Buying a fifth wheel is a fun and exciting process, but the most important thing for new customers to invest in is the right hitch setup!
Fifth wheel hitches come in a wide range of weight classes, prices, sizes, and designs. It can be overwhelming to try to pick from this sea of options, so I’ve compiled a guide of the different types of fifth wheel hitches, as well as some of the best models of each type.
There are some hitches that will only work with specific truck brands and these will not be covered. We want to create the most exclusive and open list possible. If you have questions about the right hitch for your specific vehicle you can visit this website here to receive a recommendation.
There are lots of different brands that manufacture fifth wheel hitches and accessories, and the models advertised in this guide will highlight some of the best that they have to offer.
There’s a lot to talk about here, so let’s get to it! Somewhere on this list, you’ll certainly find the right fifth wheel hitch for your needs.
Standard Fifth Wheel Hitches
Standard fifth wheel hitches are models that are installed into the bed of a truck and do not move from that spot. They’re specifically designed to only attach to fifth wheel kingpins and are the most common type of hitch on the market.
Let’s take a look at some of the top designs in this category!
Reese Fifth Wheel Hitch
Reese is one of the top brands when it comes to fifth wheel hitches! You’ll be seeing them on this list quite a bit because they make a range of different products and accessories.
They make a range of different fifth wheel hitches as well. Reese fifth wheel hitches can carry 15k, 16k, 20k, or 25k pounds of weight. Each of these hitches are separate products, but they are all high-quality. To choose between this selection, you’ll need to know the weight of your chosen fifth wheel and choose accordingly.
This table will provide some information on each of the different product options.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 15,000 lbs. | 16,000 lbs. | 20,000 lbs. | 25,000 lbs. |
| Price | $365.24 | $537.28 | $727.42 | $902.71 |
| Vertical Load | 3,750 lbs. | 4,000 lbs. | 5,000 lbs. | 6,250 lbs. |
Each of these different models is solidly made and have wide stance one-piece legs for improved stability.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
Elite Series Pre-Assembled Fifth Wheel Hitch
Elite fifth wheel hitches come in both 18k and 26.5k towing weights. Apart from their difference in weight capacity, these two models are quite similar to each other.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 18,000 lbs. | 26,500 lbs. |
| Price | $1,209.72 | $1,534.86 |
| Vertical Load | 4,500 lbs. | 6,625 lbs. |
There hitches both include a 4-way head pivot in their design, which is great for tight turns. They also sport a wider footprint for increased stability and a stamped rounded head.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
B&W Patriot 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch
B&W is another company that specializes in fifth wheel hitch manufacturing. They have lots of different options, but the Patriot hitch has been one of their most popular products. This particular model only comes in the 16k weight class, but other B&W hitches cover a wider range.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 16,000 lbs. |
| Price | $598.00 |
| Vertical Load | 4,000 lbs. |
As the name might suggest, the Patriot is a hitch that was American made. This product has all the usual durability and adaptability that fifth wheel hitches are expected to have, but it also has a great bonus feature!
The Patriot hitch can be taken in and out of the truck bed to maximize space. That’s not always a given for fifth wheel hitches, which are often embedded permanently into the frame of the truck.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch
There are some slight variations on this hitch available from B&W, but the classic Companion hitch gives all the strength and reliability that you could need. It can haul a lot of weight due to its connection to a gooseneck hitch, and it’s easy to take in and out.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 20,000 lbs. |
| Price | $957.00 |
| Vertical Load | 5,000 lbs. |
This hitch works in tandem with B&W gooseneck hitches to provide a towing system that is easy to convert into usable truck bed space when it’s not needed. It offers both horizontal and vertical adjustments, which make it easier to attach to a fifth wheel kingpin. It also has vibration dampening capabilities to provide the smoothest ride possible.
This hitch needs to be partnered with the correct gooseneck hitch, but apart from this detail, it’s quite versatile.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
Demco 21K Recon Fifth Wheel Hitch
The Demco Recon hitch is a lightweight hitch for heavy-duty towing! It can haul 21,000 lbs. but it weighs less than other hitches of this weight class. It has a strong, geometric design that gives it a great deal of strength and structural integrity.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 21,000 lbs. |
| Price | $549.00 |
| Vertical Load | 4,000 lbs. |
This hitch has the ability to slide in and out of the truck bed on a set of pre-installed rails. This makes it easier to remove when you want to free up space. Its size is standardized to fit a variety of different trucks.
The Demco Recon hitch is a great option for people who want to maximize their towing weight while minimizing the vertical load of a hitch.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
Husky Silver Series Fifth Wheel Hitch
The Husky Silver Series of hitches are built with ease of use in mind. It can often take multiple steps to hook a fifth wheel to its hitch in the bed of a truck. These hitches cut out a few steps by creating a locking mechanism that doesn’t require a person to crank open the jaws every time they want to connect.
The Husky Silver Series hitches come in two weight varieties, the 16k and the 26k.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 16,000 lbs. | 26,000 lbs. |
| Price | $383.96 | $562.00 |
| Vertical Load | 4,000 lbs. | 6,500 lbs. |
Both of these hitches are designed to limit noise and rattling while you’re on the road. They minimize torque between truck and trailer to create a smooth and firmly connected setup. You can enjoy some additional peace of mind when you’re hitting turns with this hitch!
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
18K PullRite Super 5th Industry Fifth Wheel Hitch
The PullRite fifth wheel hitch makes great use of existing industry standard rails in truck beds. This is a real benefit for people who don’t want to drill extra holes into their truck to install a hitch.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 18,000 lbs. |
| Price | $657.56 |
| Vertical Load | 4,500 lbs. |
This hitch also creates a great secure connection between the truck hitch and the trailer kingpin. It also locks automatically over the kingpin. This whole setup is great for minimizing jostle on the road.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
Blue Ox 20k Super Ride Fifth Wheel Hitch
The Blue Ox Super Rise is has a geometric, modern design to it. It’s convenient to connect to and maneuver with.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 20,000 lbs. |
| Price | $1,505.96 |
| Vertical Load | 5,000 lbs. |
For the amount of weight that is can haul, the Super Ride hitch is surprisingly light. It can connect to industry-standard rails as well, which makes it easy to install in an average truck.
The hitch itself is perfectly crafted to fully lock around the kingpin of a fifth wheel. When everything is connected, the hitch encompasses the pin in 360 degrees. It is also padded with rubbed springs to smooth the ride.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
Manual Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitches
Sliding hitches for fifth wheels are similar to the standard fifth wheel hitch in their general design. They attach in the same way and can handle similar weight classes. But sliders have the ability to move back and forth in the truck bed (on a set of installed rails) to create more maneuvering room for tight turns.
Manual sliders require a little more effort on the part of their operators, but they are easy to find in the marketplace and they’re usually not as expensive as their automatic counterparts.
CURT 16516 Fifth Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks
This hitch is great for people who want to tow fifth wheels with short bed trucks. I mean, it’s right there in the name! This one is made for that exact purpose.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 16,000 lbs. |
| Price | $537.99 |
| Vertical Load | 5,000 lbs. |
This hitch has a connector that can pivot 10 inches to the left and right, which is great for making safe turns with a short bed truck. It can also move 12 inches on its sliding rails, creating an extra foot of maneuvering room when necessary.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
16K Reese Towpower 30051 Fifth Wheel with Kwik-Slide
This is another entry from the Reese family of products! This hitch has been thoroughly tested to make sure that it meets durability standards.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 16,000 lbs. |
| Price | $627.27 |
| Vertical Load | 4,000 lbs. |
The Reese Towpower has a lot of great features, such as its two-jaw locking system to create a firm clamp around the kingpin of a fifth wheel. It is also built with wide stance legs for improved stability and weight distribution.
The Towpower hitch slides a full 10 inches to create a great turning radius that anyone who tows a fifth wheel can appreciate.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
20K Reese Titan 30870 Fifth Wheel Hitch
The Titan fifth wheel hitch was built with user-friendliness in mind. Instructions and guides are printed directly on the hitch, so even the newest fifth wheelers will have an official reference to help them out.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 20,000 lbs. |
| Price | $1,099.00 |
| Vertical Load | 5,000 lbs. |
This is a hardy hitch with its high tow weight and relatively low vertical load weight. As mentioned above, this model also comes with a customized grip that includes universal control instructions.
It also has a powerful latching mechanism with a double jaw lock. This makes it better for longer use, improves its natural tolerances, and eliminates snags and slips in the jaw system.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
16K Husky Silver Series Fifth Wheel Hitch With Slider
The Husky Silver Series sliding hitch offers 10 inches of sliding space along its rails. It also offers features that make it easy to operate, such as a color-coded latching mechanism.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 16,000 lbs. |
| Price | $874.76 |
| Vertical Load | 4,000 lbs. |
The Husky Silver Series hitch is designed to limit as much noise and movement of the fifth wheel as possible. It also comes with a high-quality finish to provide strength and lasting protection.
The sides of this hitch are also open, which prevents the common problem of kingpins knocking against the sides of a hitch. Overall, it’s a hitch that’s easy to use and is guaranteed to last a long time.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
Automatic Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitches
Automatic sliders are pretty similar to manual sliders, but they don’t require the driver to physically get out and move the hitch from one position to another. But on the other hand, they’re less common and more expensive.
There’s a smaller selection for this group, but they have enough merits to make the cut of this list!
PullRite SuperGlide Fifth Wheel Hitch
The PullRite SuperGlide hitch is a great hitch for people who like a low-stress removal process. This product does a great job of towing fifth wheels, but can easily be taken out when you don’t need it. No tools are required to get it out of your truck bed.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 16,000 lbs. | 18,000 lbs. |
| Price | $1,124.19 | $1,199.34 |
| Vertical Load | 4,000 lbs. | N/A |
The base of this hitch has the sliding rails firmly connected. Additional exterior rails are not needed since everything is contained in the compact base of this hitch. It’s a solid little hitch that does its job very well.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
18K Demco HiJacker Fifth Wheel Hitch With AutoSlide
The Demco HiJacker hitch is a versatile option, with variations that can attach to either above-bed mounting rails or under-bed mounting kits. Depending on the build of the truck you’re using, you can choose the option that works best for you. They operate in very similar ways though, so I’m combining them under the same heading.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 18,000 lbs. |
| Price | $1,499.00 |
| Vertical Load | 4,500 lbs. |
The Demco HiJacker provides a low-stress maneuvering process for fifth wheel towers. The sliders stretch back 14 inches, creating lots of room for turning around corners and getting into tight spaces.
You also have the added convenience of this hitch being an automatic slider. No manual adjustments are needed when you want to turn around corners!
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
Gooseneck Hitches
Gooseneck hitches are a different type of hitch that are less common to use with fifth wheels. But despite this, they are still a viable option.
These can handle heavier loads than most other fifth wheel hitches and are quite compact. Gooseneck hitches are embedded in the bed of the tow truck, with only a small ball hitch appearing above the surface. These are handy because they help truck owners conserve space in their truck beds without taking hitches in and out.
On the other hand, gooseneck hitches require special attachments in order to connect to fifth wheel kingpins. The combination of both a gooseneck hitch and a fifth wheel adapter can increase the overall price of this option.
But some owners have found this to be a very useful setup, so many people will find that these are worth looking into. There are two main types of gooseneck hitch, so we’ll explore some of the best options for each kind.
Above-Bed Gooseneck Hitches
These hitches are, you guessed it, installed directly into the bed of the tow truck. Pretty much their entire structure sits above the bed, with the ball hitch sticking up the farthest.
These hitches are generally just solid sheets of metal without a lot of bells and whistles. They’re pretty straightforward in their design, but they’re very strong and compact. Even though they do take up some space in the truck bed, these generally lay fairly flat, so storage space is still available.
Above-bed hitches are the most common type of gooseneck hitch. They’ll be easier to find than others and there should be more options on the market. These hitches are pretty easy to install, which might make them a more attractive option than other hitches.
Reese Gooseneck Hitch
This gooseneck hitch sports a classic above-bed style with its solid and compact design. There are no pieces that need to be installed in the truck bed, which is nice for truck owners who don’t want to cut out parts of their vehicle! A simple series of strong screws keep this hitch anchored firmly in place.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 25,000 lbs. |
| Price | $182.53 |
| Tongue Weight | 6,250 lbs. |
This hitch fits the quality standards that Reese has set for all of its products. The hitch ball has been heat-treated to stand up to extreme conditions, and the necessary attaching pins and clips are included with your purchase.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
Curt Bent Plate Fifth Wheel Rail Gooseneck Hitch
The Curt gooseneck hitch is a versatile and hardy product. It can attach to any industry-standard fifth wheel and is designed to function in tandem with the fifth wheel rails that come pre-installed on many trucks.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 25,000 lbs. |
| Price | $192.93 |
| Tongue Weight | 6,250 lbs. |
This hitch is not only highly adaptable but tough as nails too! The whole thing is protected by a carbide powder coat finish to keep it in high-quality condition. It also comes with built-in attachment slots for safety chains.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
The Goose Above-Bed Gooseneck Hitch
This hitch sports an unconventional design with loops of metal forming the main structure of the base. It’s all geometric and strongly supported on all sides. This all combines to form a sleek, modern-looking hitch.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 25,000 lbs. |
| Price | $281.65 |
| Tongue Weight | 6,250 lbs. |
Like many other types of gooseneck hitch, this model provides maximum towing power with a minimum weakening of the truck bed. Installing this hitch doesn’t require any cuts into the bed beyond a few holes for pins to attach.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
Curt Spyder Fifth Wheel Rail Gooseneck Hitch
The Curt Spyder gooseneck hitch combines the solid base of the gooseneck hitch with a branching leg design that resembles a fifth wheel hitch. As the name suggests, this hitch somewhat resembles a four-legged spider. Stabilizing metal legs splay out from the ball hitch, creating a strong and secure base.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 25,000 lbs. |
| Price | $288.62 |
| Tongue Weight | 6,250 lbs. |
This hitch can be used to tow any industry-standard fifth wheel and can be used in conjunction with pre-installed fifth wheel rails in truck beds. In addition to its secure design, the structure of the metal itself is protected by a carbide powder coat finish.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
Fold-Down Gooseneck Hitches
Fold-down gooseneck hitches are different from their above-bed counterparts. These hitches are installed directly into the bed of the truck, and usually, only the ball hitch is visible from the surface.
When these hitches are not in use, truck owners can also remove the ball hitch, flip it over, and store it inside the bed of the truck, creating a smooth surface for all of their hauling needs.
These hitches are perfect for people who want to enjoy maximum towing capabilities and still keep their truck beds clear of any extra equipment.
On the downside though, these hitches are less common to find and they do require a more involved installation process. Pieces of the truck bed usually need to be removed and/or adjusted to make space for the hitch.
But don’t let this discourage you! These hitches can work beautifully for some people, so let’s look at some good fold-down gooseneck products.
Buyers Folding Gooseneck Hitch
This fold-down hitch requires less than a foot of space in the bed of a truck. The ball hitch and a small base plate are the only things that protrude above the surface. When it’s not in use, the ball can be turned over and stored in the base plate, creating a smooth surface.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 25,000 lbs. |
| Price | $151.95 |
| Tongue Weight | 5,000 lbs. |
This hitch also includes built-in loops for the safety chains. A black powder coat finish is applied to keep every piece of this hitch in good condition as well.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
Draw-Tite Remov-A-Ball Gooseneck Hitch
This hitch is one of the strongest on the market! It can carry loads up to 30,000 lbs. and is designed to cause the smallest possible disturbance for its truck. The footprint in the truck bed is less than 1 square foot and it also includes spring-loaded safety chain loops.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 30,000 lbs. |
| Price | $281.32 |
| Tongue Weight | 7,500 lbs. |
The ball hitch of this model has been heat-treated to give it the most durable finish possible. It locks firmly in place with a sliding chrome pin that can easily be removed when you want to flip the ball over. To make installation easier, this model doesn’t require any rearrangements of exhaust systems, though it does require a separate set of vehicle-specific rails.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch
B&W has created a reputation for providing reliable and diverse hitches. This fold-down gooseneck hitch is no exception to that policy. Its ball has been heat-treated for ultimate resilience and it is minimally intrusive in the truck bed.
| Hitch Towing Weight | 25,000 lbs. |
| Price | $538.00 |
| Tongue Weight | 6,250 lbs. |
This hitch only requires a 4-inch hole in the truck bed for the ball to stick up. And when the ball is stored away, there’s hardly any sign that this truck has a hitch at all! This product also makes installation easier by not requiring people to rearrange their truck exhaust systems.
For more information on this hitch, plus online ordering options, feel free to visit their website here.
Other Hitch Accessories
Even after you’ve picked out the perfect hitch for your fifth wheel, your job still isn’t over. While you’ve covered the essentials by this point, there are still a lot of other products and accessories that are important to the safe and convenient operation of hitching a fifth wheel to a truck.
Some of these accessories might have been included with your fifth wheel, while others will need to be bought separately. Make sure that you know what you paid for and always account for the items that you already have on hand.
There’s a wide world of fifth wheel equipment out there and it’s impossible to compile a perfect list for every setup. Below we’ll look at a couple of the most essential accessories, but if you’re interested in all of the options, this website has a fantastic compilation of different equipment and accessories.
Gooseneck Fifth Wheel Hitch Adapters
These are the attachments that you’ll need if you’re using a gooseneck hitch to tow a fifth wheel. The kingpins won’t connect to goosenecks, so a special converter is essential. A couple of good options are listed below.
Wallace Forge Gooseneck to Kingpin Adapter
Price: $170.17
Maximum Weight Rating: 30,000 lbs.
For more information on this adapter, as well as ordering options, check out their website here.
Bulldog Kingpin Gooseneck Coupler
Price: $176.41
Maximum Weight Rating: 25,000 lbs.
For more information on this adapter, as well as ordering options, check out their website here.
Ram Kingpin Gooseneck Coupler
Price: $248.84
Maximum Weight Rating: 30,000 lbs.
For more information on this adapter, as well as ordering options, check out their website here.
Kingpin Locks
Once you’ve picked out your fifth wheel, installed your hitch, and get everything else lined up, the last thing that you want to worry about is theft! To prevent someone else from driving off with your fifth wheel, it’s a good idea to use locks on your kingpin when it’s not in use.
Master Lock Fifth Wheel Kingpin Lock
Price: $18.94
For more information on this lock, as well as ordering options, check out their website here.
Buyers Fifth Wheel Trailer Lock for 2 Inch Kingpin
Price: $40.50
For more information on this lock, as well as ordering options, check out their website here.
Deadbolt Fifth Wheel Kingpin Lock
Price: $56.36
For more information on this lock, as well as ordering options, check out their website here.
