5 Best Fifth Wheel Hitches for Short Bed Trucks: Options Compared

If you own a short bed truck, you know the challenge of towing a fifth wheel trailer without risking cab contact during tight turns. A dedicated slider hitch gives you the extra clearance you need, letting you maneuver with confidence.

This guide compares five top CURT hitches designed specifically for short bed trucks. We’ll break down their key features, weight capacities, and what makes each one a strong choice for your towing setup.

CURT 16531 A20 – Smooth Towing with Shock Suppression

The CURT 16531 A20 is built around a cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts that actively suppress shock loads and reduce noise. This means you get a quieter, more comfortable ride, especially on rough roads. Its fully articulating torsion head ensures controlled coupling and stable towing, so your trailer stays planted behind you.

You’ll appreciate the lockable handle that self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling, saving you a trip back to the truck bed. The high-strength, interlocking jaws fully wrap the kingpin, minimizing noise and providing a secure connection. With a 20,000 lb capacity, it’s 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 – Powerful Slider for OEM Puck Systems

The CURT 16057 A25 is designed to fit pickups with the OEM puck system, making installation straightforward if your truck already has the factory setup. Its quarter-turn anchoring system allows quick installation and removal, so you can free up bed space when not towing. Adjustable anchors help eliminate chucking between the legs and the puck system for a tighter fit.

This hitch provides 12 inches of travel in the truck bed, giving you ample turning clearance for short bed trucks. With a 25,000 lb capacity, it handles heavy trailers with ease. The slider mechanism is smooth and reliable, ensuring you can maneuver in tight spots 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 with Dual-Axis Pivot

The CURT 16511 E16 features a dual-axis pivot that provides 10 degrees of lateral movement, helping your trailer follow smoothly over uneven terrain. This articulation reduces stress on both the hitch and your truck. The automatic locking mechanism makes coupling simple and secure—just back in and it locks into place.

Operating this hitch is straightforward thanks to a single handle with few moving parts, which also means less that can go wrong over time. An anti-rattle skid plate helps reduce noise during towing. With a 16,000 lb capacity, it’s ideal for lighter fifth wheel trailers, offering a balance of simplicity and performance for short bed trucks.

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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 for Enhanced Safety

The CURT 16564 S20 is an automatic sliding hitch that provides 12 inches of displacement for the coupling point, giving you the turning clearance needed for short bed trucks. Once you set the lever, it automatically locks into place when you drive forward, eliminating the need to get out and check. This enhances safety by ensuring the slider is always properly engaged.

This hitch ships fully assembled from the factory, so installation is fast and straightforward. It mounts onto any industry-standard 5th wheel rails, making it versatile for different truck setups. Tested to SAE 2638 specifications, it offers solid strength with a 20,000 lb capacity. Note that a separate head is required, so factor that into your purchase.

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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 – Quiet Slider with Ergonomic Lever

The CURT 16574 S25 is designed for quiet, solid towing, with a build that eliminates chucking in the towing position. The slider moves smoothly between positions without binding, so you can adjust clearance without fighting the mechanism. It automatically latches in both directions, meaning you only have to exit the truck once to set it up.

An easy-to-reach lever arm makes operation ergonomic, even from the truck bed. With a 25,000 lb capacity, this hitch handles heavy trailers while keeping noise and movement to a minimum. Like the S20, it requires a separate head, but the smooth sliding and quiet performance make it a top pick for those who prioritize comfort and ease of use in a short bed truck.

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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 a few key factors. Here’s what to consider to ensure safe, smooth towing.

• Weight Capacity: Match the hitch's weight rating to your trailer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Overloading can compromise safety and performance.
• Slider Travel: For short bed trucks, look for at least 12 inches of slider travel to prevent cab contact during sharp turns. More travel offers extra clearance.
• Installation Type: Consider whether your truck has an OEM puck system or requires standard rails. Some hitches are designed specifically for puck systems for easier install.
• Automatic vs. Manual Slider: Automatic sliders lock into place when you drive forward, saving you from exiting the truck. Manual sliders require you to pull a lever and check engagement.
• Noise and Vibration: Features like anti-rattle skid plates, poly-torsion inserts, and interlocking jaws reduce noise and chucking, making for a more comfortable tow.

Conclusion

Each of these CURT hitches brings something valuable to the table for short bed truck owners. Whether you prioritize noise reduction, automatic sliding, or OEM puck compatibility, there’s a model that fits your needs.

For most users, the CURT 16531 A20 offers an excellent balance of smooth towing and ease of use, while the CURT 16574 S25 stands out for its quiet, ergonomic design. Consider your trailer weight and truck setup to make the best choice.