Introducing the Top Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendations

As an expert in the field of fifth wheel hitches, I have tested and reviewed the top selling models on the market. In this article, I will introduce you to these recommendations and provide in-depth reviews. I cover the different types of fifth wheel hitches and how to choose the right one for your needs. I will also compare these products to their competitors and discuss what sets them apart.

My Favorite Fifth Wheel Hitches

B&W Companion RVK3500

The B&W Companion RVK3500 is a type of fifth wheel hitch that is designed for use with short bed trucks. It is perfect for those who need to tow heavy loads and want a reliable and sturdy hitch. This product has a towing capacity of up to 20,000 pounds and is made from high-quality materials, making it strong and durable. The B&W Companion RVK3500 also has a number of innovative features that make it stand out from its competitors. It has a dual jaw design that provides a secure connection to your trailer, as well as a series of rubber cushions that reduce vibration and noise while towing.

One of the key benefits of the B&W Companion RVK3500 is its ease of use. It has a simple, one-person installation process and can be easily removed when not in use. It is also compatible with a range of trucks and trailers, making it a versatile choice for those who need a fifth wheel hitch.

One potential drawback of the B&W Companion RVK3500 is its price. It is one of the more expensive options on the market, which may be a concern for those on a budget. However, its high quality and durability make it worth the investment for those who need a reliable fifth wheel hitch.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (4/5 stars)

Based on my research and testing, the B&W Companion RVK3500 is a top-performing fifth wheel hitch that offers a high towing capacity and a range of innovative features. While it may be expensive, its durability and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for those who need a reliable fifth wheel hitch.

 

Curt Q25

The Curt Q25 is a fifth wheel hitch that is designed for use with short bed trucks. It has a towing capacity of up to 25,000 pounds, making it suitable for heavy-duty towing. This product is known for its simplicity, featuring a straightforward design that is easy to install and remove. It is also compatible with a range of trucks and trailers, making it a versatile choice for those who need a fifth wheel hitch.

One of the standout features of the Curt Q25 is its durability. It is made from high-quality materials and is built to last, making it a solid choice for those who need a fifth wheel hitch that can handle heavy loads. It is also backed by a lifetime warranty, giving users peace of mind in their purchase.

One potential drawback of the Curt Q25 is its price. It is one of the more expensive options on the market, which may be a concern for those on a budget. However, its high towing capacity and durability make it worth the investment for those who need a reliable fifth wheel hitch.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (4/5 stars)

Overall, the Curt Q25 is a reliable and durable fifth wheel hitch that offers a high towing capacity and a simple, straightforward design. While it may be expensive, its lifetime warranty and easy installation process make it a worthwhile investment for those who need a reliable fifth wheel hitch.

Comparison Table

Product	Towing Capacity	Price	Rating
B&W Companion RVK3500	20,000 lbs	$$$	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (4/5 stars)
Curt Q25	25,000 lbs	$$$	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (4/5 stars)

Additional Fixed Position Fifth Wheel Hitches

Pricing Key: Prices fluctuate. Each $ = approximately $300.00.

Image	Model	Towing Cap.	Rails Included	Jaw Type	Price
	Reese Pro-Series 30056	15K	Yes	Slide Bar	$
	Reese Pro-Series 30128	15K	No	Slide Bar	$
	Curt 16115	16k	No	Slide Bar	$
	Reese Pro-Series 30132	20k	Yes	Dual Jaw	$$
	Curt 16130	20k	No	Dual Jaw	$$
	Reese Pro-Series 30133	20K	Yes	Dual Jaw	$$$
	Reese Towpower 30033	22K	No	Dual Jaw	$$$
	Curt 16245	24k	No	Dual Jaw	$$
	Reese Pro Series 30862	25K	No	Single Jaw	$$$$$
	Reese Elite-Series 30871	26.5k	No	Single Jaw	$$$$$

 

Fifth Wheel Hitch Shopping Guide

A fifth wheel hitch is towing hardware installed to the bed of a truck. Fifth wheel hitches consist of a flat horseshoe-shaped head plate attached to a raised platform assembly attached securely to the truck’s frame. The horseshoe-shaped head is designed to accept the downward-facing kingpin found on fifth-wheel campers and trailers while creating a secure connection.

Fifth wheel hitches are designed for towing trailers with more than one axle.

You need to understand how your fifth wheel hitch works before making a purchase. Different types of fifth wheels offer different benefits, so you’ll want to pick one that is best suited for your needs. The best fifth wheel hitch will depend on the bed length, the vehicle’s rated towing capacity, along with the gross trailer weight (GTW). This article will discuss fifth wheel hitches in general and then the specifics to consider to help you decide.

This article will cover:

• Towing a Fifth Wheel
• Rails and Rail Kits
• Types of Rails
• Bed Liner Considerations
• Wiring Harnesses
• Rail Mounting Systems
• Hitch Head Pivoting
• Towing Gooseneck Trailers as well
• Locking Jaw Types
• Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitches

Towing a Fifth Wheel Trailer

A fifth wheel hitch serves as that critical connection between two of your most valuable possessions, your truck and your trailer. A fifth wheel hitch is also a significant investment, so you want to go with a quality hitch. A good hitch will give you the peace of mind that you will arrive safely with both of your possessions damage-free.

Fifth wheel hitches for pickup trucks mount to the truck’s bed and are similar in design to those found on semi-trucks. These hitches are specifically designed for just one purpose, safe heavy-duty towing.

Fifth Wheels put the trailer’s tongue weight directly over the top of the rear axle instead of behind the vehicle’s bumper. That makes them less likely to jack-knife the vehicle in emergency braking situations and allows for a tighter turning radius than rear-mounted hitches. So navigating tight turns and backing the trailer with a fifth wheel is easier.

Also, fifth wheel hitches offer towing ratings that can far exceed rated ball and gooseneck hitches’ capacities. They can be found with manufacturer-rated tow capacities ranging anywhere from 15000 lbs to 30,000 lbs.

For those reasons, fifth wheel hitches are the preferred hitch for larger RV travel trailers, car haulers, and industrial utility trailers.

Types of Fifth Wheel Hitches

The size of your truck will likely determine which hitch type you need.

• • Stationary or Fixed Position Hitch

    A fixed position hitch does not move fore or aft.k’s cab on tight turns.

  • Sliding Hitch

    A sliding hitch or slider hitch may be needed for small bed pickups to keep the trailer from hitting the truck’s cab on tight turns.

With full-size trucks, a sliding hitch, which typically costs more, is not usually needed. A fixed position fifth wheel hitch is the best fifth wheel hitch for full-size trucks based on cost.

Understanding Fifth Wheel Jaw Types.

Single Jaw

When it comes to high-end fifth wheel hitches, popular opinion says the best is a single jaw coupler design.

Why?

Using a one-piece locking jaw, the mechanism acts as a wedge. Being shaped like a wedge, when it closes, it takes any slack out of the connection. That means the single jaw design provides the best jaw to kingpin contact possible.

When accelerating, stopping, and driving over rough roads, having nearly no play between the trailer and the truck results in a smoother and quieter experience. It also happens to be the safest of all hitches. The fewer moving parts, the better. With that said, the best choice for high-end fifth wheel hitches is the single jaw design.

Single jaw hitches are mostly found only on tow hitches rated at 25,000 lbs or more.

Double Jaw

A double jaw hitch still offers a quality connection. A dual jaw coupler functions by surrounding the kingpin as it enters the fifth wheel.

As you can imagine by looking at the picture, as the trailer’s kingpin slides in and hits the rear of the jaw, the jaws snap closed, and it locks securely.

These are found mostly on hitches in the 20,000 – 24,000 lbs range.

Sliding Bar Jaw

The sliding bar or locking bar hitches are usually found on lower tow capacity fifth wheel hitches. Once the trailer is on the hitch, the bar the handle is attached to slides inward to create a physical barrier keeping the kingpin from sliding back out. This is more of imprisonment of the kingpin.

Sliding bar hitches will have more play between the kingpin and hitch than other jaw types. With this type of hitch, you can often get knocking noises when accelerating and braking.

These are mostly found on the lowest-rated capacity hitches, typically under 20,000 lbs.

4-Way Pivot Head

All fifth wheel hitches pivot 2-way, forward, and aft. This allows the truck to start a climb or go down a steep descent before the trailer reaches that change in grading without causing binding or stressing the kingpin and hitch.

The better ones also pivot side to side (left and right) to allow for uneven terrain. These are often referred to as floating hitches. This is especially helpful when hitching the trailer on uneven ground. The possible pivot degree can range from hitch to hitch, but the essential aspect is that the trailer can be leaning and hitched all at the same time with a 4-way pivot head hitch. Cheaper hitches usually lack a 4-way pivot. However, all of the featured hitches in this article are a 4-way pivot.

Fifth Wheel Hitch Brands

• Reese
• B&W Trailer Hitches
• CURT
• Hidden Hitch
• Reese Towpower
• Andersen Hitches
• B&W Hitches
• Pro-series
• Demco
• PullRite
• Draw-Tite
• Tulga Fifth Wheel Co
• Husky

Reese is a well-known and respected brand in the fifth wheel hitch industry, known for their reliable and durable products. They are based in the United States and have been producing hitches for over 70 years. They offer a wide range of products that are designed for easy installation and use, and are backed by a lifetime warranty.

B&W Trailer Hitches is a leading manufacturer of fifth wheel hitches, known for their innovative designs and high towing capacities. They are based in the United States and have been in business for over 30 years. They offer a range of products that are designed to be easy to install and remove, and are known for their durability and reliability.

CURT is a trusted brand in the fifth wheel hitch industry, offering a range of products that are easy to install and use. They are based in the United States and have been in business for over 50 years. They are known for their innovative designs and high towing capacities, and offer a range of products that are designed to be easy to install and remove.

Hidden Hitch is a leading manufacturer of fifth wheel hitches, offering a range of products that are designed for easy installation and use. They are based in the United States and have been in business for over 50 years. They are known for their innovative designs and high towing capacities, and offer a range of products that are designed to be easy to install and remove.

When comparing these brands, it is important to consider the specific needs of your towing setup. Each of these brands offers a range of products with different towing capacities and features, so it is important to choose the one that best fits your needs. All of these brands are trusted and respected in the industry, and offer high-quality products that are designed to be reliable and durable.

Buying a Fifth Wheel Hitch – Rails and Rail Kits

Most likely, you are getting a hitch because you are getting ready to tow a trailer. Nothing is worse than when you think you have everything you need, and then you realize something has been overlooked.

When you think of a fifth wheel hitch, the first thing that comes to mind is the horseshoe-shaped plate, handle, legs, and other parts of the fifth wheel head. Well, that hitch needs to be securely bolted through your truck bed and into the frame of the truck.

Fifth wheel hitches attach to a set of rails that mount to the bed of the truck. This serves as a secure, raised foundation for the hitch to connect to. Therefore, when shopping for a fifth-wheel hitch, it is essential to know if that particular hitch includes the rails or if you need to purchase them separately.

It’s nice to know that there is an industry standard. Nearly all fifth wheel hitches will work with almost all rail kits. Just make sure you are purchasing a rail kit and not only rails.
The rail kit includes rails and the proper bolts, brackets, and other hardware needed for installation.

There are two main categories of rails, custom, and universal fit.

Custom Rails:

Custom rails are made to take advantage of pre-existing factory drilled holes in the frame on specific vehicles. This makes for a quicker, easier, and frustration-free installation.

Universal Rails:

Not every vehicle is going to have rails explicitly designed for it. That is where universal rails come into play. Universal rails have the advantage of working on a wide range of trucks, but their disadvantage is drilling through the truck’s frame. That can make for a more time-consuming and challenging installation.

Quick Install Brackets

Nearly all new hitches sold with rails come with universal rails. Do yourself a favor and look into quick install brackets. There is a wide variety of brackets custom-designed for specific trucks. They attach to the frame’s sides under the truck bed using existing hardware/holes on the frame. No need to drill the frame. Then you drill through the truck’s bed to line up with the holes on the top of the bracket. Now you will have a solid connection to bolt the rails too. Quick install brackets can cut rail installation down to about an hour.

Under Bed Crossmember Rail Mounting Systems

There may be times when you want to remove the hitch to regain the regular use of your truck bed. Although most traditional fifth wheel hitches can be removed from the mounting rails, they leave behind the raised ones.

If you want full and unrestricted use of your pickup truck bed when you’re not hauling a trailer and don’t want the raised rails getting in the way, you want to consider a frame-mounted under-bed mounting bracket system. This means no raised rails to interfere when loading or hauling your cargo as they sit flush. In addition, under-bed systems give your truck bed the clean and finished look it came with, as if you never had a fifth wheel hitch installed.

If you are looking to buy a new vehicle for towing, it can often be a factory-installed option at the time of purchase as a towing prep package from the dealer. Of course, if you already have your tow vehicle, it can be installed after the fact as well.

Another solution is to go with a Reese hitch. Reese’s puck system allows everything to be removed except for the pucks themselves.

Truck Bed Liners

If your truck has a spray-on bed liner, that’s not an issue. Plastic bed liners are another story. You can not install rails directly on top of a plastic bed liner as it will disintegrate. You have two options. One is to cut a large square out of the center of the liner where the fifth wheel hitch installs or go with a Reese Elite Series and install Reese plastic bed liner adapter pucks. Think of them as spacer washers. You can cut four small holes in the liner for the pucks with the metal pucks instead of a large hole in the center. The raised pucks give the rails a solid foundation to mount to while going over the plastic bed liner’s top and give a cleaner look.

Wiring Harness

If you are towing your fifth-wheel trailer, you are going to need operational lights.

Most pickups put the trailer light electrical 7-way RV blade socket by the rear bumper. On most fifth-wheel trailers, the trailer’s electrical socket will be on the front of the trailer overhanging the bed up by the hitch. A wiring harness moves the bumper socket closer. It acts as a semi-permanent extension cord. It plugs in by the bumper and creates a socket in the bed, more local to where you need it.

If your truck does not have a wiring harness installed, make sure to purchase one.

Installation is relatively simple. The most challenging part would be drilling a hole in the side of the pickup’s bed to install the socket.

Best Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Hitch

If you plan to tow a gooseneck trailer in addition to your fifth wheel, such as a horse trailer or industrial trailer, it would be ideal to have a hitch designed for both. If you have an existing gooseneck hitch, you can go with a fifth wheel hitch like this one that connects to the truck’s frame using the existing setup and takes only about 10 minutes to install it or remove it. When it is removed, it leaves nothing behind.

The B&W Companion hitch attaches to the existing gooseneck mount and requires no drilling, cutting or welding

Determining What Size Fifth Wheel Hitch You Need

There are many unique and neat features to choose from when it comes to comparing fifth wheel hitches. However, before you can pick the best hitch to haul your fifth-wheel trailer, you need to consider one crucial detail. First and foremost is safety. You wouldn’t want to risk damage to your tow vehicle or trailer, or even worse, injury or death.

So before you purchase your hitch, you need to know some vital, and maybe not so exciting, information.

Vehicle’s Rated Towing Capacity

This should be considered first. If your truck can’t tow it, don’t waste your time and money buying a hitch. If your vehicle’s rating is insufficient, you cannot do much about it other than purchasing another truck. You would want to consult your Owner’s Manual for the official specifications.

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)

This will be the trailer’s weight FULLY LOADED with all of your gear and goodies ready to go. This is the actual weight that you are towing down the road.

Hitch Rated Towing Capacity

Only when you know your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity and the trailer’s total weight can you consider shopping for a hitch. The hitch needs to meet or exceed your fully-loaded trailer’s weight but should not exceed the tow vehicle rating.

Ideally, you would choose the highest rating your vehicle can handle so that you don’t cut yourself short in the future but avoid hitches that are rated higher than the vehicle’s rating. But, unfortunately, it’s not a good idea for a couple of reasons. First, it means you may have unnecessarily spent more money than needed, but even worse, the expectation that the vehicle can tow more than it safely could if a judgment was made based on the hitch rating in the future.

5th Wheel Hitch Installation

Installing a fifth wheel hitch can be a complex process, especially if you have never done it before. Unless you are mechanically inclined, you may want to leave the fifth wheel’s installation up to professionals. The cost will vary greatly, and it is best to shop around for the best pricing.

Cost to have a Fifth Wheel Installed

The cost of installing a fifth wheel hitch can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the type of hitch, the complexity of the installation process, and the location of the installation. Some general factors that can influence the cost of installing a fifth wheel hitch include:

• Type of fifth wheel hitch: The cost of installing a fifth wheel hitch can vary depending on the type of hitch you choose. Some hitches may be more complex to install and may require more specialized tools or equipment, which can increase the cost of the installation.
• Location of the installation: The cost of installing a fifth wheel hitch may also be influenced by the location of the installation. If you are having the hitch installed at a dealership or mechanic, the cost may be higher due to labor costs. If you are installing the hitch yourself, the cost may be lower, but you will need to factor in the cost of any tools or equipment that you need to purchase.
• Difficulty of the installation process: The complexity of the installation process can also impact the cost of installing a fifth wheel hitch. Some hitches may be easier to install than others, depending on the design and the specific requirements of the installation.

Overall, the cost of installing a fifth wheel hitch can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the factors listed above. It is important to consider the cost of installation when choosing a fifth wheel hitch, and to factor in any additional expenses that may be incurred during the installation process.

Fifth Wheel Hitch DIY

The installation will involve drilling into the vehicle’s frame and a possible need to wire for the lights.

Various tools will be needed to install a fifth wheel properly, and some of the socket and wrench sizes will depend on the fifth wheel you purchased. Typically you will be looking at needing a drill, an assortment of drill bit sizes, socket and torque wrench along with sockets, a pen for marking, and some safety glasses.

If you choose to install the fifth wheel yourself, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and to have the right tools and equipment on hand. Here are some general steps to follow when installing a fifth wheel hitch:

1. Preparing the truck: The first step in installing a fifth wheel hitch is to prepare the truck. This may involve removing any existing hitch or towing equipment, as well as ensuring that the bed of the truck is clear and free of debris.
2. Measure and mark the mounting points: The next step is to measure and mark the mounting points for the fifth wheel hitch. This may involve using a template provided by the manufacturer, or measuring and marking the points manually. It is important to ensure that the mounting points are correctly positioned and aligned.
3. Install the mounting brackets: Once the mounting points have been marked, the next step is to install the mounting brackets for the fifth wheel hitch. This may involve drilling holes and attaching the brackets to the bed of the truck using bolts and nuts. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and to use the right tools for the job.
4. Install the fifth wheel hitch: With the mounting brackets installed, the next step is to attach the fifth wheel hitch to the mounting brackets. This may involve lining up the hitch with the mounting brackets and securing it in place using bolts and nuts. Again, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and to use the right tools for the job.
5. Test the fifth wheel hitch: Once the fifth wheel hitch is installed, it is important to test it to ensure that it is properly secured and functioning correctly. This may involve towing a trailer and checking for any issues with stability or alignment. If any problems are detected, it is important to address them before using the hitch for towing.

Are Fifth Wheel Hitches Removable?

Fifth wheel hitches can be slid off of the rails to be removed from the tow vehicle. Keep in mind that a fifth wheel hitch will weigh about 80 pounds, so that you may need the help of a friend.  A slick little trick is to leave the fifth wheel hitch attached to the trailer. Keep in mind that the rails will remain attached to the bed of the truck.

Replace Tailgate for Fifth Wheel Towing

You may want to consider replacing your truck’s stock tailgate. A tailgate made for fifth wheels for the benefits they offer. They are designed to be lighter, more wind-resistant, and dip down in the center to allow you to hitch and unhitch the trailer over the tailgate to avoid having to lower and raise each time. Just make sure to save the stock tailgate so if you sell the truck in the future.

FAQ

Q: How do I choose the right fifth wheel hitch for my needs?

A: When choosing a fifth wheel hitch, it is important to consider the towing capacity that you need, as well as the compatibility with your truck and trailer. It is also important to consider the ease of installation and removal, as well as the durability and reliability of the product.

Q: Can I use any fifth wheel hitch with any truck and trailer?

A: No, it is important to choose a fifth wheel hitch that is compatible with your truck and trailer.Make sure to check the specifications and compatibility of the hitch before making a purchase to ensure it will work for your specific setup.

Q: Are more expensive fifth wheel hitches always better?

A: Not necessarily. While it is true that some higher-priced fifth wheel hitches may offer more advanced features or a higher towing capacity, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget when making a purchase. In some cases, a lower-priced hitch may still offer the performance and reliability that you need.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fifth wheel hitches are an essential piece of equipment for those who need to tow heavy loads. In this article, we have introduced and reviewed the top three selling fifth wheel hitch models on the market. Each of these products offers a high towing capacity and a range of innovative features, making them reliable and durable choices for those who need a fifth wheel hitch. While they may be expensive, their ease of use, compatibility, and durability make them worthwhile investments for those who need a reliable fifth wheel hitch.

About the Author

I am an expert in the field of fifth wheel hitches, with years of experience testing and reviewing the top products on the market. I have a deep understanding of the different types of fifth wheel hitches and how to choose the right one for your needs. I am passionate about helping others find the best fifth wheel hitch for their specific needs and budget, and strive to provide honest and informative reviews to assist in that process.