Best 5th Wheel Hitches of 2021 – Complete Buyer’s Guide

| Last Updated: January 4, 2022

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Finding a good, trusty hitch can prove to be quite a daunting task.

There are so many options to choose from and they all seem to be the same, right? Well, not quite. Some hitches are heavier and others are sturdy and heavy-duty. 

Let’s check out some of your options.

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best 5th wheel hitch overall
  • This wheel hitch is great for the good price it‘s offered at
  • Is heavy and tricky to move by yourself
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  • This hitch offers a forged, self-latching jaw
  • It has a 4-way pivoting head for much better use
  • You can expect a simple and secure hookup, even when on uneven ground
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  • Best for the money
  • Is has been designed specifically to drop into 5th wheel base-rails
  • The hitch provides a standard 16-inch gooseneck bail for ready coupling
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  • Best Reese 5th Wheel Hitch
  • This hitch has a load capacity of 20 000 pounds
  • It features a neat 4-way head pivot - front and back; side to side
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  • Best Curt 5th Wheel Hitch
  • Thanks to its 360° tilt, there’s no extra difficulty to install
  • Its performance sets it a notch higher than similar products
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  • Best Anderson 5th Wheel Hitch
  • Impressive light weight makes the hitch stand out
  • Very easy to install, making it possible to store when not in use
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  • Best B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch
  • This hitch is considered one of the best ever to be sold
  • This product is also superbly durable given its weight
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Can You Really Find a Quality Fifth Wheel Hitch That’s Affordable?

It’s definitely possible to find a fifth wheel hitch that is durable and high-quality without forking out too much money. As long as you do your research, you can find a good product. Just because a product is expensive does not mean it’s the best you’ll find. Some manufacturers overprice their products. 

On the other hand, a product that is more affordable isn’t necessarily inferior. You just need to know what to look for, and you can find a good, affordable hitch. Many people will insist that you get what you pay for, but that’s honestly not always the case.

What Makes a Great Fifth Wheel Hitch?

When it comes to choosing a good fifth wheel hitch, there are a few things to look out for. Let’s take a look at what you should keep in mind when searching for your next hitch.

Durability

It is important to choose a hitch that will not break the first or second (or tenth) time you use it. Keep an eye out for products that are trusted and admired by other users.

Weight

Unless you want to struggle with a hitch that is difficult to move around, try to find one that is not too heavy. Sure, you’ll only move it around a couple of times, but you also need to consider the weight added to your truck.

Flexibility

You want to make sure the hitch you end up with is one that is compatible with all truck models. There is no point in ending up with a hitch that can only be used on a specific truck.

Price

This probably goes without saying, but remember your budget when you buy a hitch. Can you afford to spend more on a product that will last for years? Or do you perhaps have to consider a more affordable choice?

Review of the Best Fifth Wheel Hitches

We will now take a look at some of the best hitches you will find in shops near you (or on the internet). We will give you all the information you need to compare the different products. Once done, you will be able to make an informed choice.

Best Overall:
CURT 16245 5th Wheel Hitch, 24,000 lbs

CURT 16245 Q24 5th Wheel Hitch, 24,000 lbs

PROS

  • Has an impressive 360° tilt
  • Offers some serious load capacity
  • Head is self-aligning for better use
  • You can expect to have a nice, quiet ride
  • Is very affordable compared to other products
  • Double-jaw construction to prevent annoying noises

CONS

  • Is rather heavy
  • Can be difficult to move around alone
  • Latch can sometimes prove to be tricky to get loose

What Recent Buyers Report

Those who have used this hitch were impressed with how quiet it is when riding. No more noises when pulling away with your truck. This is thanks to the double-jaw construction, which goes around the hitch’s kingpin. They did, however, note that the hitch is very heavy at 136 pounds.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This wheel hitch features a self-aligning head, so you get a wide opening that makes coupling a more straightforward process. This is truly an easy-to-use hitch and comes with a very convenient 360° tilt. The load capacity of this hitch is really impressive, especially given its price range.

Who Will Use This Most

Anyone who wants a hitch with the ability to load really heavy stuff would appreciate this product. It is great for people on a budget as it’s not overly expensive, like other similar hitches. The hitch is almost completely noiseless, too.

Bottom Line

This is a good hitch at a very reasonable price, which stands out. That alone is reason enough to consider buying it. Then, add to that the fact that it can handle big loads and has a 360° tilt, and the CURT 16245 Fifth Wheel Hitch is a definite winner.

Runner-up:
Reese Fifth Wheel Hitch 15000 Pounds

Reese Fifth Wheel Hitch holds up to 15000 Pounds (Includes: Head, Head Support, Handle Kit and Legs)

PROS

  • Hooking up is generally pretty easy
  • The hitch’s design makes traveling much smoother
  • This hitch is able to pull up to roughly 15 000 pounds
  • Its non-binding, round-tube makes for better results when making slow turns
  • The 4-way pivoting head really makes this hitch a fierce competitor with other products

CONS

  • May take a while to get used to this hitch
  • Works best with short bed trucks and extended cabs

What Recent Buyers Report

For the most part, buyers are very happy with this hitch. It gives a smooth, non-jerky ride no matter what you’re pulling. It can handle a good load capacity, which many people like.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This hitch comes with a forged, self-latching jaw, wide funnel area, and four-way pivoting head. That alone impresses most hitch users. It is a sturdy product and may take a while to get used to but is great in the end. The rounded slide bar mechanism is a neat feature.

Who Will Use This Most

This hitch is best suited to short bed trucks and extended cabs, ideally. It will work for other models, but not perfectly. Driving and making turns is a breeze, so anyone who dreads turns will like this hitch a lot. Also, the hitch is adjustable - a fantastic little added bonus.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a hitch with a good reputation, this one will most certainly hit the bullseye. This guy comes from a trusted brand and is pretty easy to use. It might take a while to get used to the specifics of the hitch, but it’s worth the investment.

Best for the Money:
CURT 16055

CURT 16055 Bent Plate 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch, Fits Industry-Standard Rails, 25,000 lbs, 2-5/16-Inch Ball, Carbide Black Powder Coat

PROS

  • The hitch can take up 25,000 pounds
  • This is a 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter
  • You get dependable towing with this adapter
  • The installation of this hitch is fairly straightforward and easy
  • This product can easily pull heavy trailers without any problems
  • It is made to endure even the harshest weather, such as rain and corrosive elements

CONS

  • Product can prove tricky to use with plastic bed liners
  • Doesn’t fit all standard rails, may need to be adjusted

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers have been very happy and impressed with this product. It is not difficult or particularly tricky to install. They like how sturdy and hardy the hitch was made and its carbide powder-coat finish. The hitch fits most rails, but some users have noted that there are some exceptions.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The tough finish of the hitch is indeed to be praised. It will outlast just about any weather you could expose it to and will last years. It’s simple to use and not at all a problematic item to install. It can pull heavy trailers without you even feeling it.

Who Will Use This Most

If you’re looking for a product that will enable you to pull trailers, this is for you. It’s made to use with existing fifth wheel rails, which make it possible to do gooseneck towing. The product comes highly recommended by previous users. It comes with a sturdy 16-inch gooseneck ball.

Bottom Line

For adapting fifth wheelbase rails for the purpose of gooseneck towing, this is a great option. It is really a breeze to install and is very durable - made to last for many years. It can tow up to 25,000 lbs gross trailer weight with ease and has no reported issues.

Best Reese Fifth Wheel Hitch:
Reese 30081 20K Fifth Wheel Hitch

REESE 30081 Fifth Wheel 20000 lb Load Capacity

PROS

  • The hitch’s quality is really good
  • Has a self-latching jaw for ease of use
  • The head is made of heavy-duty ingredients
  • The hookup process is fast and easy and so is its removal
  • Locking the handle is also very easy and is pretty secure
  • You can expect minimum "rattle" from this hitch while traveling

CONS

  • Some people find it to be quite heavy
  • The latch can prove to be difficult to use on your own

What Recent Buyers Report

In general, buyers are really pleased with this product. It is not difficult to get installed. However, some people have found that doing so alone can be a bit tricky. They also like that the safety pin makes it possible to use a padlock on the hitch.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Thanks to its four-way head pivot, this hitch is really easy to install. You won’t have to search through a manual to find information, though you can. The self-latching jaw also adds to the ease of use. It comes with a black, powder coat on the steel to resist corrosion.

Who Will Use This Most

Because it really is simple to use for the most part, this hitch is good for pretty much anyone. Whatever your needs are, you will benefit from this product. This Reese Fifth Wheel Hitch can handle 20,000 pounds of load capacity, so it will be very versatile in its usage.

Bottom Line

Basically, this is a good option that is also pretty reasonably priced. You will be able to use it for all your pulling needs with no problems. It is a little heavy and can be tricky to install alone. But that does not detract from how good this hitch is.

Best Curt 5th Wheel Hitch:
CURT 16039 Q25 Black Fifth Wheel Hitch

CURT Lippert Replacement Ground Control 2.0 6-Point 5th Wheel Electric Jack Controller, RV Leveling System Assembly Circuit Board - 276452

PROS

  • This hitch is simply a breeze to install
  • You get a lifetime warranty for peace of mind
  • The product has been safety tested for more assurance
  • It has a nice, versatile fit, making it a popular choice
  • The hitch features a durable double jaw construction adding to its value

CONS

  • Many people will find this hitch expensive
  • There are many users who find the product heavy

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers love that hitching up this product is easy. Thanks to the color-coded visual indicators, you’ll be sure you have a secure lock. They also noted that it is heavy and could need two people to jockey into position. Doing so alone is possible but might be rather hard work.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This hitch has basically set the standard for what similar products should be like. It is durable, simple to use, and up to heavy-duty work. It has a neat 360° tilt that makes it much easier to use. You will enjoy a quiet, smooth ride when using this product.

Who Will Use This Most

This is a great product for anyone who wants to invest in a quality fifth wheel hitch that will last for years. However, it isn’t for those with a tight budget. It is pricey, but considering its durability, it’s an investment. It’s also heavy, so that could be a problem.

Bottom Line

Although this hitch is in the higher price range, it is value for your money. It has raised the bar and set the standard for hitch products. This is one of the most recommended products of its kind. If you can spare the money, you will not regret buying this hitch.

Best Anderson Fifth Wheel Hitch:
Andersen Hitches 3220

PROS

  • Is compatible with all standard gooseneck hitches
  • Despite its weight, this product is actually very durable
  • Works with different kinds of truck beds with no problems
  • This hitch is remarkably lightweight - only weighs 35 pounds
  • You will get a smooth and quiet ride
  • Using and installing the hitch is a lot easier than its competition

CONS

  • You’ll need a torque wrench for the latching mechanism
  • As one of the most popular hitches, it’s also very expensive

What Recent Buyers Report

Those who have used this hitch are very impressed by the heavy-duty and durable features of this hitch. This is despite feeling (and being) much lighter than other hitches. They also really like that the product is so quick and easy to install, which is what makes it so popular.

Why it Stands Out to Us

As you can guess, the light weight of this hitch is something that makes it stand out. It is, therefore, super simple to install and use. It can be installed within minutes, in fact. You can also remove and store it away. You’ll need a torque wrench for that, though.

Who Will Use This Most

Although it is believed that everyone will love using this hitch, not everyone can afford it, sadly. It is more expensive than many other hitches, but is one of a kind, so the price is somewhat to be expected. Still, those who don’t mind the price tag will love this hitch.

Bottom Line

For a hitch that is simple to use and incredibly easy to install, you can’t go wrong with this product. It’s expensive and not ideal for someone who needs to keep an eye on finances, though it’s still very popular. The hitch is also unbelievably light, making it really easy to use.

Best B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch:
B&W Hitches RVK3700

PROS

  • Installing and removing are very simple
  • It is a very lightweight hitch, surprising to many
  • It’s a versatile hitch compatible with most truck models
  • Thanks to how durably it is made, it will last many years
  • The hitch has surpassed expectations with how light it is
  • You can expect to be able to make 3 adjustments to the hitch

CONS

  • This hitch is one of the more expensive products on the market

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers were really impressed with how well-built the hitch is. Users rate the B&W Companion as one of the best ever made. They appreciate that the hitch can be adjusted for more convenient use. Also, it only takes a few minutes to install, which is seen as a bonus.

Why it Stands Out to Us

There is so much that stands out about this hitch. It does not have any reported faults, making it very popular. Although it is so high in demand, it remains quite costly. The B&W Companion is easy to install and easy to use, as well as light but tough.

Who Will Use This Most

Anyone who wants a high-quality hitch will do well to invest in this guy. It was manufactured to last for many, many years. It is great for people who struggle with heavier products. It is also a great option since it is so simple to install, use, and remove.

Bottom Line

One of the biggest reasons to consider buying this hitch is how trusted it is by users all over the world. It weighs 35 pounds, making it one of the lightest to be found. If you can’t afford to spend a lot of money, this might not be the product for you.

Types of Fifth Wheel Hitches

There are two types of fifth wheel hitches, each with its own features. Here they are:

Fixed-Position Hitch

This type of hitch (also called mounted hitch) is, as the name suggests, fixed in one position. It will remain in this one position while you pull a trailer with it. These hitches are made with a focus on simplicity. 

There are not many moving parts, so it is indeed simple. However, the hitch’s turning radius is limited because of this. If you’re using it on a truck with a bed of 6.5 feet or smaller, you risk hitting the cab close to the 90-degree mark. For this reason, fixed hitches are best used on trucks with eight-foot beds.

Sliding Hitch

This type of hitch is better suited to shorter bed trucks because the design focuses on turning. There is no risk of hitting the cab when using a hitch that slides because it lets the trailer move more freely during turns, even tight ones. Also, you might have the option of a positioning kingpin back along the slide bars or more forward, depending on your preference. 

How to Install a Fifth Wheel Hitch

The purpose of a fifth wheel hitch is to attach a trailer to your truck bed above the axle for proper load distribution. To install the rails necessary for your hitch, you’ll need some hardware like a ¾ wrench and a ¾ torque with a ratchet. 

You’ll also need a very good torque wrench. Furthermore, you will have to drill some holes into the frame of your truck to install the rails. Placing the hitch over the truck’s axle is recommended - that’s where the suspension can take the most weight. 

You should assemble the hitch as instructed by the manufacturer. Make sure all electrical connections for brake lights and turn signals are properly connected. Test them before you go on the road. Ensure that you have a good and sturdy drill and the right size drill bits. 

You don’t want to end up damaging your tools while installing your hitch. It can be a lot of hard work and effort to install a hitch, so make sure you really want to do this. Since you’ll be making holes in your truck, you may not be able to turn back once you started. 

Check out this video for detailed instructions:

Conclusion

Now you know the pros and cons of the most popular hitch products on the market. You will be able to compare them and find the hitch that will be best suited to your needs. As long as you keep price, durability, and flexibility in mind, you’ll be just fine.

I used to work in construction and landscaping, so I've seen my fair share of ratchet straps, winches, and similar rigging gear. I started Winch Central because I've seen some nasty accidents due to crappy rigging or poor practice. I wanted to be able to recommend good equipment that's SAFE and also provide resources for how its used. I handle the research side of things here as well as product selection for gear reviews.