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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.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 5th Wheel Hitch
- OUR TOP PICK: CURT 16245 Q24 5th Wheel Hitch, 24,000 lbs
- Reese Fifth Wheel Hitch 15000 Pounds
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: CURT 16055
Table of Contents
Comparison of the Best 5th Wheel Hitches
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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
PROS
CONS
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
PROS
CONS
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
PROS
CONS
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
PROS
CONS
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
PROS
CONS
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
CONS
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
CONS
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.
