Best Sliding 5Th Wheel Hitch for Short-Bed Trucks

#1 · Best Overall

1. CURT A25 Slider

• Material: Alloy Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck
• Material Type: Alloy Steel

Best for: OEM Puck System Short-Bed Towing.

Why it ranks #1: Its 25,000-pound capacity and 12 inches of travel suit short-bed towing, while quarter-turn anchors provide quick installation on compatible OEM puck systems.

Twelve inches of slider travel gives the CURT A25 extra turning clearance in a short-bed truck, while its quarter-turn anchors connect it to select factory puck systems. Its 25,000-pound rating and self-resetting lockable handle suit buyers seeking a high-capacity hitch with a simpler coupling routine.

The quarter-turn anchoring system supports quick installation and removal, and adjustable anchors let owners reduce chucking between the hitch legs and puck system. During turns, 12 inches of slider travel moves the coupling point for added clearance. The 25,000-pound capacity suits substantial trailers, while the lockable handle returns to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling, removing a step before the next connection. This model fits select OEM puck systems, so its mounting compatibility is specific rather than universal.

Skip it if you need a rail-mounted hitch or a puck configuration outside its select-system compatibility; the Demco 8550052 fits industry-standard rails.

Choose this A25 for a high-capacity trailer and a truck with a compatible factory puck system, especially when short-bed turning clearance matters. Its 12-inch travel and quick-removal anchors are useful, but mounting compatibility is limited to select puck setups.

Listed on Amazon as: CURT 16057 A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch, 25,000 lbs, Compatible With Select Puck System

#2 · Best Rail-Mounted Travel

2. Demco Recon 21K Slider

• Material: Stainless Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck
• Material Type: Stainless Steel

Best for: Rail-Mount Two-Piece Slider.

Why it ranks #2: This 21,000-pound slider offers 14 inches of rearward travel, fits industry-standard rails, and has a two-piece design for easier removal.

The Demco Recon combines 14 inches of rearward travel with a lighter, two-piece construction that makes removing the hitch from the truck easier. Its latch handle needs no additional levers or rods for hookup or release, and the hitch is rated at 21,000 pounds for fifth-wheel towing.

Compatibility with industry-standard rails makes this slider a candidate for trucks using that mounting system, while the listing specifies that rails are not included. Its 14 inches of rearward travel helps provide additional clearance when maneuvering. The two-piece design supports easier installation and removal in and out of the truck, a practical advantage when the hitch is taken out between trips. A built-in latch handle eliminates extra levers or rods for hooking up and unhooking; the wrap-around jaw adds a more secure king-pin connection.

Skip it if you need a hitch that mounts directly to Ford factory pucks; the B&W Companion RVK3370 fits the Ford OEM hitch platform.

Consider this Recon if your truck has industry-standard rails and you value two-piece removal, 14 inches of travel, and a built-in latch handle. It is listed without rails, so rail availability is an important installation boundary.

Listed on Amazon as: Demco 8550052 21K Recon Slider 5th Wheel Hitch Without Rails

#3 · Best Automatic Slide for GM

3. PullRite 4500 SuperGlide

• Material: Alloy Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Trailer, Truck
• Material Type: Alloy Steel

Best for: Late-Model GM Automatic Sliding.

Why it ranks #3: For 2020-and-newer GM trucks with factory pucks, it pairs 24,000-pound capacity with 14 inches of fully automatic slide.

The PullRite 4500 pairs 14 inches of fully automatic slide with direct mounting to factory pucks on 2020-and-newer GM trucks. That combination provides turning clearance without a manual slider routine, while its 24,000-pound gross trailer rating and 6,000-pound pin capacity accommodate substantial fifth-wheel loads.

Direct mounting to OE puck points makes this a specifically matched option for 2020-and-newer GM trucks, rather than a universal rail hitch. Its 14-inch automatic slide moves the hitch as needed for maneuvering, reducing the need to operate a manual lever. The dual-articulating head moves side-to-side and front-to-back during towing, supporting motion in more than one direction. Check the trailer against both the 24,000-pound gross trailer limit and 6,000-pound pin limit when evaluating load suitability.

Skip it if you drive a Ford puck-equipped truck; the PullRite 2914 SuperGlide is listed for Ford OE puck systems.

This SuperGlide suits owners of 2020-and-newer GM trucks with factory pucks who want automatic slider movement and a dual-articulating head. Keep both its gross trailer and pin-weight limits in view when matching it to a fifth wheel.

Listed on Amazon as: PullRite 4500 OE Puck Series 24K SuperGlide for 2020 and Newer GM Trucks

#4 · Best Auto-Latch Slider

4. CURT S20 Slider

• Material: Carbon Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck
• Material Type: Carbon Steel

Best for: Short-Bed Auto-Latching Slider.

Why it ranks #4: The 20,000-pound S20 provides 12 inches of displacement and automatically locks into place when driven forward, but requires a head.

The CURT S20 combines 12 inches of displacement with an automatic latch that locks when you drive forward after setting the lever. That pairing gives short-bed truck owners added turning clearance and cuts down on repeated exits during hookup, with a stated 20,000-pound capacity.

The 12-inch displacement shifts the coupling point to add turning clearance for short-bed trucks, helping avoid trailer obstruction during tight maneuvering. Its automatic sliding action locks into place when the truck moves forward after the lever is set, reducing the need to leave the cab repeatedly during hookup. The S20 ships factory assembled and uses industry-standard mounting points, which can simplify preparation for installation where that mounting standard applies. Note that the product listing says a head is required.

Skip it if you need a complete hitch with a head included; the CURT A25 listing includes the A25 fifth-wheel hitch.

The S20 is for short-bed truck owners who need 12 inches of travel and want an automatic latch after setting the lever. Its factory-assembled slider and industry-standard mounting points are useful, but plan for the separately required head.

Listed on Amazon as: CURT 16564 S20 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 20,000 lbs (Head Required)

#5

5. PullRite 2900 SuperGlide

• Material: Alloy Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck
• Material Type: Alloy Steel

Best for: Automatic Slide With Capture Plate.

Why it ranks #5: Its 20,000-pound rating and 14 inches of automatic slide suit maneuvering needs, but a capture plate is required to activate the sliding cam.

The PullRite 2900 provides 14 inches of fully automatic slide, moving the hitch for tighter turns without asking the driver to get out and throw a lever. Its 20,000-pound trailer rating and automatically closing jaw make it a practical option for owners whose setup includes the required capture plate.

The sliding cam needs a capture plate to activate, so include that component in the setup before relying on the automatic movement. Once activated, the 14-inch slide supports maneuvering clearance without a manual lever operation before and after turns. The locking jaw closes automatically around the king pin, simplifying the coupling action. At 18.5 inches to the top of the hitch plate and a 20,000-pound trailer rating, its stated height and capacity help buyers assess the hitch against their trailer and truck arrangement.

Skip it if you want a Ford factory-puck hitch without a separate capture-plate requirement; the PullRite 2914 is listed for Ford OE pucks.

Pick the 2900 if you want automatic 14-inch sliding and your installation can use its required capture plate. Its 20,000-pound rating and stated hitch-plate height provide useful selection details, but the capture plate is essential to slider activation.

Listed on Amazon as: PULLRITE Pulliam Enterprises 2900 Superglide 20,000

#6

6. B&W Companion OEM Slider

• Material: Polyurethane
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck
• Material Type: Polyurethane

Best for: Ford OEM Puck System Companion.

Why it ranks #6: This hitch fits the Ford OEM platform and supplies 12 inches of slide; its two-piece design and cam-actuated latch aid installation and removal.

The B&W Companion RVK3370 fits Ford’s OEM hitch platform and combines 12 inches of slide with a cam-actuated latch for installation and removal. Its two-piece design and one-inch-thick cast-locking jaws address different needs: handling the hitch and securing the king-pin connection.

Compatibility with the Ford OEM hitch platform gives this Companion a specific mounting target, while its cam-actuated latching mechanism and two-piece design support installation and removal. The 12-inch slide provides additional turning clearance, useful when maneuvering a fifth wheel. One-inch-thick cast-locking jaws provide the connection point, and the product description associates them with a strong connection and smooth ride. At 267 pounds, this listed item weight is worth considering when planning handling, especially alongside the two-piece construction.

Skip it if you need automatic 14-inch travel on a Ford OE puck hitch; the PullRite 2914 SuperGlide lists that slide distance.

Choose the Companion if you have a Ford OEM hitch platform and want 12 inches of slide with a two-piece, cam-latched design. Its 267-pound listed weight is a practical handling consideration when removing or installing it.

Listed on Amazon as: B&W Trailer Hitches Companion OEM Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch – Compatible with Ford OEM Puck System – RVK3370

#7

7. PullRite 2914 SuperGlide

• Material: Metal
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Trailer, Truck
• Material Type: Metal

Best for: Ford Puck Automatic 20K Slider.

Why it ranks #7: The Ford OE puck model offers 20,000-pound capacity and 14 inches of automatic slide, with a separately sold capture plate required.

The PullRite 2914 pairs Ford OE puck mounting with 14 inches of fully automatic slide and a 20,000-pound maximum gross trailer rating. Removable mounting post assemblies support easier hitch removal and installation, while a capture plate is required to activate the sliding cam arm.

The OE puck series is specified for Ford, and removable mounting post assemblies make installation and removal easier to manage. Once the required capture plate activates the cam arm, the hitch provides 14 inches of fully automatic slide for maneuvering clearance. Its maximum gross trailer weight is 20,000 pounds, with a separate 5,000-pound maximum pin weight, so both figures matter when assessing a trailer. The capture plate is sold separately, an additional setup requirement for using the automatic sliding function.

Skip it if you need 25,000-pound capacity on a compatible puck system; the CURT A25 is rated for 25,000 pounds.

This PullRite suits Ford puck-system owners seeking automatic slide and removable mounting posts. Match the trailer to both its 20,000-pound gross and 5,000-pound pin limits, and account for the separately sold capture plate.

Listed on Amazon as: PullRite 2914 OE Puck Series SuperGlide Hitch 20K for Ford, Black

#8

8. PullRite 2714 SuperGlide

• Material: Alloy Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck
• Material Type: Alloy Steel

Best for: Ford Short-Bed 16K Puck Hitch.

Why it ranks #8: This 16,000-pound automatic slider is designed for select Ford short beds with puck mounts and provides 14 inches of travel.

The PullRite 2714 is an automatically sliding hitch for select Ford 6.5-foot truck beds with factory puck mounts, offering 14 inches of travel. Its 16,000-pound rating suits buyers whose trailer falls within that capacity and who want a direct OE mounting approach rather than adapter rails.

The OE puck series mounts directly to Ford factory mounting points, according to the product description, avoiding an adapter-rail approach for the specified setup. Its 14 inches of travel provide sliding movement for short-bed maneuvering, and the fully automatic operation removes the need for manual slider control. The listing specifies a 16,000-pound capacity and requires a capture plate, so buyers should account for both the trailer rating and that required component when assembling the hitch system.

Skip it if you tow above 16,000 pounds; the PullRite 2914 SuperGlide is listed with a 20,000-pound maximum gross trailer weight.

The 2714 suits owners of select Ford 6.5-foot beds with factory pucks and trailers within its 16,000-pound rating. Its automatic 14-inch slide supports short-bed maneuvering, but a capture plate is required.

Listed on Amazon as: PullRite 2714 OE Puck Series 16K SuperGlide Automatically Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for Select Ford 6.5 ft. Truck Beds

#9

9. Demco Recon 21K Slider Listing

• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Trailer, Truck

Best for: 21K Slider For Tight Maneuvering.

Why it ranks #9: The listing specifies 21,000-pound capacity and an integrated slider, but provides less detail than the matching Demco rail-compatible listing.

The Demco Recon 21K slider combines a 21,000-pound towing capacity with an integrated slider intended to provide clearance during tight turns. Its listing identifies it as a hitch without rails, making it relevant to buyers planning around a separate rail setup rather than a complete rail-and-hitch package.

The integrated slider is described as helping optimize truck-bed space while maneuvering and providing extra clearance to keep the trailer from contacting the cab. That makes its sliding function relevant to tight turns, where cab clearance matters. The 21,000-pound stated capacity supports heavy-duty trailer selection, but should be considered alongside the trailer’s actual loads. Because this version is identified as being without rails, buyers need to account for their rail mounting arrangement when planning installation; the supplied listing does not give a travel measurement.

Skip it if you require a stated 14-inch travel measurement; the Demco 8550052 listing specifies 14 inches of rearward travel.

This Recon is suited to buyers prioritizing a 21,000-pound rating and an integrated slider for tight maneuvering. Its no-rails designation and lack of a listed travel measurement are important boundaries when comparing mounting plans and clearance needs.

Listed on Amazon as: Recon 21K Slider W/O Rails

#10

10. Reese Kwik-Slide

Best for: Compatible Hitch Slider Upgrade.

Why it ranks #10: This 20,000-pound component provides 10 inches of travel, but it is a slider for compatible Reese hitches rather than a complete hitch.

The Reese Kwik-Slide moves a compatible fifth-wheel hitch rearward by 10 inches, creating more room for tighter, low-speed turns. Rated for up to 20,000 pounds and specified for 16K and 20K Reese-model fifth-wheel hitches, it serves buyers seeking a slider component rather than a standalone hitch.

The 10-inch rearward travel moves the attached fifth-wheel hitch to increase turning room during low-speed maneuvering, which the listing identifies as useful for short-bed trucks. Its 20,000-pound capacity sets the maximum stated towing rating, while compatibility is specified for 16K and 20K model fifth-wheel hitches. Forged mounting feet provide wide, consistent attachment. Since the product is a slider for use with those hitches, buyers need a compatible hitch in the setup; it is not described as a complete hitch by itself.

Skip it if you want a complete hitch rather than a slider component; the CURT A25 listing includes the A25 fifth-wheel hitch.

The Kwik-Slide fits owners with a compatible 16K or 20K fifth-wheel hitch who need extra turning room in a short-bed truck. Its 10-inch travel is the key benefit, with compatibility limited to the specified hitch models.

Listed on Amazon as: Reese Towpower 30048 Kwik-Slide Fifth Wheel Hitch Slider, 20,000 lbs. Capacity, 10 Inch Travel, for Use with 16K and 20K Model Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitches