Our 5 Highest Rated 5th Wheel Hitch in 2020
- November 2, 2020
- Reading Time : 6 min
Have you ever asked yourself how a truck is able to tow an RV? Or how a trailer connects to a tow vehicle? Well, this is only made possible thanks to a 5th wheel hitch. This is a mechanical U-shaped hitch fitted on the back of a tow vehicle to connect it with a trailer.
5th wheel hitches come in a variety of styles and sizes. They are designed to carry heavier loads than the typical ball hitch as they provide smoother and more stable rides. Typically, 5th wheel hitches are more ideal for recreational towing.
There are many types of hitches in the market. With a good budget, you are highly likely to land yourself a reliable hitch for flawless towing. We have tested the wheel hitches below, and we are satisfied that this is a comprehensive and unbiased review.
Table of Contents
Our Top 5 Picks
Highlights
- Easy To Install & Remove
- Light weight
- Rated at 24,000 lbs GTWR
- Quite sturdy
Highlights
- Easy To Install & Remove
- Light weight
- Rated at 24,000 lbs GTWR
- Quite sturdy
This hitch is a favorite among campers because it is easily-removable. It comes with a Gooseneck version connector, which works well with standard gooseneck hitches. With base weighing 35 pounds, it’s light enough to attach to the bed of a truck. Its 3” adjustable height allows for easier hitch connection.
The innovative ball-funnel that comes with this hitch connection simplifies the hooking process. It provides swivel in every direction and can couple your truck in different terrains.
This hitch can be used on trucks with short beds. To adjust the gooseneck ball’s height, all you need is to use the provided coupler tube.
Good For:
- Easy to install and remove, lightweight, and value for money.
- It's one of the most affordable and lightest hitches you can find.
- The connector does not lose its tightness even after prolonged use. On tight corners, it turns smoothly and quietly.
- It is sold only through selected dealers and lacks visual configuration.
Absolutely thrilled with this hitch…..and I’m using it on a short bed truck!!! Pulls smooth, absolutely quiet, and just about a 90 degree turn!! Just finished about 500 miles with it, and after checking tightness nothing loosened up. All the bolts were at specified torque for the trip back and did not require any tightening. Truck is a 16′ Ram 2500 Megacab, and trailer is a Jayco Eagle HT. Front cap is not overly scalloped and still get more then enough turning radius
Highlights
- Low-price
- 16,000-lb. capacity
- Easy, single-handle operation
- Automatic locking mechanism for simple, secure coupling
Highlights
- Low-price
- 16,000-lb. capacity
- Easy, single-handle operation
- Automatic locking mechanism for simple, secure coupling
The CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch comes with a dual-pivot head that ensures stable towing. It also features auto-lock, which simplifies the hitching process and makes the connection more secure. Also, it has anti-rattling properties that reduce vibration at the point of coupling.
The hitch also comes with both an anti-rattle and an anti-skid plate. It has been safety tested according to SAE J2638 specification and can tow up to 16000 pounds.
The 5th wheel hitch comes with standard legs to provide versatility during mounting. If you are working on a budget, this is an ideal option.
Good For:
- It has an an auto-locking mechanism for secure coupling
- This hitch has a versatile design that ensures it can easily mount on standard rails
- Anti-rattle plate gives you a noise-free ride
- Unbolting everything for height adjustment is cumbersome
Full disclosure- I bought an open box special from Amazon, I knew it was going to be cosmetically damaged. Turns out, it was slightly bent as well. Really didn’t seem to affect anything, tightening the bolts seemed to pull everything back into alignment. It fits tight in the Curt universal bed rails I installed, I have to tap it into place with a rubber mallet. But, that eliminated any source of chucking that would occur because of slop at that junction.
It works well. We tow a 5th wheel approximately monthly, I can’t see why I would spend twice as much on the non-slide bar models. There isn’t any noticeable clunking when starting/stopping, and it is easy to hook up to my 5th wheel trailer.
Budget hitch-CURT 16039 Q25 5th Wheel Hitch
Highlights
- Lockable, short-throw, single-handle operation
- Self-aligning head offers a wide opening for easy coupling
- Dual jaws provide 360-degree kingpin contact to resist chucking noises
- 360-degree tilt
Highlights
- Lockable, short-throw, single-handle operation
- Self-aligning head offers a wide opening for easy coupling
- Dual jaws provide 360-degree kingpin contact to resist chucking noises
- 360-degree tilt
Designed for Ford trucks, this hitch features a double jaw, ergonomic coupling indicator, and a 360-degree tilt. It’s a budget hitch for 5th wheel RVs designed to deliver the smoothest towing possible.
The CURT 16039 Q25 Slide Fifth Wheel Hitch comes with a variety of features that makes it a hit. The spherical axle bearing tilts the top part of the hitch in all directions. Besides, it has a lockable handle that allows you to easily couple and uncouple the trailer. It has been safety tested according to EJ2638 specification to tow up to 24,000 pounds.
This hitch fits only Ford-select models. It’s not compatible with turret-style pin boxes. However, thanks to carbide black powder coating, it is long-lasting.
Good For:
- The hitch comes with an easy-to-release handle that detaches easily even when parked on unlevel grounds
- It has an ergonomic design that features an ergonomic easy-throw handle for easier operation
- This hitch needs extra lock washers during installation.
We recently upgraded from a bumper pull camper to a fifth wheel. I had a B&W turn over ball already in the truck. We first went with a fifth wheel to gooseneck adaptor. It worked well but you could still hear and feel a little play since we were hooked up to a ball. We plan a couple long trips each year and planned to start pulling the boat behind the camper. I was a little reluctant to spend the extra money to upgrade. I bit the bullet and ordered this hitch for peace of mind. It was a great decision. It took a little while to assemble because I wasn’t sure what height setting I needed. After getting it all set up, this is the easiest hitch to hook up and it pulls great. No more rattle from being hooked up to a gooseneck ball. When it comes to latching the King Pin, there is no question about it being hooked correctly. The handle falls into place, you put in the safety pin and its ready to roll. It’s a little heavy to put in and take out of the bed of the truck but I would recommend this to anyone pulling a fifth wheel. Great purchase.
Best high-end hitch-B&W RVK3500 5th Wheel Hitch
Highlights
- Durable
- Easy to install and remove
- Cam action latching handle
- 20,000 lb GTW
Highlights
- Durable
- Easy to install and remove
- Cam action latching handle
- 20,000 lb GTW
This is the best high-end hitch if you want reliability and a great towing capability. Engineered to eliminate sloppiness, this hitch is ideal for a wide range of outdoor sites. It comes with a fully articulating head, which allows pivot in all directions. This hitch can tow trailers of up to 20,000 pounds.
The B&W RVK3500 Companion provides a smooth ride thanks to a thick jaw fit kingpin that eliminates sloppiness. Also, it allows three vertical adjustments and back adjustments with three coupler positions.
Good For:
- This hitch has a great articulation range even in rough terrain. It articulates side to side and back to back seamlessly
- The hitch comes with an easy-to-release handle that detaches easily even when parked on unlevel grounds
- This hitch needs extra lock washers during installation.
We recently upgraded from a bumper pull camper to a fifth wheel. I had a B&W turn over ball already in the truck. We first went with a fifth wheel to gooseneck adaptor. It worked well but you could still hear and feel a little play since we were hooked up to a ball. We plan a couple long trips each year and planned to start pulling the boat behind the camper. I was a little reluctant to spend the extra money to upgrade. I bit the bullet and ordered this hitch for peace of mind. It was a great decision. It took a little while to assemble because I wasn’t sure what height setting I needed. After getting it all set up, this is the easiest hitch to hook up and it pulls great. No more rattle from being hooked up to a gooseneck ball. When it comes to latching the King Pin, there is no question about it being hooked correctly. The handle falls into place, you put in the safety pin and its ready to roll. It’s a little heavy to put in and take out of the bed of the truck but I would recommend this to anyone pulling a fifth wheel. Great purchase.
Editor’s Pick-B&W RVK3300 Companion 5th Wheel
Highlights
- Light-weight
- 20,000 GTW
- Easy to assemble and remove
- Cam action latching handle
Highlights
- Light-weight
- 20,000 GTW
- Easy to assemble and remove
- Cam action latching handle
This B&W hitch was designed to take your towing experience to a new level. It delivers one of the best performances thanks to its versatility and fine engineering.
This hitch fits in a Ford truck bed through 4 pucks to allow multi-directional pivoting. It features a cam-action latching handle which helps release the RV even on the rough outdoor surfaces. Also, it comes with polyurethane bushings to minimize rattling and deliver quiet towing.
Good For:
- The dual jaw construction minimizes trailer movement, ensuring overall user safety.
- These pads are affordable and last a while.
- It has a higher towing capacity than conventional hitches. You can carry more than 20000 pounds with this hitch.
- This hitch is pricier than its related counterparts. You have to part with more bucks to acquire this hitch.
I have been paying a local retail over-priced shop to do my brakes on my vehicles for 15-20 years and their prices have gone up and the quality of the brake jobs go down. I have to go back and have them fix isues with the pads rubbing or mis-aligned yielding in noise and annoying squeals. Well, after getting a ridiculous quote for my last brake job where they tried to sell me NEW rotors when my prior set was only used for one brake job, i decided to try out changing my own brakes. I completed the rear axle of both wheels in less than 50 mins and test drove it. Everything went fine. I coupled the Bosch Quietcast rotar with their Boasch Quiest Cast Premium ceramic brake pads (also on amazon). Amazingly quite after two seperate test drives with a 15 min break-in between. I am please, this is easy to do if you change your own oil and know how to work wrenches and lube things.
5th Wheel Hitches FAQs
Most wheel hitches are of universal design with a pair of rails attached to the truck bed. They can be used with any 5th wheel trailer with a hitch or in most truck beds as long as they are compatible.
There are various factors to consider when choosing a 5th wheel hitch. However, the most important thing to consider is the truck's bed size. For standard bed and long bed trucks, a standard 5th wheel hitch leg fits perfectly. If you have a short bed truck, you might need extra clearance to facilitate a smooth tight turn. You will probably need to use a 5th wheel roller, which allows the hitch to roll backward, providing enough clearance.
There are different types of fifth wheels in the market, and the best fifth wheel hitch is dependent on several factors:
The type of truck in question
• Level of height adjustments
• Load bearing capability
• Ease of installation
Typically, the majority of 5th wheel hitches come with user manuals. Also, different hitches are designed depending on the shape of the truck bed. This means the mode of installation might change depending on the type of hitch.
Ideally, there are three types of 5th wheel hitches: slide bar, single jaw, and double jaw. To install a hitch, you need a wrench as well and a few spanners. Always read through the user manual to ensure you fit the hitch correctly.
Typically, the majority of 5th wheel hitches come with user manuals. Also, different hitches are designed depending on the shape of the truck bed. This means the mode of installation might change depending on the type of hitch.
Ideally, there are three types of 5th wheel hitches: slide bar, single jaw, and double jaw. To install a hitch, you need a wrench as well and a few spanners. Always read through the user manual to ensure you fit the hitch correctly.
Though most hitches can easily be removable, the rails holding them in position are usually not removable. To remove it, you need to reverse the truck and remove the pins that hold the hitch.
The majority of 5th wheel hitches are designed to couple and uncouple easily. However, they firmly hold on position when towing. Unless not properly fitted, it's difficult for a hitch to detach while towing.
Though most hitches can easily be removable, the rails holding them in position are usually not removable. To remove it, you need to reverse the truck and remove the pins that hold the hitch.
The majority of 5th wheel hitches are designed to couple and uncouple easily. However, they firmly hold on position when towing. Unless not properly fitted, it’s difficult for a hitch to detach while towing.
Recommended B&W RVK3300 Comparison Hitch | Final Words
With so many options in the market to choose from, finding a reliable 5th wheel hitch is not a challenging task. As long as you have a high-performance hitch, towing a trailer will never be a problem.
The B&W RVK3300 Comparison Hitch is undoubtedly the best you can find in the market. It edges out all its counterparts in terms of reliability, design, and ease of use. This hitch has various futuristic features that make it more desirable than others. It’s an ideal option if you are looking for versatility, high performance, and a smooth ride.
When choosing a hitch, choose one that can handle all the intended tasks. Always look for weight and vehicle specifications. This saves time and prevents endless trips to the dealer.