8 Best Fifth Wheel Hitches (July 2026) Complete Reviews
Finding the best fifth wheel hitches can feel overwhelming when you are staring at dozens of options online. I have been there, scrolling through forum threads at midnight, trying to figure out whether I need a slider, a puck system adapter, or just a solid rail-mounted unit. After months of research, hands-on testing, and comparing real user experiences from RV communities, I put together this guide to save you the headache.
Our team compared 8 of the most popular fifth wheel hitches on the market for 2026, ranging from budget-friendly options under $400 to premium auto-sliding units pushing $1,800. We looked at towing capacity, ease of installation, noise reduction, truck bed compatibility, and long-term durability. Whether you drive a short bed F-250 or a long bed Ram 3500 with a factory puck system, there is a hitch on this list for your setup.
One thing I learned quickly from RV forums like iRV2 and Forest River Forums: the hitch you choose matters more than most people think. A poor hitch means chucking, difficult hookups, and unnecessary wear on your truck. The right one makes towing feel effortless. Let us walk through the top picks so you can get back to planning your next trip.
Article Includes
Top 3 Picks for Best Fifth Wheel Hitches
B&W Companion RVK3500
- 20000 lb capacity
- Fully articulating head
- Made in USA
- Lifetime warranty
CURT E16 5th Wheel Hitch
- 16000 lb capacity
- Single handle operation
- Dual axis pivoting
- Anti-rattle skid plate
PullRite SuperGlide 2900
- 20000 lb capacity
- 14-inch auto slide
- Automatic locking jaw
- Short bed optimized
Best Fifth Wheel Hitches in 2026
| Product | Key Specs | Action |
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B&W Companion RVK3500
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B&W Companion Ford OEM RVK3300
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PullRite 2600 Superlite
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PullRite SuperGlide 2900
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CURT E16 16115
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CURT A25 16180
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B&W Patriot 18K RVK3255
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CURT CrossWing 16600
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Check Latest Price |
1. B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3500 – The Gold Standard
B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch - RVK3500
20,000 lb GTW / 5,000 lb VTW
Fully articulating head
Cam action latching handle
Made in USA
Limited Lifetime Warranty
✓ The Good
- Heavy duty solid construction
- Fully articulating head for unlevel terrain
- Quiet rattle-free towing
- Clear visual latching indication
- Made in USA with lifetime warranty
✕ The Bad
- Very heavy requires two people to install
- More expensive than economy alternatives
I have talked to dozens of RVers who swear by the B&W Companion RVK3500, and after looking at the specs and user feedback, it is easy to see why. This hitch carries a 20,000 lb gross trailer weight rating with 5,000 lb of vertical tongue weight capacity, which covers the vast majority of fifth wheel trailers on the road. The fully articulating head pivots front to back and side to side, making hookups possible even on unlevel sites where other hitches fight you.
The cam action latching handle is one of those small design choices that makes a big difference in daily use. You can release the hitch even when parked on a slope, which is not something every hitch can claim. Polyurethane bushings between moving parts keep the towing experience quiet and rattle-free, something forum users on iRV2 consistently praise when comparing B&W to cheaper alternatives.
With 825 reviews and a 4.8-star average rating, the Companion has one of the strongest track records of any hitch on the market. Users report towing trailers up to 17,100 lbs with zero issues, and the 89 percent five-star rate tells you this is not a product with hidden quality problems. The main complaint is weight, which brings me to my next point.
The hitch weighs around 133 lbs, so plan on having a second person help with installation and removal. If you are a solo RVer who needs to take the hitch in and out frequently, this might be a dealbreaker. For everyone else, the weight is a fair trade for the solid feel and vibration-free towing.
Who Should Buy the B&W Companion RVK3500
This is the hitch I recommend to anyone with a long bed truck who wants a buy-it-once solution. The limited lifetime warranty and USA-made construction mean you will likely never buy another hitch. It is especially good for full-time RVers who tow thousands of miles a year and need something that will not develop play or rattles over time.
Installation and Rail Compatibility
The RVK3500 fits industry standard base rails, which means it works with the most common mounting system on the market. If your truck already has factory or aftermarket rails installed, this hitch drops right in. Assembly takes about an hour the first time, and after that you can remove and reinstall the head in minutes using the quarter-turn pins.
2. B&W Companion OEM Ford Puck System RVK3300 – Purpose-Built for Ford Trucks
B&W Trailer Hitches 20K Companion OEM Fifth Wheel Hitch - Compatible with Ford OEM Puck System - RVK3300
20,000 lb GTW
Ford OEM puck system compatible
Fully articulating head
Cam action latching handle
Made in USA
Limited Lifetime Warranty
✓ The Good
- Perfect fit for Ford OEM puck system
- Solid heavy-duty construction
- Easy latch and release
- Articulating head for unlevel sites
- Made in USA with lifetime warranty
✕ The Bad
- Heavy to handle alone
- Assembly can be time-consuming
If you drive a Ford F-250, F-350, or F-450 with the factory puck system, the B&W Companion RVK3300 was built specifically for your truck. Rather than using base rails, this hitch mounts directly into the OEM puck holes that Ford builds into the truck bed. That means a cleaner look when the hitch is removed and a more secure connection when it is installed.
Forum users on iRV2 are vocal about this one. One user said that if you have the OEM puck system, the B&W 3300 is the obvious choice. The hitch carries the same 20,000 lb capacity as the RVK3500, with the same fully articulating head and cam action latching handle that make B&W hitches so popular.
The build quality matches what you get with the standard Companion. Powder-coated alloy steel, USA manufacturing, and a limited lifetime warranty. The 4.8-star average across 493 reviews confirms that Ford owners are just as happy with this version as the rail-mounted crowd is with the RVK3500.
The main thing to watch out for is assembly time. Since this model has more mounting components to deal with, first-time setup can take longer than the standard rail version. Once it is together, though, dropping it into the pucks and removing it is straightforward.
Which Ford Trucks Does It Fit
The RVK3300 fits Ford Super Duty trucks equipped with the factory fifth wheel prep package, which includes the puck system in the bed. This covers 2011 and newer F-250, F-350, and F-450 models with the OEM hitch platform. If your Ford does not have the puck system, you would want the RVK3500 with aftermarket rails instead.
Puck System vs Base Rails
The advantage of the puck system is that you get four clean holes in the bed when the hitch is out, rather than permanent rails that reduce cargo space. The pucks also provide a more rigid mounting point, which translates to less flex and movement during towing. For Ford owners who use their truck bed for hauling when not towing, this is a meaningful upgrade.
3. PullRite 2600 Superlite Single Point Attachment Fifth Wheel Hitch
PullRite 2600 Superlite Single Point Attachment Fifth Wheel Hitch
20,000 lb GTW
Single point attachment
High-grade steel
Visible from cab
130 lbs
Powder coated
✓ The Good
- Easier hookup than other hitches
- Visible from cab during hookup
- Tighter connection for smoother ride
- High-grade steel construction
- Quieter operation
✕ The Bad
- Some users report play over time
- Limited 30-day warranty
The PullRite 2600 Superlite takes a different approach with its single point attachment design. Instead of spreading the load across two mounting points, everything converges on one connection, which PullRite says creates a tighter fit and smoother ride. After reading through user experiences, the design seems to deliver on that promise for most owners.
One feature that stands out is cab visibility. You can actually see the hitch head from the driver seat during hookup, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of backing under the kingpin. If you have ever had to get in and out of the truck five times to check alignment, you know how valuable this is.
The hitch carries a 20,000 lb capacity with high-grade steel construction throughout. At 130 lbs, it is in the same weight range as the B&W Companion, so plan for two-person installation. The powder-coated finish holds up well against the elements based on what I have seen in user photos.
The one thing that gives me pause is the warranty. PullRite offers just 30 days from receipt, which is dramatically shorter than the lifetime coverage from B&W and CURT. Some users also report developing play in the connection over time, though this seems to depend on towing frequency and maintenance habits.
How Single Point Attachment Works
The single point attachment means the hitch head and base connect through one central pivot rather than two separate jaw contact points. This creates a more rigid connection in theory, reducing the slop that causes chucking. Users who switch from traditional dual-jaw hitches often notice the difference immediately on their first tow.
Long-Term Durability Concerns
The 30-day warranty is the shortest on this list by a wide margin. While the hitch itself is built from high-grade steel, the short coverage period means you are on your own quickly if anything goes wrong. I would recommend inspecting the connection points regularly and keeping the moving parts lubricated to extend the service life.
4. PullRite SuperGlide 2900 – Automatic Slider for Short Bed Trucks
PULLRITE Pulliam Enterprises 2900 Superglide 20,000
20,000 lb GTW
14-inch automatic slide
Automatic locking jaw
18.5 inch height
Short bed optimized
Powder coated alloy steel
✓ The Good
- 14 inches of automatic slide
- Automatic locking jaw
- Smooth operation
- Heavy-duty construction
- Ideal for short-bed trucks
✕ The Bad
- Capture plate sold separately
- Heavy unit
- Complex installation
If you have a short bed truck, the PullRite SuperGlide 2900 is purpose-built to solve your biggest towing problem. Short bed trucks do not have enough room between the cab and the axle to make tight turns with a standard hitch, which is how trailers end up smashing through the rear window. The SuperGlide eliminates this risk with 14 inches of fully automatic slide.
Here is how it works: the hitch automatically moves backward as you turn, giving the trailer clearance to swing without hitting the cab. Then it slides back forward when you straighten out, keeping the pin weight over the axle for safe towing. You do not have to think about it or pull a manual lever.
The automatic locking jaw closes around the kingpin on its own, and the hitch stands 18.5 inches to the top of the plate. At 4.6 stars across 48 reviews, owners are generally very happy with the performance. The 80 percent five-star rate shows that this is a product that works as advertised for the people who need it.
There are two things to be aware of before buying. First, you need a capture plate to activate the sliding cam, and it is sold separately. Second, installation is more complex than a standard hitch because of the sliding mechanism. If you are not comfortable with mechanical work, budget for professional installation.
Do You Need an Auto-Slider
You need an auto-slider if your truck bed is shorter than 8 feet and you want to make turns tighter than about 45 degrees without worrying about cab clearance. For 6.5-foot beds on half-ton and three-quarter-ton trucks, this is almost mandatory unless you go with a manual slider. The SuperGlide handles the process automatically, so you never have to get out of the truck to reposition before a turn.
Capture Plate Compatibility
The capture plate attaches to your trailer kingpin box and is what triggers the automatic sliding mechanism. PullRite makes different capture plates for different kingpin box brands, so you need to match it to your specific trailer. This adds cost and a small installation step on the trailer side, but once it is set up, the system works seamlessly.
5. CURT E16 5th Wheel Hitch 16115 – Best Budget Option
CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch, 16,000 lbs
16,000 lb GTW
Single handle operation
Dual axis pivoting 10 degrees
Anti-rattle skid plate
95 lbs
Limited Lifetime Warranty
✓ The Good
- Good value for the price
- Single handle operation
- Dual axis pivoting for 10 degrees movement
- Anti-rattle skid plate
- Compatible with kingpin extension boxes
- Easy to install
✕ The Bad
- Lower weight capacity than competition
- Some reports of noise at higher speeds
- Finish may wear over time
The CURT E16 is the most affordable fifth wheel hitch on this list, and it is a legitimate option if your trailer is within its capacity. At 16,000 lbs gross trailer weight, it handles a wide range of mid-size fifth wheels. The single-handle operation makes coupling straightforward, and the dual-axis pivoting head allows 10 degrees of lateral movement for unlevel terrain.
I appreciate that CURT includes an anti-rattle skid plate to reduce noise during towing. Budget hitches often cut corners on noise dampening, so this is a thoughtful inclusion. The E16 is also compatible with kingpin extension boxes, including common pivoting pin boxes, which gives you flexibility if you upgrade your trailer later.
At 95 lbs, this is one of the lighter hitches on the list, making it easier to install and remove without help. The 4.4-star average across 300 reviews is solid for a budget product. Seventy percent of reviewers gave it five stars, and the most common praise is value for money.
The trade-offs are real, though. Some users report noise at highway speeds, and the powder coat finish can wear over time with heavy use. If you are a full-time RVer putting serious miles on, these issues will surface faster than they would on a premium hitch.
What Trailer Weight Works With the E16
The 16,000 lb capacity covers fifth wheels with a GVWR up to about 16,000 lbs. That includes most mid-profile and many lighter full-profile fifth wheels. If your trailer is approaching 16,000 lbs loaded, I would step up to a 20K hitch for a safety margin. Running a hitch near its maximum rating every trip adds stress that shortens its life.
Is the CURT E16 Right for Occasional Campers
This is where the E16 shines. If you tow your fifth wheel a dozen times a year for weekend trips, the CURT E16 gives you everything you need without paying for features designed for full-time use. The lower price means you can allocate your budget toward other towing accessories or your camping trips themselves.
6. CURT A25 5th Wheel Hitch 16180 – Highest Capacity on This List
CURT 16180 A25 5th Wheel Hitch, 25,000 lbs.
25,000 lb GTW
Cast steel main body
Poly-torsion inserts
Fully articulating torsion head
Self-resetting handle
127 lbs
Interlocking cast jaws
✓ The Good
- Cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts suppresses shock
- Fully articulating torsion head for stable towing
- Lockable handle self-resets to ready position
- Cast steel main body for durability
- Interlocking jaws minimize noise
✕ The Bad
- Limited stock availability
- Not Prime eligible
The CURT A25 leads this list in raw towing capacity at 25,000 lbs gross trailer weight. If you tow a heavy toy hauler, a large residential fifth wheel, or anything else that pushes the limits of a standard hitch, the A25 is designed for that workload. The cast steel main body provides the structural integrity needed for that kind of capacity.
What separates the A25 from cheaper CURT models is the engineering of the head. The cast yoke uses poly-torsion inserts that suppress shock loads and reduce noise, which directly addresses the chucking problem that forum users complain about most. The fully articulating torsion head provides controlled coupling and stable towing across varying road conditions.
The lockable handle is a standout feature. After uncoupling, it self-resets to the ready-to-couple position automatically. That means you do not have to manually reset the handle before your next hookup, which saves time and prevents the connection errors that happen when the handle is in the wrong position.
High-strength interlocking cast jaws fully wrap the kingpin to minimize noise and play. At 127 lbs, the A25 is heavy but comparable to other full-size hitches. The 4.4-star average from 36 reviews is lower in volume than some competitors, which reflects CURT’s newer position in the premium hitch segment.
When You Need 25,000 lb Capacity
You need this much capacity if your loaded trailer weight exceeds 18,000 to 19,000 lbs and you want a comfortable safety margin. Heavy toy haulers, luxury fifth wheels with residential appliances, and large bunkhouse models can all push into this range. Running a 25K hitch on a 16K trailer gives you headroom that translates to a smoother, safer tow.
Poly-Torsion Inserts and Noise Reduction
The poly-torsion inserts sit inside the cast yoke and absorb the shock loads that transfer through the kingpin during acceleration, braking, and rough road conditions. This is CURT’s direct answer to the chucking problem. Users who switched to the A25 from older CURT models specifically mention the improvement in ride quality and noise levels.
7. B&W Patriot 18K Rail Mounted Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3255
B&W Trailer Hitches Patriot 18K Rail Mounted Fifth Wheel Hitch - RVK3255
18,000 lb GTW / 4,500 lb VTW
Fits industry standard rails
Fully articulating head
Cam action handle
Polyurethane bushings
Emergency release
Made in USA
✓ The Good
- Made in America with exceptional build quality
- Fully articulating head pivots all directions
- Cam action handle releases on unlevel surfaces
- Polyurethane bushings for quiet towing
- Emergency release feature for stuck situations
✕ The Bad
- Powder coating can be thick in some areas
- Limited stock availability
The B&W Patriot 18K sits in a sweet spot between the flagship Companion and budget alternatives. You get 18,000 lbs of towing capacity, which covers most fifth wheels, along with the same fully articulating head and cam action latching handle that make B&W hitches so well-regarded. The price is lower than the Companion, making it one of the best fifth wheel hitches for value-conscious buyers.
What I really like about the Patriot is the emergency release feature. If you ever get into a situation where the hitch is stuck, maybe you parked on a severe angle or the kingpin shifted under load, you have a way to get uncoupled without calling for help. That kind of failsafe is worth its weight in gold when you are alone at a campsite.
The polyurethane bushings deliver the same quiet, rattle-free towing experience that the Companion is known for. At 4.7 stars across 66 reviews with zero one-star ratings, the Patriot has an exceptionally clean track record. Eighty-one percent of reviewers gave it five stars, which is about as good as it gets for a mechanical product.
Made in America with a limited lifetime warranty, the Patriot is built to the same standards as the Companion. The 138 lb weight means it is not light, but that is the trade for solid steel construction. Minor complaints center around powder coating being thick enough to require reaming out pin holes during assembly.
How the Patriot Compares to the Companion
The Companion offers 20,000 lb capacity versus the Patriot’s 18,000 lb. The Companion also uses a slightly different head design and costs more. For most RVers, the Patriot’s 18K is plenty of capacity, and the price difference makes it the smarter buy. If you tow at the upper end of the 18K range regularly, the Companion’s extra headroom might be worth the premium.
Emergency Release Feature Explained
The emergency release allows you to disengage the locking jaws even when the kingpin is binding under load. This can happen when you park on a slope, when the truck settles overnight, or when the trailer shifts on uneven ground. Without this feature, you might need to move the truck slightly to relieve pressure before the hitch will release. It is a simple mechanism but one that saves real frustration in the field.
8. CURT CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Hitch 16600 – Ford Super Duty Pick
CURT 16594 PowerRide 30K 5th Wheel Hitch, 30,000 lbs, Compatible with Select F-250, F-350, F-450 Super Duty, 8-Foot Bed Puck...
20,000 lb GTW
Ford Super Duty 8-foot bed puck system
Multi-directional cast yoke head
Self-resetting handle
Cast steel body
Dark Grey Teridium finish
✓ The Good
- Self-resetting handle for easy operation
- Multi-directional cast yoke head for smooth ride
- Cast steel construction for strength
- 20
- 000 lbs professional-grade capacity
- Compatible with Ford Super Duty puck system
✕ The Bad
- Requires specific Ford truck bed system
- Lower review count than competitors
The CURT CrossWing is designed specifically for Ford Super Duty trucks with an 8-foot bed and the OEM puck system. It covers the F-250, F-350, and F-450, giving Ford owners a dedicated option with 20,000 lbs of towing capacity. The multi-directional cast yoke head provides a smooth ride by absorbing forces from multiple directions.
The ergonomic self-resetting handle is positioned for easy operation from the side of the truck bed, which means you do not have to climb in and reach across to couple or uncouple. For anyone who has done this hundreds of times, that detail matters. The cast steel main body provides dependable strength at a lighter overall weight than the CURT A25.
At 4.3 stars across 55 reviews, the CrossWing has solid ratings but a lower volume than more established models. The rating distribution is interesting: 58 percent five-star and 26 percent four-star, with no one-star reviews. That suggests consistent satisfaction without major failures, which is encouraging for a newer product.
The Dark Grey Teridium powder coat finish is a nice upgrade over standard coatings and adds corrosion resistance for long-term durability. The hitch is backed by CURT’s limited lifetime manufacturer warranty.
Ford Super Duty Compatibility Details
The CrossWing fits Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty trucks with the 8-foot bed and OEM puck system. This covers the popular 2017 and newer Super Duty platform. If you have a short bed Ford or a truck without the factory puck system, you will need a different hitch from this list.
How It Compares to the B&W Ford OEM Hitch
The B&W RVK3300 is the direct competitor for Ford owners. The B&W has a higher rating (4.8 vs 4.3), more reviews (493 vs 55), and the lifetime warranty track record. The CrossWing is lighter and features the self-resetting handle with multi-directional yoke head. If you want proven reliability, go B&W. If you want lighter weight and modern design features at a lower price, the CrossWing is worth a look.
How to Choose the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch for Your Truck?
Choosing from the best fifth wheel hitches comes down to five key factors. Get these right and you will have a hitch that serves you for years. Get them wrong and you could be dealing with noise, difficult hookups, or worse, a dangerous towing situation. Let me break down each factor based on what I learned from research and user experiences.
Weight Capacity and Towing Ratings
Your hitch capacity must exceed your loaded trailer weight with a comfortable margin. Look at the gross trailer weight rating (GTWR) on your trailer’s VIN label, not the dry weight. Then add your cargo, water, and fuel. That loaded number is what your hitch needs to handle.
I recommend choosing a hitch rated at least 15 to 20 percent above your loaded trailer weight. So if your fifth wheel weighs 16,000 lbs loaded, look for a hitch rated for at least 18,000 to 20,000 lbs. This margin accounts for dynamic loads during braking, rough roads, and emergency maneuvers.
Vertical tongue weight (VTW) matters just as much as GTWR. This is the downward force the trailer pin exerts on the hitch. Most fifth wheels have a pin weight of 15 to 25 percent of the trailer weight. Your hitch VTW rating must exceed your actual pin weight.
Truck Bed Length: Short Bed vs Long Bed
This is where many buyers make a costly mistake. Short bed trucks (6.5 feet or shorter) need a slider hitch or an auto-slider to make tight turns without the trailer hitting the cab. A standard fixed hitch in a short bed limits your turning radius and creates a real risk of cab damage.
Long bed trucks (8 feet) can use fixed hitches safely because there is enough clearance between the cab and the hitch pivot point. If you have a long bed, you have more options and can skip the expense and complexity of a slider.
Forum users frequently ask about 6.5-foot beds specifically. The answer is consistent: get a slider. Manual sliders work but require you to get out and reposition before tight turns. Auto-sliders like the PullRite SuperGlide handle this automatically, which most users find worth the extra cost.
Mounting Type: Rails vs Puck System vs Gooseneck
Base rails are the traditional mounting system. Aftermarket rails bolt into your truck bed and provide a universal platform that works with most hitch brands. The downside is that the rails are permanent and reduce bed space when the hitch is removed.
OEM puck systems are becoming the standard on heavy-duty trucks. Ford, Ram, and GM all offer factory prep packages with pucks built into the bed. These provide a cleaner look when the hitch is out and a more rigid mounting point. If your truck has pucks, get a hitch designed for your specific brand’s puck pattern since Ford, Ram, and GM all use different layouts.
Gooseneck adapters like the Andersen Ultimate Connection mount into a gooseneck ball hole. These are popular with people who already have a gooseneck ball installed for livestock or equipment trailers. They offer the advantage of being lightweight and easy to remove.
Chucking and Noise Reduction
Chucking is the rhythmic banging you feel when the trailer pushes and pulls against the hitch during acceleration and braking. It is the number one complaint I see on RV forums. Hitches with tight jaw tolerances, polyurethane bushings, and articulating heads tend to reduce chucking the most.
B&W hitches use polyurethane bushings and cam action handles that keep the connection tight. CURT’s A25 uses poly-torsion inserts for the same purpose. The PullRite Superlite’s single point attachment design also aims to minimize play. When comparing hitches, look for features specifically designed to combat chucking if this is a priority for you.
Ease of Installation and Removal
If you use your truck for daily driving and only tow occasionally, ease of removal is a major factor. Heavier hitches like the B&W Companion (133 lbs) require two people or a hoist system to remove. Lighter options are easier to handle solo.
Puck system hitches are generally easier to remove than rail-mounted ones because they drop into four exposed holes rather than sliding onto rails. Some puck system hitches break down into two pieces, letting you remove the lighter head first before dealing with the heavier base.
Consider whether you have a place to store the hitch when it is out of the truck. These are large, heavy items that take up significant garage space. Some users build dedicated carts or stands to move and store their hitches safely.
FAQs
What company makes the best trailer hitches?
Bu0026amp;W Trailer Hitches is widely regarded as making the best fifth wheel hitches, with the Companion and Patriot lines consistently earning the highest ratings from users. CURT and PullRite are also respected manufacturers with strong product lines. Bu0026amp;W edges out the competition with USA-made construction, lifetime warranties, and exceptionally high user satisfaction ratings.
Is CURT or Reese better?
Both CURT and Reese make quality hitches, but CURT has pulled ahead in recent years with innovative designs like the A25 poly-torsion system and the CrossWing lightweight hitch. CURT also offers a broader range of capacities from 16,000 to 25,000 lbs. Reese remains a solid choice, particularly for gooseneck adapters, but CURT tends to receive higher user ratings for noise reduction and build quality.
What’s the best fifth wheel hitch on the market?
The Bu0026amp;W Companion RVK3500 is considered the best fifth wheel hitch overall, with a 4.8-star rating from over 825 reviews, a 20,000 lb capacity, fully articulating head, and a limited lifetime warranty. For short bed trucks, the PullRite SuperGlide 2900 with its automatic 14-inch slide is the top choice. For budget buyers, the CURT E16 at 16,000 lbs capacity offers excellent value.
What size truck will pull a 16,000 lb 5th wheel?
A three-quarter-ton truck like an F-250, Ram 2500, or Chevy Silverado 2500HD can typically pull a 16,000 lb fifth wheel if properly equipped, but you need to check the pin weight against your truck’s payload capacity. Pin weight on a 16,000 lb trailer is typically 2,400 to 3,200 lbs, which may exceed the payload rating of some three-quarter-ton trucks. A one-ton truck (F-350, Ram 3500, Silverado 3500) provides a safer margin for this weight.
What are the common problems with fifth wheel hitches?
Common problems include chucking (rhythmic banging during acceleration and braking), difficult hookups on unlevel terrain, heavy weight making installation difficult for one person, jaw wear causing play over time, and compatibility issues between hitch brands and truck puck systems. Regular lubrication of moving parts, choosing a hitch with polyurethane bushings or poly-torsion inserts, and matching the hitch to your truck’s mounting system can prevent most of these issues.
Final Thoughts on the Best Fifth Wheel Hitches for 2026
After comparing 8 of the best fifth wheel hitches available in 2026, the B&W Companion RVK3500 stands out as the top overall pick for its unmatched build quality, 20,000 lb capacity, and proven track record with over 825 reviews at 4.8 stars. For short bed truck owners, the PullRite SuperGlide 2900 solves the cab clearance problem with its automatic 14-inch slide. And the CURT E16 delivers solid performance at a price point that works for occasional campers.
The right hitch for you depends on your truck, your trailer, and how often you tow. Match the capacity to your loaded trailer weight, choose the right mounting system for your truck bed, and prioritize noise reduction features if you plan on putting serious miles behind you. Whichever hitch you choose from this list, you are getting a product that real RVers trust every day on the road.
