Auto Slide 5th Wheel Hitch: 5 Top Picks Compared

If you tow a heavy fifth-wheel trailer with a short-bed truck, an auto slide 5th wheel hitch is a game-changer. It automatically moves the hitch backward when you turn, preventing the trailer from hitting your cab.

This guide compares five top-rated auto slide hitches, highlighting their key features, pros, and cons to help you choose the right one for your setup. We’ll cover weight capacities, slide travel, and ease of use.

CURT 16511 E16 – Reliable Auto Slide for Short Beds

The CURT 16511 E16 is a solid choice for short-bed truck owners who need reliable auto-slide functionality without breaking the bank. It pivots on dual axes, offering 10 degrees of lateral movement, which helps you navigate uneven terrain smoothly. The automatic locking feature makes coupling secure and simple, and the single-handle operation reduces complexity.

You’ll appreciate the anti-rattle skid plate, which minimizes noise during towing. With a 16,000-pound capacity, it’s ideal for medium-sized fifth wheels. The few moving parts mean less maintenance, but it’s not designed for the heaviest trailers. Overall, it’s a dependable, user-friendly hitch for everyday towing.

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• Pivots on dual axes for 10 degrees of lateral movement
• Automatically locks for easy, secure coupling
• Operates using a single handle with few moving parts
• Features an anti-rattle skid plate to help reduce noise
• S20 5th wheel slider #16564 provides 12" of travel in the truck bed

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Demco 8550024 Autoslide 18K – Ford Prep Package Perfection

The Demco 8550024 Autoslide 18K is a premium choice for Ford truck owners with the factory prep package. Its under-bed mounting system keeps your truck bed clear when the hitch is removed, a huge convenience. The wrap-around jaw with locking bar provides a smoother, safer ride, and you don’t need a locking plate to activate the slide mechanism.

With up to 14 inches of travel, you’ll have plenty of clearance in tight spots. Three vertical height adjustments help you level your truck and trailer perfectly. While it’s pricier and Ford-specific, the build quality and ease of use make it a top contender for serious towers who want a clean bed.

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• Wrap around jaw with locking bar for a smoother, safer and more secure ride
• No locking plate required for standard pin boxes to activate slide mechanism
• UMS (or under bed) mounting system leaves the bed free and clear when you remove the hitch
• Up to 14" of travel to help get in and out of those tight spots; Three vertical height adjustments to help you level truck and trailer
• Lower profile design; Lighter weight for easier hitch installation and removal

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CURT 16057 A25 – Heavy-Duty Slider for Big Rigs

The CURT 16057 A25 is built for heavy-duty towing, handling up to 25,000 pounds. It’s compatible with select OEM puck systems, making installation and removal quick with its quarter-turn anchoring system. The adjustable anchors help eliminate chucking between the legs and the puck system, providing a more stable ride.

You get 12 inches of slide travel, enough for most short-bed trucks. This hitch is designed for serious fifth wheels, so it’s heavier than lighter-duty models. If you tow a large rig and want a secure, rattle-free connection, the A25 is a robust option that won’t let you down.

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• Fits , or pickups with the OEM puck system (year range specific)
• Quarter-turn anchoring system provides quick installation and removal
• Adjustable anchors to eliminate chucking between the legs and puck system
• 5th wheel slider provides 12" of travel in the truck bed
• Lockable handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling

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CURT 16531 A20 – Smooth Towing with Torsion Technology

The CURT 16531 A20 offers a 20,000-pound capacity with advanced ride quality features. Its cast yoke includes poly-torsion inserts that suppress shock loads and reduce noise, making for a quieter, smoother towing experience. The fully articulating torsion head provides controlled coupling and stable towing, even on rough roads.

You’ll like the lockable handle that self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling, saving you a step. The high-strength, interlocking jaws fully wrap the kingpin to minimize noise. While it’s a bit heavier than the E16, the torsion technology makes it a great choice for those who prioritize comfort and stability.

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• Cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts to suppress shock loads and reduce noise
• Fully articulating torsion head for controlled coupling and stable towing
• Lockable handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling
• High-strength, interlocking jaws fully wrap the kingpin to minimize noise
• Extra wide head opening for easier coupling

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CURT 16680 E16 Kit – All-in-One Auto Slide Solution

The CURT 16680 E16 Hitch Kit is a complete solution that includes the S20 slider and a puck system adapter with rails. It’s designed for select truck models, converting puck systems into standard rails for broad compatibility. The dual-axis pivot allows 10 degrees of lateral movement, making it easy to handle uneven terrain.

Automatic locking and single-handle operation make coupling secure and hassle-free. You get four height adjustment positions to level your trailer. This kit is ideal if you want everything in one box, but it’s heavier and more involved to install than a standalone hitch. For a seamless, all-in-one auto slide setup, it’s hard to beat.

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• DUAL-AXIS PIVOT FOR SMOOTH TOWING — The CURT E16 Hitch Kit features a dual-axis pivot that allows 10 degrees of lateral movement, making it easy to tackle uneven terrain with stability and control
• EASY & SECURE COUPLING — With an automatic locking mechanism and single-handle operation, coupling is secure and hassle-free. The ergonomic design reduces effort while minimizing wear thanks to fewer moving parts
• COMPATIBLE WITH MULTIPLE TRUCK BRANDS — This hitch converts select puck systems into standard rails, offering exceptional compatibility. Its quarter-turn anchoring system allows quick installation and secure, stable performance
• ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT & SMOOTH SLIDING — The hitch kit offers four height adjustment positions to match different truck bed heights. The S20 slider moves effortlessly between positions without binding and latches automatically in both directions
• DURABLE CONSTRUCTION & RELIABLE SAFETY — Tested to SAE J2638 standards, this hitch is built for strength and longevity. The carbide black powder coat finish provides superior corrosion resistance, and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty for peace of mind

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Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider

Choosing the right auto slide 5th wheel hitch means balancing weight capacity, bed clearance, and ease of use. Here are the key factors to consider.

• Weight Capacity: Ensure the hitch's gross trailer weight rating (GTWR) exceeds your trailer's loaded weight for safe towing.
• Slide Travel: For short-bed trucks, look for at least 12 inches of slide travel to prevent cab contact during tight turns.
• Mounting System: Choose between under-bed (UMS) or rail-mount systems. UMS leaves the bed clear when the hitch is removed.
• Ride Quality: Features like dual-axis pivots and torsion inserts reduce shock loads and noise, improving ride comfort.
• Ease of Use: Look for automatic locking, single-handle operation, and adjustable height for quick, hassle-free coupling.

Conclusion

Choosing the best auto slide 5th wheel hitch depends on your truck’s bed length, towing capacity, and preferred mounting system. For most short-bed owners, the CURT E16 offers a great balance of value and performance, while the Demco Autoslide 18K excels with its under-bed setup and smooth slide.

If you need maximum capacity, the CURT A25 is a robust choice. For a complete kit with puck system compatibility, the CURT E16 Kit is convenient. The CURT A20 provides a torsion-enhanced ride for heavy loads. Evaluate your specific needs to make the right pick.