If you tow a heavy fifth-wheel trailer with a short-bed truck, you know the struggle of tight turns and potential cab collisions. An auto sliding 5th wheel hitch solves this by automatically shifting the coupling point backward when you need extra clearance.
This guide reviews five top CURT sliding hitches, from the heavy-duty A25 series to the compact E16. We break down their unique features, pros, and cons so you can pick the right one for your truck and trailer setup.
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CURT 16057 A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch – 25,000 lbs
Brand: CURT
A solid choice for OEM puck system trucks needing reliable sliding action.
The CURT 16057 A25 is built for trucks with the OEM puck system, offering a quarter-turn anchoring system that makes installation and removal quick. Its adjustable anchors are designed to eliminate chucking between the hitch legs and the puck system, giving you a solid, rattle-free towing experience. With 12 inches of travel in the truck bed, this slider provides ample turning clearance for short-bed trucks.
You’ll appreciate the robust 25,000-pound capacity, which handles heavy fifth-wheel trailers with ease. The locking mechanism is straightforward, and the hitch feels sturdy during operation. If you own a compatible pickup with the factory puck system, this model integrates seamlessly without needing additional adapter rails.
- Quick quarter-turn installation
- Adjustable anti-chuck anchors
- 12-inch slider travel
- Requires specific puck system
- Heavy to handle alone
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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
CURT 16059 A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch – Silverado/Sierra
Brand: CURT
Perfect for GM truck owners wanting a self-resetting auto-slide hitch.
Designed specifically for select Silverado and Sierra models with the OEM puck system, the CURT 16059 A25 shares the same quarter-turn anchoring and adjustable anti-chuck features as its sibling. The 12-inch slider travel gives you the turning clearance short-bed trucks need, and the lockable handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling. This auto-reset feature saves you from having to manually reposition the handle each time.
With a 25,000-pound capacity, this hitch handles heavy trailers confidently. The self-resetting handle is a standout convenience, especially when you’re hooking up alone. If you drive a compatible GM truck, this model is tailored to fit your bed’s puck layout without extra adapters.
- Self-resetting lockable handle
- Quick quarter-turn installation
- 12-inch slider travel
- Only fits GM puck system
- Heavy unit
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- 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
- Cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts to suppress shock loads and reduce noise
CURT 16564 S20 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch – 20,000 lbs
Brand: CURT
Ideal for those who value automatic latching and easy installation.
The CURT 16564 S20 is an automatic sliding hitch that provides 12 inches of displacement for the coupling point, adding essential turning clearance for short-bed trucks. Its auto-latch feature means once you set the lever, the hitch automatically locks into place when you drive forward—no need to exit the truck to lock it manually. This hitch ships fully assembled from the factory, making installation straightforward on any industry-standard fifth-wheel rails.
Rated for 20,000 pounds, the S20 is tested to SAE 2638 specifications for strength and durability. The automatic latching reduces the hassle of getting in and out of the cab during hookup. If you want a slider that simplifies the process, this model’s auto-latch is a real time-saver.
- Auto-latch when driving forward
- Factory assembled for easy install
- 12-inch displacement
- Head required separately
- 20k capacity may limit heavy loads
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- ENHANCED SAFETY. This sliding 5th wheel hitch provides 12 inches of displacement for the coupling point, adding turning clearance for short-bed trucks and avoiding trailer obstruction
- AUTO-LATCH. The CURT S20 is an automatic sliding 5th wheel hitch, meaning once the lever is set, it automatically locks into place when you drive forward. This eliminates the need to exit the truck multiple times during hookup
- FACTORY ASSEMBLED. This 5th wheel slider ships fully assembled from the factory for fast, easy installation in your truck bed. It mounts onto any industry-standard 5th wheel rails and accepts a variety of CURT hitch heads
- SOLID STRENGTH. This sliding hitch is fully tested according to SAE 2638 specifications and is rated for 20,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (limited by lowest-rated towing component)
- DUAL-COAT. For dependable weather-resistance in your truck bed, this 5th wheel slider features a dual-coat finish of rust-resistant A-coat and a tough carbide black powder coat
CURT 16574 S25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch – 25,000 lbs
Brand: CURT
Great for those wanting a quiet, dual-direction auto-latching slider.
The CURT 16574 S25 offers a quiet, solid design that eliminates chucking in the towing position, giving you a smoother ride. It slides smoothly between positions with no binding, and it automatically latches in both directions—so you only have to exit the truck once to set it. The easy-to-reach lever arm makes operation ergonomic, even when you’re standing beside the truck bed.
With a 25,000-pound capacity, this hitch handles heavy trailers without flex. The dual-direction auto-latch is a standout, as it locks when you slide forward or backward, reducing steps. If you prioritize a quiet, rattle-free towing experience and minimal manual intervention, this model delivers.
- Quiet anti-chuck design
- Auto-latches both directions
- Ergonomic lever arm
- Head required separately
- Heavier than some models
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- Quiet, solid design to eliminate chucking in towing position
- Smooth sliding between positions with no binding
- Automatically latches in both directions so you only have to exit the truck once
- Easy-to-reach lever arm for ergonomic operation
- Lever lift motion for user-friendly functionality vs. traditional pull-out style
CURT 16511 E16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch – 16,000 lbs
Brand: CURT
A good fit for lighter trailers needing smooth articulation and simplicity.
The CURT 16511 E16 is a lighter-duty slider hitch rated for 16,000 pounds, making it suitable for smaller fifth-wheel trailers. It pivots on dual axes, allowing 10 degrees of lateral movement to reduce stress on the trailer and truck during turns. The hitch automatically locks for easy, secure coupling, and operates using a single handle with few moving parts, which simplifies use and maintenance.
An anti-rattle skid plate helps reduce noise, and the compact design fits short-bed trucks well. While it has a lower weight capacity, the dual-axis pivot provides smoother articulation on uneven terrain. If you tow a lighter trailer and want a simple, low-maintenance slider, the E16 is a practical choice.
- Dual-axis pivot for smooth turns
- Single-handle operation
- Anti-rattle skid plate
- Only 16,000 lbs capacity
- Not for heavy fifth-wheels
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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
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
Choosing the right auto sliding 5th wheel hitch depends on your truck, trailer weight, and how often you tow. Here are key factors to consider.
- Weight Capacity: Match the hitch's gross trailer weight rating (GTWR) to your trailer's loaded weight. Overloading can be dangerous.
- Truck Bed Compatibility: Ensure the hitch fits your truck's bed length and rail system. Short beds need sliders for turning clearance.
- Puck System vs. Rail Mount: Some hitches mount directly to OEM puck systems; others require universal rails. Check your truck's setup.
- Automatic vs. Manual Sliding: Auto-slide hitches lock when you drive forward, reducing steps. Manual sliders require you to exit the truck to lock.
- Installation and Removal: Look for hitches with quick-install features like quarter-turn anchors. Some ship fully assembled for easier setup.
Conclusion
Each CURT auto sliding hitch offers unique strengths, from the heavy-duty A25 series for OEM puck systems to the automatic S20 and S25 models that simplify latching. The E16 is a great option for lighter trailers needing smooth articulation.
For most short-bed truck owners, the CURT 16574 S25 provides the best balance of quiet operation, dual-direction auto-latching, and 25,000-pound capacity. Choose based on your specific truck and trailer needs.