Fifth Wheel Hitch for Short Bed Truck: 5 Top Picks Compared

If you own a short bed truck and tow a heavy trailer, you know the struggle of tight turns and potential cab contact. A fifth wheel slider hitch gives you the extra clearance you need, letting you maneuver confidently without damaging your truck or trailer.

This guide compares five top-rated CURT slider hitches designed specifically for short bed trucks. We’ll break down their key features, strengths, and ideal use cases to help you choose the right model for your towing needs.

CURT 16531 A20 – Smooth Towing with Torsion

The CURT 16531 A20 is built for those who prioritize a quiet, smooth ride. Its cast yoke features poly-torsion inserts that actively suppress shock loads and reduce noise, making long hauls more comfortable. The fully articulating torsion head ensures controlled coupling and stable towing, even on uneven terrain.

You’ll appreciate the lockable handle that self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling, simplifying your hookup routine. The high-strength, interlocking jaws fully wrap the kingpin, which minimizes noise and enhances security. With a 20,000 lb capacity, this hitch is a solid choice for medium to heavy trailers.

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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 16057 A25 – Puck System Slider

If your truck has the OEM puck system, the CURT 16057 A25 is a perfect match. It’s designed to fit select pickups with factory puck systems, and its quarter-turn anchoring system makes installation and removal quick and tool-free. The adjustable anchors let you eliminate chucking between the legs and the puck system for a rock-solid connection.

This sliding hitch provides 12 inches of travel in the truck bed, giving you the turning clearance short bed trucks need. With a 25,000 lb capacity, it’s built for heavy-duty towing. The slider mechanism is smooth and reliable, allowing you to maneuver in tight spaces without worrying about cab contact.

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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 16511 E16 – Easy Coupling Slider

The CURT 16511 E16 is designed for simplicity and ease of use. It pivots on dual axes, offering 10 degrees of lateral movement to accommodate uneven terrain during hookup. The automatic locking feature ensures secure coupling every time, so you don’t have to worry about missed connections.

Operating this hitch is straightforward with a single handle and few moving parts, reducing the chance of mechanical issues. The anti-rattle skid plate helps minimize noise while towing. With a 16,000 lb capacity, it’s a great option for lighter fifth wheel trailers, providing reliable performance without unnecessary complexity.

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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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CURT 16564 S20 – Auto-Latch Slider

The CURT 16564 S20 enhances safety with its automatic sliding feature. It provides 12 inches of displacement for the coupling point, adding crucial turning clearance for short-bed trucks and avoiding trailer obstruction. The auto-latch mechanism means once you set the lever, the hitch automatically locks into place when you drive forward, eliminating the need to exit your truck repeatedly.

This slider ships fully assembled from the factory, making installation fast and easy in your truck bed. It mounts onto any industry-standard fifth wheel rails. Fully tested according to SAE 2638 specifications, it offers solid strength with a 20,000 lb capacity. The design focuses on convenience and safety, reducing steps during setup.

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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

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CURT 16574 S25 – Heavy-Duty Auto Slider

The CURT 16574 S25 is built for those who need maximum capacity and smooth operation. Its quiet, solid design eliminates chucking in the towing position, providing a stable ride. The slider moves smoothly between positions without binding, and it automatically latches in both directions, so you only have to exit the truck once for the entire sliding process.

The easy-to-reach lever arm is designed for ergonomic operation, making adjustments simple. With a 25,000 lb capacity, this hitch handles the heaviest fifth wheel trailers with ease. The automatic latching in both directions is a standout feature, saving you time and effort during maneuvering. It’s a robust, user-friendly option for serious towers.

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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

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Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider

Choosing the right fifth wheel hitch for your short bed truck involves key factors. Here are five points to consider before making your purchase.

• Towing Capacity: Match the hitch's weight rating to your trailer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Always choose a hitch rated higher than your trailer's weight for safety.
• Slider Travel: Short bed trucks typically need 10-12 inches of slider travel to avoid cab contact during sharp turns. More travel offers greater clearance.
• Installation Type: Some hitches mount to standard rails, while others fit OEM puck systems. Choose based on your truck's bed setup for easy installation.
• Automatic vs. Manual: Automatic latches lock when you drive forward, saving steps. Manual latches require you to exit the truck to lock the slider in place.
• Noise and Vibration: Features like poly-torsion inserts, anti-rattle skid plates, and solid designs reduce chucking and noise for a quieter, more comfortable tow.

Conclusion

Selecting the best fifth wheel hitch for your short bed truck comes down to your specific needs. For quiet towing, the CURT 16531 A20 excels. If you have a puck system, the CURT 16057 A25 is a perfect fit. For simplicity, the CURT 16511 E16 works well, while the CURT 16564 S20 offers auto-latch convenience. The CURT 16574 S25 delivers maximum capacity.

Consider your trailer weight, truck setup, and desired features to make the right choice. Any of these CURT hitches will provide reliable, safe towing for your short bed truck.