Best Fifth Wheel Slider Hitch for Short-Bed Trucks

#1 · Best Overall

1. CURT A25 Sliding Hitch

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

Best for: Puck-system trucks needing 25K.

Why it ranks #1: Its 25,000-pound rating and 12 inches of slider travel suit demanding short-bed towing, while the quarter-turn anchors fit select OEM puck systems.

A 25,000-pound rating and 12 inches of slider travel give the CURT A25 a defined role for short-bed trucks needing both substantial listed capacity and extra turning clearance. Its quarter-turn anchors support quick installation and removal on compatible OEM puck systems.

The quarter-turn anchoring system lets owners install or remove the hitch quickly, while adjustable anchors address chucking between the legs and puck system. That combination is useful for trucks with the specified compatible OEM puck setup. In the bed, 12 inches of slider travel adds turning clearance for short-bed maneuvering. The self-resetting lockable handle returns to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling, removing a step from hookup. The stated 25,000-pound rating sets the capacity limit.

Skip it if you do not have a compatible OEM puck system; the A25 is specified for select puck-equipped pickups.

Owners of compatible puck-system trucks seeking 25,000-pound capacity, quick anchoring, and 12 inches of travel are the intended audience. Confirm that the truck’s OEM puck configuration falls within the listed fitment.

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

#2 · Most Slider Travel

2. PullRite 4100 SuperGlide

• Weight: 175 lb
• Material Type: Alloy Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Trailer, Truck

Best for: Automatic turning clearance.

Why it ranks #2: This 16,000-pound hitch moves up to 14 inches during turns, more travel than the 12-inch options, and operates automatically.

Automatic movement provides up to 14 inches of travel while turning, giving short-bed truck users more clearance without manually adjusting a slider. PullRite lists the SuperGlide at a 16,000-pound capacity and says its travel is 50 percent farther than manually adjusted slider designs.

The SuperGlide’s automatic operation moves the hitch up to 14 inches during a turn, so the driver does not have to manually adjust the slider to gain the stated turning clearance. PullRite compares that travel with manually adjusted slider designs, describing it as 50 percent farther. The 16,000-pound capacity is an important selection boundary. The listing identifies it for short-bed trucks and gives an alloy-steel construction, but does not provide a mounting-system specification here.

Skip it if you need more than 16,000 pounds of listed capacity; the CURT A20 16531 is rated for 20,000 pounds.

Short-bed truck owners who want automatic slider movement and need no more than 16,000 pounds of listed capacity are the natural audience. The product information here does not specify a mounting system, so that remains a fit consideration.

Listed on Amazon as: PullRite 4100 16K SuperGlide 5th Wheel Hitch

#3 · Best for Ram OEM Pucks

3. B&W Companion OEM Slider

• Weight: 305 lb
• Material Type: polyurethane
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck

Best for: Ram OEM puck-system owners.

Why it ranks #3: It is specifically compatible with the Ram OEM hitch platform and provides 12 inches of slide, with a cam-actuated latch.

Its 12 inches of slider travel adds turning clearance, while compatibility with the Ram OEM hitch platform lets owners use the truck’s factory mounting system. A cam-actuated latch and two-piece design also support installation and removal without describing a separate rail adapter.

The Ram OEM platform compatibility makes this a direct match for buyers whose truck has that mounting system, and the two-piece construction with cam-actuated latching supports installation and removal. During turns, 12 inches of slider travel provides additional clearance for a short-bed setup. The one-inch-thick cast-locking jaws create a strong kingpin connection, while the product description links that design to a smooth ride. At 305 pounds, moving or storing the hitch is a substantial handling task.

Skip it if you need a hitch for a non-Ram mounting system; this model is specified for the Ram OEM platform.

Ram OEM puck-system owners seeking a removable fifth-wheel setup and 12 inches of turning clearance are the clearest match. Account for the 305-pound weight when planning installation, removal, or storage.

Listed on Amazon as: B&W Trailer Hitches Companion OEM Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch – Compatible with Ram OEM Puck System – RVK3670

#4 · Best for Ford Pucks

4. PullRite 2714 OE SuperGlide

• Weight: 216 lb
• Material Type: Alloy Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck

Best for: Ford 6.5-foot-bed puck owners.

Why it ranks #4: This automatic 16,000-pound SuperGlide is designed for select Ford 6.5-foot beds with puck systems and provides 14 inches of travel.

Direct attachment to Ford factory puck mounting points distinguishes this 16K SuperGlide for select Ford short-bed trucks. Its automatic sliding action provides 14 inches of travel, adding turning clearance without the listing describing a separate adapter rail installation.

The OE Puck Series configuration attaches directly to Ford factory mounting points, making the mounting approach specific to compatible Ford trucks rather than a universal rail setup. Automatic sliding supplies 14 inches of travel for additional clearance while turning. The listing specifies select Ford 6.5-foot truck beds and a 16,000-pound capacity, which together define the intended fit and load limit. A capture plate is required, so buyers should account for that additional component when assembling the towing setup.

Skip it if you do not have a compatible Ford 6.5-foot bed with factory pucks; this model is specified for that configuration.

Owners of select Ford 6.5-foot short-bed trucks with factory pucks who want automatic travel are the target buyer. The 16,000-pound rating and required capture plate are important boundaries for planning the setup.

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

#5 · Best 20K Complete Hitch

5. CURT A20 Slider Hitch

• Weight: 212 lb
• Material Type: Alloy Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck

Best for: Short-bed towing with 20K capacity.

Why it ranks #5: The 20,000-pound short-bed slider includes an A20 hitch and combines interlocking jaws with a torsion head and poly-torsion inserts.

A 20,000-pound rating pairs with a fully articulating torsion head to serve short-bed truck owners seeking controlled coupling and stable towing. The CURT A20 also uses an extra-wide head opening and a self-resetting handle, features that support a more straightforward hookup workflow.

The extra-wide head opening gives the kingpin more room during coupling, while the lockable handle resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling. That can simplify repeated hookup steps. In transit, interlocking jaws fully wrap the kingpin to minimize noise, and the cast yoke’s poly-torsion inserts are intended to suppress shock loads and noise. The fully articulating torsion head supports controlled coupling and stable towing. Its 20,000-pound rating defines the listed capacity boundary.

Skip it if you need a listed capacity above 20,000 pounds; the CURT A25 16057 is rated for 25,000 pounds.

Short-bed truck owners who need a 20,000-pound-rated hitch and value a wide coupling opening may find this A20 appropriate. Its capacity is the key boundary; match it to your towing requirement.

Listed on Amazon as: CURT 16531 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 20,000 lbs

#6

6. B&W Companion Slider

• Weight: 287 lb
• Material Type: Alloy Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck

Best for: Turnoverball system owners.

Why it ranks #6: It offers 12 inches of travel and attaches to a B&W Turnoverball system, making it a useful option for owners with that under-bed mount.

Attachment to B&W’s Turnoverball under-bed mounting system lets this Companion Slider serve owners who want a fifth-wheel hitch on the same system used for a gooseneck hitch. Its 12 inches of slider travel adds turning clearance, and the articulating head pivots in two directions.

The Turnoverball attachment means owners can use the same under-bed system for a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch, according to the product description. For short-bed maneuvering, 12 inches of slide adds turning clearance. The fully articulating head pivots front to back and side to side, supporting movement as the trailer and truck travel over uneven surfaces. Cam-action latching is another listed operating feature. At 287 pounds, this hitch requires planning for handling when installing or removing it.

Skip it if you do not have the B&W Turnoverball under-bed system; this Companion Slider attaches to that mounting system.

Turnoverball owners who want both fifth-wheel and gooseneck use from the same under-bed system are the strongest fit. The 12-inch travel and articulating head support maneuvering, while the 287-pound weight matters for handling.

Listed on Amazon as: B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch – RVK3405

#7

7. CURT S25 Slider

• Weight: 129.4 lb
• Material Type: Carbon Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck

Best for: 25K capacity with easy lever.

Why it ranks #7: Its 25,000-pound rating and automatic latching in both directions suit heavy towing, but the listing says the hitch head is required.

A 25,000-pound rating sets the CURT S25 apart for short-bed truck owners whose towing needs call for that listed capacity. Its lever-lift motion and automatically latching movement in both directions support slider operation with fewer exits from the truck during repositioning.

The S25 automatically latches in both directions, so the driver only has to exit once when moving between positions, according to the product description. Its smooth sliding action is specified to move without binding, while the easy-to-reach lever arm and lift motion provide an alternative to a traditional pull-out style. A quiet, solid design is described as eliminating chucking in the towing position. This is a 25,000-pound slider, and a compatible head is required.

Skip it if you need a complete head-and-slider hitch in one listing; the S25 requires a separate compatible head.

Short-bed truck owners who need a 25,000-pound slider and prefer lever-lift operation are the intended buyers. The two-way latching and smooth travel support repositioning, but the required hitch head must be planned separately.

Listed on Amazon as: CURT 16574 S25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 25,000 lbs (Head Required)

#8

8. Demco Recon 21K Slider

• Weight: 179 lb
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Trailer, Truck

Best for: Heavy-duty slider towing.

Why it ranks #8: The 21,000-pound rating is substantial, and its integrated slider is intended to add cab clearance, though the listing does not specify travel.

A 21,000-pound towing capacity gives the Demco Recon 21K Slider a clear role for heavy-duty fifth-wheel hauling. Its integrated slider is described as providing extra clearance in tight turns and helping prevent trailer contact with the cab, while this configuration is supplied without rails.

The 21,000-pound capacity supports buyers whose towing requirement falls within that listed limit. Its integrated slider lets the hitch move for tight turns, with the supplied description connecting that function to extra clearance and reduced risk of trailer contact with the cab. The model is explicitly identified as a slider without rails, an important setup detail for planning installation. The listing also identifies compatibility with truck and trailer vehicle types, but does not specify a particular truck mounting system.

Skip it if you need a rail-included package; this Recon configuration is specifically listed without rails.

Fifth-wheel owners needing up to 21,000 pounds of listed capacity and a slider for tight-turn clearance may consider the Recon. Plan around its without-rails configuration and the absence of a specified mounting-system fit.

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

#9

9. CURT E16 Slider Hitch

• Weight: 171 lb
• Material Type: Alloy Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck

Best for: Simple-handle 16K towing.

Why it ranks #9: This 16,000-pound option pivots on dual axes and includes the E16 hitch, but its specified S20 slider component is listed separately.

A single-handle operation and automatic locking make the CURT E16 slider a straightforward option for short-bed truck owners seeking a 16,000-pound-rated hitch. Its head pivots on dual axes for 10 degrees of lateral movement, while the separate S20 slider provides the stated 12 inches of bed travel.

The E16 head’s dual-axis pivot allows 10 degrees of lateral movement, while its automatically locking coupling supports a secure connection without adding a multi-handle workflow. A single handle and few moving parts keep operation simple. The anti-rattle skid plate is intended to help reduce noise during towing. The listing identifies the S20 slider, model 16564, as providing 12 inches of travel in the truck bed; the E16 hitch itself is listed at 16,000 pounds.

Skip it if you need a listed capacity above 16,000 pounds; the CURT A20 16531 is rated for 20,000 pounds.

Short-bed truck owners seeking a 16,000-pound hitch with single-handle operation and lateral head movement may value the E16. The listing associates 12 inches of travel with the S20 slider, so consider that distinction when selecting components.

Listed on Amazon as: CURT 16511 E16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 16,000 lbs

#10

10. CURT S20 Slider

• Weight: 109.4 lb
• Material Type: Carbon Steel
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck

Best for: Automatic 20K short-bed sliding.

Why it ranks #10: The 20,000-pound slider provides 12 inches of displacement and auto-latching, but the listing explicitly says a hitch head is required.

The CURT S20 automatically latches after the lever is set, letting short-bed truck owners gain 12 inches of coupling-point displacement without repeatedly leaving the cab during hookup. Its 20,000-pound rating and factory-assembled slider define its capacity and setup profile.

Once the lever is set, driving forward automatically locks the slider into place, reducing repeated exits from the truck during hookup. Its 12 inches of displacement moves the coupling point to add turning clearance for a short bed. The product description also identifies a quiet design, ergonomic handle, and industry-standard mounting points, supporting a practical operating setup. This listing is for the S20 slider only and notes that a head is required; the 20,000-pound rating is its stated capacity.

Skip it if you need a complete hitch with its head included; this S20 listing requires a head.

Short-bed owners seeking 20,000-pound capacity and automatic slider latching may find the S20 useful for turning clearance. It is a slider component, not a complete head-and-slider hitch, so plan the compatible head separately.

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