5 Best Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for Short Bed

If you own a short bed truck and tow a heavy fifth wheel trailer, you know the struggle of tight turns. A sliding 5th wheel hitch gives you the extra clearance you need to avoid cab contact, making your towing experience safer and more confident.

This guide reviews five top-rated sliding hitches from CURT and PullRite, highlighting their key features and benefits. Whether you prioritize automatic locking, high weight capacity, or smooth sliding action, you’ll find the perfect match for your setup here.

CURT 16564 S20 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch – Auto-Latch Convenience

The CURT 16564 S20 is designed with an automatic sliding mechanism that locks into place as you drive forward, so you never have to exit your truck to engage the slider. It provides 12 inches of displacement for the coupling point, giving your short bed truck the turning clearance it needs to avoid trailer obstructions. This hitch ships fully assembled from the factory, which means you can install it quickly onto any industry-standard 5th wheel rails without hassle.

Built to SAE 2638 specifications, the S20 offers solid strength and reliability for towing up to 20,000 lbs. The auto-latch feature simplifies operation, and the easy-to-reach lever makes manual adjustments straightforward when needed. If you want a slider that combines safety with effortless use, this model is a strong contender for your short bed truck.

View all product features

• 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 16057 A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch – Puck System Ready

The CURT 16057 A25 is engineered specifically for trucks with the OEM puck system, offering a quarter-turn anchoring system for quick installation and removal. Its adjustable anchors help eliminate chucking between the hitch legs and the puck system, providing a tighter, more stable connection. With a 25,000 lb weight capacity, this slider handles heavy trailers while giving you 12 inches of travel in the truck bed for sharp turns.

This hitch is compatible with select Ford, GM, and Ram pickups from specific year ranges, so you can trust it fits your truck perfectly. The sliding mechanism is smooth and reliable, and the design focuses on reducing noise and movement during towing. If you have a puck system and need a high-capacity slider, the A25 is a top choice that combines strength with easy installation.

View all product features

• 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 16531 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch – Torsion Dampening

The CURT 16531 A20 features a cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts that suppress shock loads and reduce noise, making your towing experience quieter and more comfortable. Its fully articulating torsion head provides controlled coupling and stable towing, even on uneven terrain. The lockable handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling, so you never have to manually reset it for the next hookup.

High-strength, interlocking jaws fully wrap the kingpin to minimize noise and ensure a secure connection. This slider is rated for 20,000 lbs and offers smooth sliding action for short bed trucks. If you value a hitch that dampens vibrations and simplifies coupling, the A20 delivers exceptional performance and durability for your towing needs.

View all product features

• 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

---

CURT 16574 S25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch – Dual Auto-Latch

The CURT 16574 S25 is built with a quiet, solid design that eliminates chucking in the towing position, giving you a smooth and stable ride. It slides smoothly between positions without binding, and it automatically latches in both directions so you only have to exit the truck once to engage or disengage the slider. The easy-to-reach lever arm ensures ergonomic operation, making adjustments simple from the truck bed.

With a 25,000 lb capacity, this hitch handles heavy trailers while providing 12 inches of travel for short bed trucks. The dual auto-latch feature saves time and effort, especially when you need to maneuver in tight spaces. If you want a high-capacity slider that offers effortless operation and reduced noise, the S25 is an excellent choice for your short bed truck.

View all product features

• 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

---

PullRite 2700 15K Superglide Short Bed Hitch – Proven Design

The PullRite 2700 15K Superglide is a time-tested sliding hitch designed for short bed trucks using industry-standard base rails. It provides automatic sliding action that engages as you turn, giving you the clearance you need without manual intervention. With a 15,000 lb weight capacity, it’s ideal for lighter fifth wheel trailers and offers a robust, durable construction that has earned a loyal following among RVers.

This hitch is known for its reliable performance and ease of use, with a design that minimizes chucking and noise. While it has a lower capacity than some CURT models, its proven Superglide mechanism ensures smooth operation in tight turns. If you tow a lighter trailer and want a hitch with a strong reputation, the PullRite 2700 is a dependable choice for your short bed truck.

View all product features

• Product Type:Tow Hitch
• Item Package Dimension:40.64 Centimeters L X 58.42 Centimeters W X 101.6 Centimeters H
• Item Package Quantity:1
• Item Package Weight:80.286 Kilograms

---

Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider

Choosing the right sliding 5th wheel hitch for your short bed truck involves several key factors. Here are five points to consider before making your purchase.

• Weight Capacity: Match the hitch's gross trailer weight rating (GTWR) to your trailer's weight. Higher capacity offers more flexibility for future upgrades.
• Sliding Mechanism: Automatic sliders engage without leaving the truck, while manual ones require a pull. Choose based on how often you need to maneuver in tight spaces.
• Truck Bed Compatibility: Ensure the hitch fits your truck's rail or puck system. Some models are designed specifically for OEM puck systems, while others use standard rails.
• Ease of Installation: Factory-assembled hitches save time. Look for quick-install features like quarter-turn anchors if you frequently remove the hitch from the truck bed.
• Noise and Vibration Control: Features like poly-torsion inserts or interlocking jaws reduce chucking and noise, making for a quieter, more comfortable towing experience.

Conclusion

Selecting the best sliding 5th wheel hitch for your short bed truck comes down to your specific needs—whether it’s automatic convenience, puck system compatibility, or noise reduction. Each of these five models offers unique strengths to enhance your towing experience.

For most short bed truck owners, the CURT 16564 S20 provides an excellent balance of safety and ease, while the PullRite 2700 remains a reliable choice for lighter loads. Evaluate your trailer weight and truck setup to find the perfect match.