Imagine this: you’ve got your dream 5th wheel camper, ready for adventure, but your trusty short bed truck seems to be holding you back. Does the thought of towing a large trailer with a shorter truck bed make your palms sweat? You’re not alone. Many truck owners face this exact challenge when they want to hitch up a 5th wheel trailer.
Choosing the right 5th wheel hitch for a short bed truck can feel like a puzzle. You worry about hitting the cab during turns, not having enough clearance, or just picking a hitch that doesn’t work well. It’s a common problem, and finding the right solution is key to safe and enjoyable towing. You want to hit the road with confidence, not with a knot in your stomach.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down the ins and outs of 5th wheel hitches specifically for short bed trucks. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand what makes a hitch work best in this situation, what features to look for, and how to avoid common mistakes. Get ready to learn how to make your short bed truck a towing superstar.
Top 5Th Wheel Hitch Short Bed Trucks Recommendations
- Quiet, solid design to eliminate chucking in towing position
- Smooth sliding between positions with no binding
- Automatically latches in both directions so you only have to exit the truck once
- Easy-to-reach lever arm for ergonomic operation
- Lever lift motion for user-friendly functionality vs. traditional pull-out style
- ENHANCED SAFETY. This sliding 5th wheel hitch provides 12 inches of displacement for the coupling point, adding turning clearance for short-bed trucks and avoiding trailer obstruction
- AUTO-LATCH. The CURT S20 is an automatic sliding 5th wheel hitch, meaning once the lever is set, it automatically locks into place when you drive forward. This eliminates the need to exit the truck multiple times during hookup
- FACTORY ASSEMBLED. This 5th wheel slider ships fully assembled from the factory for fast, easy installation in your truck bed. It mounts onto any industry-standard 5th wheel rails and accepts a variety of CURT hitch heads
- SOLID STRENGTH. This sliding hitch is fully tested according to SAE 2638 specifications and is rated for 20,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (limited by lowest-rated towing component)
- DUAL-COAT. For dependable weather-resistance in your truck bed, this 5th wheel slider features a dual-coat finish of rust-resistant A-coat and a tough carbide black powder coat
- Pivots on dual axes for 10 degrees of lateral movement
- Automatically locks for easy, secure coupling
- Operates using a single handle with few moving parts
- Features an anti-rattle skid plate to help reduce noise
- S20 5th wheel slider #16564 provides 12" of travel in the truck bed
- Cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts to suppress shock loads and reduce noise
- Fully articulating torsion head for controlled coupling and stable towing
- Lockable handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling
- High-strength, interlocking jaws fully wrap the kingpin to minimize noise
- Extra wide head opening for easier coupling
- TURNING CLEARANCE. This 5th wheel roller is designed to provide a 5th wheel slider hitch solution. It provides 12 inches of rearward travel for additional turning clearance with short-bed trucks
- EASY TO INSTALL. This 5th wheel roller installs easily on any industry-standard 5th wheel base rails. They allow you to maximize the functionality of your truck bed, dropping into the 5th wheel rails
- VERSATILE. This 5th wheel roller is compatible with any CURT industry-standard 5th wheel base rails and most CURT 5th wheel hitch heads (sold separately)
- SOLID STRENGTH. This 5th wheel roller is rated for 16,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, allowing for a wide variety of towing applications (limited by lowest-rated towing component)
- DUAL-COAT. For dependable weather-resistance in your truck bed, this 5th wheel roller features a dual-coat finish of rust-resistant A-coat and a tough carbide black powder coat
- Cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts to suppress shock loads and reduce noise
- Fully articulating torsion head for controlled coupling and stable towing
- Lockable handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling
- High-strength, interlocking jaws fully wrap the kingpin to minimize noise
- Extra wide head opening for easier coupling
- Fits , or pickups with the OEM puck system (year range specific)
- Quarter-turn anchoring system provides quick installation and removal
- Adjustable anchors to eliminate chucking between the legs and puck system
- 5th wheel slider provides 12" of travel in the truck bed
- Lockable handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling
- Cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts to suppress shock loads and reduce noise
- Fully articulating torsion head for controlled coupling and stable towing
- Lockable handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling
- High-strength, interlocking jaws fully wrap the kingpin to minimize noise
- Extra wide head opening for easier coupling
Choosing the Right 5th Wheel Hitch for Your Short Bed Truck
Towing a fifth-wheel camper with a short bed truck can be tricky. You need a special hitch to make sure your trailer doesn’t hit your truck’s cab when you turn. This guide will help you find the perfect hitch so you can hit the road with confidence.
Why You Need a Special Hitch for Short Beds
Short bed trucks have less space between the back of the cab and the truck’s tailgate. A standard fifth-wheel hitch can get too close to the cab during turns, causing costly damage. That’s where short bed fifth-wheel hitches come in. They are designed to give you more clearance.
Key Features to Look For
Turning Radius and Clearance
What gives you the best turning ability?
The most important feature is the hitch’s turning radius. This tells you how sharply you can turn without hitting your cab. Look for hitches that offer a wide turning angle. Some have pivoting heads or special arms that help with this.
Mounting System
How does the hitch attach to the truck?
Hitches use different mounting systems. Some bolt directly to the truck’s frame. Others use a puck system, which are round holes already in your truck bed. A puck system is usually easier to install and remove.
Weight Capacity
How much can the hitch hold?
Make sure the hitch can handle the weight of your fifth-wheel trailer. This is called the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). It’s usually listed on your trailer’s sticker. Also, check the pin weight, which is how much weight the trailer tongue puts on the hitch.
Adjustability
Can you change the hitch height?
Some hitches let you adjust their height. This is helpful if you tow different trailers or if your truck’s suspension changes. Being able to level your trailer is important for safe towing.
Ease of Use
Is it simple to connect and disconnect?
You want a hitch that’s easy to hook up and unhook. Look for features like simple locking mechanisms and easy trailer alignment. Some hitches have remote controls or power lifts to help.
Important Materials
Steel is Strong
Most good fifth-wheel hitches are made from strong steel. Steel is tough and can handle heavy loads. Look for hitches with thick steel components. Powder coating is a good finish that helps stop rust.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good Design Means Better Quality
A well-designed hitch will last longer and work better. Features like smooth moving parts and sturdy construction show good quality. A hitch that feels solid and doesn’t wobble is a good sign.
Cheap Materials Mean Lower Quality
Be careful of hitches made with thin metal or cheap plastic parts. These might break or wear out quickly. They can also be less safe. Always check reviews for feedback on durability.
User Experience and Use Cases
For the Weekend Warrior and the Full-Timer
These hitches are great for anyone who loves camping or travels in their fifth-wheel trailer. They are perfect for families going on vacation or for people who live in their RVs full-time. The main goal is safe and easy towing.
Making Turns Easier
The best part of using a short bed fifth-wheel hitch is the peace of mind. You can make turns without worrying about damaging your truck. This makes towing feel much less stressful.
FAQs About 5th Wheel Hitches for Short Bed Trucks
Q1: What is the biggest problem with towing a fifth wheel with a short bed truck?
A1: The biggest problem is the trailer hitting the truck’s cab when you turn.
Q2: What makes a fifth wheel hitch good for a short bed truck?
A2: It has a special design that gives extra space for turning.
Q3: How much turning clearance do I need?
A3: It depends on your truck and trailer, but more clearance is always better.
Q4: Can I use a regular fifth wheel hitch on a short bed truck?
A4: No, it’s not recommended and can damage your truck.
Q5: What is a “puck system” for hitches?
A5: It’s a mounting system that uses round holes in your truck bed.
Q6: How do I know the right weight capacity for my hitch?
A6: Check your trailer’s weight sticker and choose a hitch that can handle it.
Q7: Is it hard to install a short bed fifth wheel hitch?
A7: Some are easier than others. Puck systems are generally simpler.
Q8: What are the best brands for short bed fifth wheel hitches?
A8: Popular brands include B&W, Reese, and Curt. Look for good reviews.
Q9: How often should I check my fifth wheel hitch?
A9: You should check it regularly, especially before long trips, for wear and tear.
Q10: Can I remove a short bed fifth wheel hitch easily?
A10: Some hitches are designed for easier removal, especially those with quick-release features.