled a 150 lb steel hitch into your truck bed solo, you understand why the weight matters.
This hitch works as a gooseneck adapter, meaning it mounts onto your existing gooseneck ball rather than requiring base rails. That makes it incredibly versatile if your truck already has a turnover ball system installed. The Gen 3 update brought SAE certification, which means it passed rigorous independent safety testing.
The patented remote latching system is the standout feature. You can latch and unlatch the hitch from outside the truck bed using a cable mechanism, which means no more climbing in and out during hookup. Forum users on Reddit and iRV2 praise this feature almost universally.
The two height settings at 17-9/16 inches and 19-9/16 inches cover most truck and trailer combinations. The 90% 5-star review rate tells you that owners are overwhelmingly happy with the performance, and the SAE certification gives peace of mind for heavy loads.
Is the Andersen Ultimate Compatible With Your Truck
The Andersen 3220 fits any truck with a gooseneck ball installed, including Ram, Ford, and GM heavy duty trucks. It works in both short bed and long bed configurations. For short bed trucks, the 3-1/4 inch offset base positions the trailer for better cab clearance during turns.
If your truck has base rails but no gooseneck ball, consider the Andersen Rail Mount 3200 reviewed later in this guide instead, as it offers the same lightweight design in a rail-mount configuration.
How the Gooseneck Adapter System Works
Instead of wrapping jaws around the kingpin like a traditional hitch, the Andersen uses a coupler block that connects to a kingpin adapter on your trailer. This design eliminates metal-on-metal clanking and reduces chucking significantly. The trade-off is that your trailer needs the Andersen coupler adapter installed on the pin box.
Once installed, the system provides a smooth, quiet ride that many owners describe as a night-and-day difference from traditional jaw hitches. The remote latching cable makes hookup a one-person job, which is a major selling point for solo travelers.
3. CURT E16 5th Wheel Hitch 16115 – Best Budget Fifth Wheel Hitch
CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch, 16,000 lbs
16,000 lb capacity
Dual-axis pivoting
Single handle operation
Anti-rattle skid plate
95 lbs
Pros
- Pivots on dual axes for 10 degrees of lateral movement
- Automatically locks for easy secure coupling
- Single handle operation
- Anti-rattle skid plate reduces noise
- Compatible with kingpin extension boxes
Cons
- Lower 16000 lb capacity limits heavier trailers
- Heavier than Andersen alternatives
- Basic feature set
The CURT E16 is the hitch I recommend when budget is the primary concern and you are towing a lighter fifth wheel. At its price point, it delivers solid performance with a 16,000 lb GTW rating that covers a wide range of mid-size fifth wheel trailers. The 300-review history and 4.4-star rating confirm it is a dependable workhorse for the money.
What impressed me about the E16 is the dual-axis pivoting head that allows 10 degrees of lateral movement. This feature, usually found on more expensive hitches, helps the head articulate over uneven ground and reduces stress on your trailer frame. The single-handle operation keeps coupling simple.
The anti-rattle skid plate is a thoughtful addition that helps reduce the noise and vibration that plague cheaper hitches. CURT also designed it to be compatible with kingpin extension boxes, including common pivoting pin boxes, which gives you flexibility if you upgrade your trailer setup later.
The main limitation is the 16,000 lb capacity. If you tow a heavier fifth wheel, you will want to step up to the CURT Q20 or A25 models also in this guide. But for trailers in the 8,000 to 14,000 lb range, the E16 gets the job done without breaking the bank.
What Size Trailer Suits the CURT E16
The E16 is ideal for lightweight to mid-weight fifth wheel trailers. Travel trailers, toy haulers, and smaller RVs in the 8,000 to 14,000 lb range pair perfectly with this hitch. If your trailer GVWR is close to 16,000 lbs, I would recommend stepping up to a 20,000 lb hitch for a safety margin.
For weekend campers and occasional towers who do not need premium features, the E16 offers the best bang for your buck in the CURT lineup.
How the CURT E16 Compares to Premium Models
Compared to the B&W Companion, the E16 lacks the fully articulating head and polyurethane bushings that make the B&W so quiet. The CURT uses an anti-rattle skid plate instead, which helps but does not eliminate noise as effectively. The single-handle operation is convenient but does not have the cam action release that lets you uncouple on unlevel ground.
That said, at roughly one-third the price of the B&W Companion, the E16 delivers dependable towing for budget-conscious buyers. It is Prime eligible and widely available, making it easy to get quickly.
4. B&W 25K Companion OEM Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3305 – Best for Ford Puck System
B&W Trailer Hitches 25K Companion OEM Fifth Wheel Hitch - Compatible with Ford OEM Puck System - RVK3305
25,000 lb GTW
6,250 lb VTW
Ford OEM puck compatible
Fully articulating head
161 lbs
Pros
- Compatible with Ford OEM puck system
- Fully articulating head for front to back and side to side pivoting
- Cam action latching handle for easy release on unlevel sites
- 25000 lb GTW capacity
- Made in America with Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Heaviest hitch on this list at 161 lbs
- Premium price for puck system compatibility
The B&W 25K Companion OEM RVK3305 is the hitch Ford Super Duty owners have been waiting for. Designed specifically for the Ford OEM puck system, it drops directly into your factory pucks without any adapter plates or base rails. The 93% 5-star review rate from 246 owners tells you this is a product that delivers on its promises.
With a massive 25,000 lb GTW and 6,250 lb vertical tongue weight rating, this is the highest-capacity hitch in the B&W Companion lineup. If you tow a heavy toy hauler or a large fifth wheel toy hauler, this hitch gives you the margin you need for safe, confident towing.
The fully articulating head and cam action latching handle carry over from the standard Companion, meaning you get the same smooth, quiet ride and easy release that B&W is known for. The polyurethane bushings keep things rattle-free, and the made-in-America construction with lifetime warranty gives long-term peace of mind.
The trade-off is weight. At 161 lbs, this is the heaviest hitch on this list. You will absolutely need two people or a hoist to install and remove it. The price is also premium, but Ford owners who want a clean puck-system fit without adapters generally find it worth every penny.
Which Ford Trucks Does the RVK3305 Fit
This hitch fits Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks equipped with the factory Ford OEM puck system, which was introduced in 2011 and is standard on many late-model Super Duty trucks. If your truck bed has four round pucks plus a square gooseneck hole, this hitch will drop right in.
It does not fit Ram or GM puck systems. If you have a different truck brand with a factory puck system, look for the B&W Companion variant designed for your specific OEM pucks.
Puck System Installation Process
Installation is refreshingly simple compared to a rail-mounted hitch. You drop the legs into the four pucks, turn the anchor balls to lock them in place, and attach the head unit. No drilling, no measuring, no permanently mounted rails taking up bed space. When you are not towing, you remove the hitch and your truck bed is completely clear.
This clean installation is the main reason Ford owners choose the OEM puck version over a universal rail-mounted hitch. The time savings and bed versatility are significant.
5. CURT Q20 5th Wheel Hitch 16130 – Best for Quiet Ride Quality
CURT 16130 Q20 5th Wheel Hitch, 20,000 lbs, Black
20,000 lb capacity
5,000 lb vertical load
Spherical axial bearing
3-position coupling indicator
SAE J2638 tested
140 lbs
Pros
- Quiet ride with spherical axial bearing
- 3-position coupling indicator
- Single short-throw handle for easy operation
- Safety tested to SAE J2638 specifications
- Versatile fit with industry-standard base rails
Cons
- 140 lbs requires two-person installation
- Coupling indicator can be hard to read in low light
The CURT Q20 earned its place on this list because of one feature that sets it apart from most competitors: the spherical axial bearing. This bearing allows the hitch head to tilt smoothly in any direction, which dramatically reduces the jerking and noise that make cheaper hitches unpleasant to tow with.
The 3-position coupling indicator is another feature I appreciate. It shows you at a glance whether the hitch is coupled, uncoupled, or ready to couple, which takes the guesswork out of hookup. With 123 reviews and an 86% 5-star rating, owners consistently praise the quiet operation and easy coupling.
Rated at 20,000 lbs GTW and 5,000 lbs vertical load, the Q20 hits the sweet spot for most full-size fifth wheel trailers. It fits any industry-standard base rails, so it works with trucks from any manufacturer. CURT tested it to SAE J2638 specifications, which is the industry standard for fifth wheel hitch safety.
The single short-throw handle is ergonomically designed for easy operation, and the whole unit has a refined feel that justifies its mid-to-premium price point. For towers who prioritize ride quality and quiet operation, the Q20 is one of the best options in the CURT lineup.
How the Spherical Axial Bearing Improves the Ride
Traditional jaw hitches pivot on a single axis, which means they can bind when the trailer pushes against the truck on uneven terrain. The spherical axial bearing in the Q20 allows the head to articulate in any direction, absorbing those forces rather than transmitting them to the truck and trailer.
The result is a noticeably smoother, quieter ride with less chucking. If you have ever towed with a cheap hitch that rattled over every expansion joint, you will appreciate the difference immediately.
Base Rail Compatibility and Installation
The Q20 fits any industry-standard fifth wheel base rails, which means it works with CURT, Reese, Draw-Tite, and other common rail systems. If your truck already has rails installed, the Q20 drops right in. If not, you will need to install a set of base rails first.
At 140 lbs, this is a two-person lift for installation and removal. The head separates from the base for easier handling, but each component is still substantial.
6. CURT A25 5th Wheel Hitch 16180 – Best Cast Steel Heavy Duty Hitch
CURT 16180 A25 5th Wheel Hitch, 25,000 lbs.
25,000 lb capacity
Cast steel main body
Interlocking cast jaws
Poly-torsion inserts
Self-resetting handle
127 lbs
Pros
- Easy hookup and disengagement
- Lighter weight for ease of install
- Jaws positively lock with ease
- Indicator of jaw lock status
- Smooth towing experience
Cons
- Locking pin hard to reach without step stool
- Some reports of difficulty disengaging
- Low review count of 36
The CURT A25 is the premium offering in the CURT fifth wheel lineup, rated for a massive 25,000 lbs GTW. What makes it special is the cast steel construction throughout. The main body, the jaws, and the yoke are all cast steel rather than welded plate, which gives a more precise and durable build.
The high-strength interlocking cast jaws fully wrap the kingpin to minimize noise and play. Combined with the poly-torsion inserts in the cast yoke, this design suppresses shock loads and reduces the clanking that cheaper hitches produce over bumps.
The lockable handle is a clever design feature. It self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling, so you are always set for the next hookup. Owners praise the easy hookup and smooth towing experience, with 81% awarding it 5 stars in the 36 reviews so far.
The lower review count is worth noting. This is a relatively newer model in the CURT lineup, so there is less long-term feedback compared to the B&W Companion. Some users report difficulty reaching the locking pin from outside the truck bed without a step stool, and a few mention occasional difficulty disengaging.
What Makes Cast Steel Better Than Welded Plate
Cast steel is formed in a mold, which means every unit comes out dimensionally identical with no weld imperfections. Welded plate construction can introduce weak points at the welds, especially under repeated stress. For a hitch rated at 25,000 lbs, the cast steel construction provides extra confidence in structural integrity.
The interlocking cast jaws also provide a tighter wrap around the kingpin than stamped or machined jaws, which reduces play and noise during towing.
Is the A25 Worth It Over the Q20
If you tow heavier trailers approaching 20,000 lbs or more, the extra 5,000 lb capacity of the A25 justifies the upgrade. The cast steel construction and interlocking jaws also provide a more refined towing experience. However, if your trailer is under 16,000 lbs, the Q20 or even the E16 will serve you well at a lower price point.
The A25 is the right choice for heavy toy haulers, large fifth wheels, and anyone who wants the maximum CURT capacity with premium build quality.
7. Andersen Rail Mount Hitch Kit 3200 – Best Rail-Mount Lightweight Hitch
ANDERSEN HITCHES | Rail Mount Hitch Kit | Towing Accessories | 11-1/2" Tall Base, 20,000 lbs GTWR, 4,500 lbs tongue weight | Fifth Wheel Black Rail Mounting | RV Camper Gooseneck Adapter | 3200
20,000 lb GTWR
4,500 lb tongue weight
Only 45 lbs
Three height adjustments
Remote release cable
Rail mounted
Pros
- Lightweight at only 40-45 lbs
- Easy to install in less than 5 minutes
- Very smooth and quiet towing
- No chucking and bucking
- Remote release cable no climbing in and out
- Allows turning nearly 90 degrees in short bed trucks
Cons
- Locking mechanism on coupler can be sticky
- Cable adjustment sensitivity
- Unique system requires special coupler for other trailers
The Andersen Rail Mount 3200 brings the same lightweight, smooth-towing philosophy as the Gen 3 Ultimate but in a rail-mount configuration. If your truck already has industry-standard base rails installed, this is the Andersen model you want. At just 45 lbs, it saves over 100 lbs compared to traditional steel jaw hitches.
What makes the Andersen system unique is the ball-and-coupler design. Instead of jaws wrapping the kingpin, it uses a coupler block that connects to a kingpin adapter, converting your rails into a ball connection. This design eliminates metal-on-metal clanking and is incredibly effective at reducing chucking.
The three height adjustments at 14-7/16 inches, 15-9/16 inches, and 16-11/16 inches accommodate most truck and trailer combinations. The remote release cable means you never have to climb into the truck bed to unhook, which is a feature owners rave about in reviews.
With 243 reviews and an 84% 5-star rating, the Rail Mount 3200 has proven itself with real-world users. The smooth, quiet towing experience is the most commonly praised feature, along with the one-person installation that takes less than five minutes.
How the Andersen Ball System Eliminates Chucking
Chucking is the fore-and-aft jerking motion that occurs when the trailer pushes against the truck during acceleration and braking. Traditional jaw hitches have metal-on-metal contact that transmits this force directly. The Andersen ball-and-coupler system has a rubber isolator that absorbs these forces, resulting in a dramatically smoother ride.
Owners who switch from traditional jaw hitches to the Andersen system consistently report that chucking is eliminated or drastically reduced. This is one of the biggest selling points for the Andersen Rail Mount 3200.
Short Bed Truck Benefits
The Andersen system allows turning nearly 90 degrees in short bed trucks because the ball connection has fewer clearance limitations than a traditional jaw hitch. For 6.5 foot bed trucks where cab clearance is a constant concern, this design provides more turning room before you risk contacting the cab.
This makes the Rail Mount 3200 one of the best fifth wheel hitches for short bed trucks that use base rails rather than a factory puck system.
8. B&W Patriot 18K Rail Mounted Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3255 – Best Mid-Range B&W Option
B&W Trailer Hitches Patriot 18K Rail Mounted Fifth Wheel Hitch - RVK3255
18,000 lb GTW
4,500 lb VTW
Rail mounted
Fully articulating head
Polyurethane bushings
Made in USA
Pros
- Smooth quiet ride with no push and pull
- Easy to assemble and install
- Great build quality
- Emergency release feature
- Lots of adjustability
- Made in USA
- Easy hookup even on unlevel sites
Cons
- Powder coating can be too thick in locking pin holes
- Lower review count of 66
The B&W Patriot 18K RVK3255 offers the B&W quality and smooth towing experience at a more accessible price than the Companion. Rated at 18,000 lbs GTW and 4,500 lbs vertical tongue weight, it covers a wide range of fifth wheel trailers and is an excellent choice for towers who want B&W reliability without the premium Companion price.
Like the Companion, the Patriot features a fully articulating head that pivots front to back and side to side. The cam action latching handle provides easy release even on unlevel ground, and the polyurethane bushings deliver the quiet, rattle-free ride that B&W is famous for.
Owners praise the Patriot for its smooth, quiet ride with no push and pull. The emergency release feature is a standout that gives peace of mind if you ever need to uncouple in a difficult situation. With 81% 5-star ratings from 66 reviews, long-time B&W users consistently recommend the Patriot as a smart alternative to the Companion.
The main complaint is minor: the powder coating can be too thick in the locking pin holes, which requires a bit of cleanup on initial installation. This is a cosmetic issue that does not affect performance once resolved.
How the Patriot Compares to the Companion
The Patriot and Companion share the same articulating head design, cam action handle, and polyurethane bushings. The main difference is capacity and mounting. The Companion RVK3500 is rated for 20,000 lbs and fits turnover ball systems, while the Patriot is rated for 18,000 lbs and fits industry standard base rails.
If your truck has base rails rather than a turnover ball, and your trailer is under 18,000 lbs, the Patriot gives you B&W quality at a lower price than the Companion. It is one of the best fifth wheel hitches for value-conscious buyers who still want premium build quality.
What Trailers Pair Best With the Patriot 18K
The Patriot 18K is ideal for fifth wheel trailers in the 10,000 to 16,000 lb range. This covers most mid-size to full-size fifth wheel RVs, travel trailers, and lighter toy haulers. The 18,000 lb rating gives you a 2,000 lb safety margin over the maximum, which is the minimum margin I recommend for safe towing.
For heavier trailers approaching 18,000 lbs or above, step up to the B&W Companion RVK3500 at 20,000 lbs or the B&W 25K Companion OEM for the highest capacity.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch
Choosing from the best fifth wheel hitches comes down to matching the hitch to your truck, your trailer, and your towing habits. This buying guide walks through the key factors that should drive your decision, from towing capacity to bed length to mounting system.
Understand Towing Capacity: GVWR, GTW, and Pin Weight
Your hitch rating must exceed your trailer’s GVWR, which is the maximum loaded weight of the trailer. GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) is the actual weight of the loaded trailer, and your hitch must be rated above this number. A common mistake is buying a hitch rated exactly at your trailer GVWR, leaving no safety margin.
I recommend choosing a hitch rated at least 20% above your trailer’s GVWR. For example, if your fifth wheel has a 14,000 lb GVWR, look for a hitch rated for at least 16,800 lbs, which means an 18,000 or 20,000 lb hitch.
Pin weight, also called vertical tongue weight or kingpin weight, is the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch. This typically runs 15-25% of your loaded trailer weight. Make sure both your hitch and your truck payload capacity can handle this vertical load. The hitch VTW rating must exceed your actual pin weight.
Truck Bed Length: Short Bed vs Long Bed
Truck bed length is one of the most important factors in hitch selection. Long bed trucks (8 foot beds) have plenty of clearance and work with almost any fixed hitch. Short bed trucks (6.5 to 6.75 foot beds) have a cab clearance problem during tight turns, which means you need either a slider hitch or an offset adapter.
A slider hitch moves the hitch backward during tight maneuvers to create clearance between the trailer and the truck cab. The Andersen system provides offset and ball articulation that allows up to 90-degree turns without a slider in many cases. If you have a short bed truck, consider the Andersen Rail Mount 3200 or an Andersen Ultimate with offset base.
For long bed trucks, fixed hitches like the B&W Companion, CURT Q20, or CURT A25 work perfectly without any sliding mechanism.
Puck System vs Base Rails
Modern heavy duty trucks often come with a factory puck system, which is a set of four or five mounting points built into the truck bed by the manufacturer. Ford, Ram, and GM all offer factory puck systems on their heavy duty trucks. If your truck has pucks, a puck-system hitch like the B&W 25K Companion OEM RVK3305 drops in without any drilling or permanent modifications.
If your truck does not have pucks, you will need to install base rails. These are industry-standard mounting rails that bolt into your truck bed and accept most fifth wheel hitches. The advantage of rails is universal compatibility, but they take up bed space when not towing and require drilling into the truck bed for installation.
Gooseneck adapters like the Andersen Ultimate mount on a gooseneck ball, which is another factory or aftermarket option that some trucks come equipped with. The gooseneck ball can be a turnover ball that flips out of the way when not in use.
Fixed vs Sliding Hitch
Fixed hitches stay in one position and are simpler, lighter, and less expensive. They work great for long bed trucks with plenty of cab clearance. Sliding hitches move backward on rails during tight turns to create clearance for short bed trucks.
If you have a short bed truck and plan to make tight turns regularly, a slider is worth the investment. If you have a long bed or use an Andersen system with offset, a fixed hitch will serve you well. None of the eight hitches in this guide are slider models, but several manufacturers offer slider versions of these same hitch heads.
Reducing Chucking for a Smoother Ride
Chucking is the number one complaint among fifth wheel owners. It is the fore-and-aft jerking you feel when the trailer pushes against the truck during acceleration, braking, and on uneven pavement. The best ways to reduce chucking include using a hitch with polyurethane bushings like the B&W Companion or Patriot, or using the Andersen ball-and-coupler system which absorbs chucking forces through its rubber isolator.
The CURT Q20 with its spherical axial bearing also does a good job of absorbing chucking forces. Forum users on iRV2 and Forest River Forums consistently report that upgrading from a cheap jaw hitch to a B&W or Andersen model dramatically reduces or eliminates chucking.
For the ultimate in ride quality, some forum veterans recommend air ride hitches from Trailersaver, though these sit at a higher price point than the models in this guide. The Andersen Rail Mount 3200 is the most effective chucking-reducing option reviewed here at a mainstream price.
Weight and Ease of Installation
If you install and remove your hitch frequently, weight matters. The Andersen models at 37 to 45 lbs are the clear winners for easy one-person handling. Traditional steel jaw hitches range from 95 lbs for the CURT E16 up to 161 lbs for the B&W 25K Companion OEM.
If you leave your hitch in the truck bed year-round, weight is less of a concern. But if you want a clean bed for hauling cargo when not towing, the lightweight Andersen models make removal a five-minute job instead of a two-person wrestling match.
FAQ
What size truck do I need to pull a 20,000 lb fifth wheel?
To safely pull a 20,000 lb fifth wheel, you need a one-ton truck (3500 series) like a Ram 3500, Ford F-350, or Chevy Silverado 3500HD. The truck must have a towing capacity exceeding 20,000 lbs and payload capacity to handle the pin weight, which will be approximately 3,000 to 5,000 lbs depending on the trailer. A 3/4 ton truck (2500 series) typically cannot safely handle a 20,000 lb fifth wheel due to payload limitations.
What are the common problems with fifth wheel hitches?
Common fifth wheel hitch problems include excessive chucking during acceleration and braking, difficulty coupling or uncoupling on unlevel ground, jaw mechanism sticking, rattling noise from loose components, kingpin not latching properly, and hitch turning on the gooseneck ball despite torquing. Choosing a quality hitch with polyurethane bushings or a ball-and-coupler system like Andersen reduces most of these issues.
Which is better Bu0026amp;W or Curt 5th wheel hitch?
Bu0026amp;W hitches generally earn higher owner satisfaction ratings, with the Bu0026amp;W Companion holding a 4.8-star average from over 800 reviews compared to CURT models averaging 4.4 to 4.6 stars. Bu0026amp;W hitches are made in America with lifetime warranties and feature polyurethane bushings for quieter operation. CURT offers more budget-friendly options and a wider range of capacities, making them better for cost-conscious buyers who still want dependable towing.
What is the highest rated fifth wheel hitch?
The Bu0026amp;W Companion RVK3500 and the Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220 are the highest rated fifth wheel hitches, both earning 4.8-star average ratings. The Bu0026amp;W Companion has over 825 reviews with 89% 5-star ratings, while the Andersen Ultimate has 173 reviews with 90% 5-star ratings. Both are made in the USA and offer distinct advantages depending on whether you prefer a traditional jaw hitch or a lightweight ball-and-coupler system.
Conclusion
Finding the best fifth wheel hitches for your setup comes down to matching capacity, mounting system, and towing style. For most towers, the B&W Companion RVK3500 delivers the best combination of build quality, smooth ride, and long-term reliability with its 20,000 lb capacity and lifetime warranty. If weight and ease of installation are your priorities, the Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 3220 at just 37 lbs is a remarkable engineering achievement that does not sacrifice capacity.
For budget-conscious buyers, the CURT E16 provides dependable towing at a fraction of the cost. Ford Super Duty owners with the OEM puck system should look no further than the B&W 25K Companion RVK3305 for a clean, high-capacity fit. Whatever your truck and trailer combination, there is a hitch on this list that will give you safe, confident towing for years to come.