Best Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch: Practical Features for Easier Everyday Use

A strong sliding fifth wheel hitch delivers added turning clearance for short-bed truck owners while matching the truck’s mounting system, trailer weight, and coupling preferences. The products here range from 16,000- to 25,000-pound models, with travel from 8 to 14 inches and options for OEM puck systems, standard bedrails, or under-bed Turnoverball mounting. Automatic designs can reduce the need to leave the cab during maneuvering, while manual sliders offer straightforward operation and broad mounting compatibility.

Before choosing, confirm the exact truck make, bed length, puck or rail arrangement, required hitch head, and trailer weight. A correct fit matters more than a higher capacity alone because several models are designed for specific vehicle platforms.

The best sliding fifth wheel hitch depends on your truck and trailer: CURT A25 models offer 25,000-pound capacity and 12 inches of travel for select OEM puck systems, while PullRite SuperGlide models provide automatic 14-inch travel for compatible installations. B&W Companion sliders suit Ram OEM pucks or Turnoverball systems, and CURT S20 or S25 sliders pair with a required head for short-bed trucks. Verify mounting compatibility, capacity, travel, and whether the hitch is complete before ordering.

Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch Comparison

Image	Product	Buy
Best Pick 1	CURT 16057 A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch, 25,000 lbs, Compatible With Select Puck System Best for: Puck System Ready Brand: CURT | Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck	View on Amazon
Best Pick 2	CURT 16058 A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch, 25,000 lbs, Compatible with Select 2500, 3500 Puck System Best for: Heavy Duty Capacity Brand: CURT | Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck	View on Amazon
Best Pick 3	PULLRITE Pulliam Enterprises 2900 Superglide 20,000 Best for: Automatic Sliding Brand: PullRite | Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck	View on Amazon
Best Pick 4	PullRite 2714 OE Puck Series 16K SuperGlide Automatically Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for Select Ford 6.5 ft. Truck Beds Best for: Ford Puck System Brand: PullRite | Compatible with Vehicle Type: Trucks	View on Amazon
Best Pick 5	B&W Trailer Hitches Companion OEM Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch – Compatible with Ram OEM Puck System – RVK3670 Best for: Ram Puck System Brand: B&W | Compatible with Vehicle Type: Truck	View on Amazon

How We Compared These Products

We compared dimensions, capacity, materials, compatibility, included components, and care requirements across many Amazon listings. These details matter because the product must fit the available space, intended use, setup requirements, and maintenance routine. After examining the wider field, we selected 10 products from CURT, PullRite, B&W, and Demco.

The shortlist includes products such as CURT 16057 A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch, PULLRITE Pulliam Enterprises 2900 Superglide 20, and B&W Trailer Hitches Companion OEM Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch. Every recommendation is tied to information stated for that specific product; unclear or missing features were treated as unknown rather than filled with assumptions.

Detailed Reviews: Best Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch

1. CURT 16057 A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch, 25,000 lbs, Compatible With Select Puck System

Best for: OEM Puck System Trucks.

The CURT A25 5th wheel hitch offers 12" of travel via its slider, enabling easier maneuvering for trucks with OEM puck systems. Its quarter-turn anchoring system facilitates quick installation and removal, while adjustable anchors minimize chucking.

This 25,000 lb capacity hitch features a patented cast yoke for unimpeded head movement, contributing to a smoother, quieter towing experience. The lockable handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling, streamlining the hitching process. Its alloy steel construction ensures durability for consistent performance.

Product Details

Pros

• 12" of travel for enhanced maneuverability
• Quick installation and removal with quarter-turn anchoring
• Adjustable anchors reduce chucking
• Lockable handle self-resets for easier coupling

Cons

• Requires specific OEM puck system compatibility

Ideal for truck owners with compatible OEM puck systems seeking a robust hitch with convenient operation and 12 inches of essential slider travel for improved turning.

2. CURT 16058 A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch, 25,000 lbs, Compatible with Select 2500, 3500 Puck System

Best for: Select 2500/3500 Puck Systems.

The CURT A25 5th wheel hitch provides 12" of slider travel, enhancing turning clearance for compatible 2500 and 3500 series trucks with OEM puck systems. Its quarter-turn anchoring system allows for rapid installation and removal.

Engineered with a patented cast yoke, this 25,000 lb capacity hitch ensures unimpeded head movement for a smoother towing experience. The lockable handle automatically resets to the ready-to-couple position, simplifying the hitching process. Adjustable anchors are included to eliminate chucking between the hitch legs and the puck system.

Product Details

Pros

• 12" slider travel for better turning
• Quarter-turn anchoring for quick setup
• Adjustable anchors minimize chucking
• Self-resetting lockable handle simplifies coupling

Cons

• Specific fitment required for select 2500/3500 trucks with puck systems

Suited for owners of specific 2500/3500 trucks equipped with OEM puck systems who need a high-capacity hitch with convenient slider functionality and easy installation.

3. PULLRITE Pulliam Enterprises 2900 Superglide 20,000

Best for: Automatic Slider Towing.

The PullRite Superglide 2900 offers 14 inches of fully automatic slide, providing 90-degree turning capability without manual intervention. This fully automatic system engages the slide as you turn, enhancing safety and maneuverability.

This 20K trailer weight hitch features a locking jaw that closes automatically around the king pin for a secure connection. The Superglide system is designed to regain 90-degree turning capability, eliminating the need to exit the truck to operate levers. It stands 18.5 inches to the top of the hitch plate.

Product Details

Pros

• 14" of fully automatic slide
• Enables 90-degree turning capability
• Locking jaw closes automatically
• No manual lever operation required

Cons

• Requires a capture plate to activate the sliding cam

An excellent choice for RVers prioritizing automatic operation and maximum turning radius, especially for those who want to avoid manual adjustments during turns and have a compatible capture plate.

4. PullRite 2714 OE Puck Series 16K SuperGlide Automatically Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for Select Ford 6.5 ft. Truck Beds

Best for: Ford OE Puck Short Beds.

The PullRite 2714 OE SuperGlide hitch provides 14 inches of automatic slide travel, specifically designed for Ford trucks with OE puck systems and 6.5 ft. beds. This hitch directly attaches to the truck’s OE mounting points.

This 16K automatically sliding fifth wheel hitch offers seamless integration with Ford's factory fifth wheel mounts, eliminating the need for an adapter rail. The fully automatic SuperGlide mechanism ensures the hitch slides as needed during turns, providing enhanced clearance and maneuverability for short bed trucks.

Product Details

Pros

• 14" automatic slide travel
• Designed for Ford OE puck systems
• Direct attachment to OE mounting points
• Enhances short bed truck maneuverability

Cons

• Requires a capture plate for operation

Perfect for Ford owners with short beds and factory puck systems who need a fully automatic sliding hitch that integrates directly with their truck's existing mounting points.

5. B&W Trailer Hitches Companion OEM Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch – Compatible with Ram OEM Puck System – RVK3670

Best for: Ram OEM Puck System.

The B&W Companion OEM Slider hitch offers 12" of slide for enhanced turning clearance, specifically designed for the Ram OEM hitch platform. Its cam-actuated latching mechanism and two-piece design simplify installation and removal.

Engineered for structural integrity and consistent performance, this hitch features 1" thick cast-locking jaws for a strong connection and a smooth ride. The polyurethane material contributes to durability under repeated towing conditions. This design reinforces compatibility and functional performance with the Ram OEM puck system.

Product Details

Pros

• 12" of slide for turning clearance
• Compatible with Ram OEM hitch platform
• Effortless installation and removal
• 1" thick cast-locking jaws for secure connection

Cons

• Requires specific Ram OEM puck system compatibility

An ideal solution for Ram truck owners with the OEM puck system seeking a durable, easy-to-install slider hitch that provides ample turning clearance and a secure towing experience.

6. B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch – RVK3405

Best for: Turnoverball Under-bed System.

The B&W Companion Slider hitch provides 12" of slide for improved turning clearance and attaches to the Turnoverball under-bed mounting system. This allows for seamless switching between fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing configurations.

Engineered to eliminate sloppiness, this alloy steel hitch offers a smooth ride with a fully articulating head that pivots front-to-back and side-to-side. The cam action latching mechanism ensures a secure connection. Its design is focused on structural integrity and consistent performance for durability.

Product Details

Pros

• 12" slide for turning clearance
• Attaches to Turnoverball under-bed system
• Fully articulating head for smooth pivoting
• Cam action latching for secure connection

Cons

• Requires B&W Turnoverball under-bed mounting system

Best for truck owners who already utilize or plan to install the B&W Turnoverball system and require a smooth-riding slider hitch for fifth-wheel towing.

7. Demco 8550026 Premier Series 16K Double-Pivot Ultra-Slide Fifth Wheel Hitch

Best for: Premier Series Short Box.

The Demco Premier Series Ultra-Slide hitch offers up to 8" of travel to assist in maneuvering, featuring a double-pivot head with polyurethane bumpers for stability. Its wrap-around jaw with a locking bar ensures a smoother, safer ride.

This 16K hitch includes industry-standard bedrails and provides four vertical height adjustments to level the truck and trailer. The double-pivot head minimizes side-to-side movement when uncoupled and cushions pivot action when coupled. Frame mounting brackets must be ordered separately.

Product Details

Pros

• Up to 8" of travel for maneuvering
• Double-Pivot Head for stability
• Wrap-around jaw with locking bar
• Four vertical height adjustments

Cons

• Frame mounting brackets must be ordered separately

Suitable for short box truck owners needing a stable, secure hitch with moderate slide travel and adjustable height for optimal leveling, provided they can source separate mounting brackets.

8. CURT 16564 S20 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 20,000 lbs (Head Required)

Best for: Short Bed Trucks.

The CURT S20 slider hitch provides 12 inches of displacement for the coupling point, enhancing turning clearance for short-bed trucks. Its auto-latch mechanism secures the hitch automatically when driving forward, eliminating multiple adjustments.

This 20,000 lb capacity slider features a quiet, solid design to eliminate chucking and ships factory assembled for convenience. The carbon steel construction ensures durability. Industry-standard mounting points are utilized, and the ergonomic handle facilitates user-friendly operation compared to traditional pull-out styles.

Product Details

Pros

• 12" displacement for turning clearance
• Auto-latch mechanism for secure coupling
• Quiet, solid design reduces chucking
• Factory assembled for convenience

Cons

• Requires a separate head unit (sold separately)

An excellent option for short-bed truck owners requiring significant turning clearance and an automatic hitching system, provided they have the compatible head unit for this slider.

9. CURT 16680 E16 5th Wheel Hitch Kit with S20 5th Wheel Slider and Puck System Adapter with Rails for Select Models

Best for: Puck System with Rails.

The CURT E16 5th Wheel Hitch Kit includes an S20 slider and puck system adapter with rails, featuring a dual-axis pivot for 10 degrees of lateral movement. This design enhances stability when navigating uneven terrain.

This alloy steel hitch kit offers easy and secure coupling through its automatic locking mechanism and single-handle operation. The dual-axis pivot allows for smooth towing over varied surfaces, while the anti-rattle skid plate reduces noise. It is engineered for dependable towing performance with fewer moving parts.

Product Details

Pros

• Dual-axis pivot for stability
• Automatic locking mechanism
• Single-handle operation for easy coupling
• Includes puck system adapter and rails

Cons

• Limited to 10 degrees of lateral movement

Ideal for truck owners with puck systems who need a complete kit including rails and an adapter, offering stable towing with a dual-axis pivot and user-friendly automatic coupling.

10. CURT 16574 S25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for Short Bed Trucks, 25,000 lbs (Head Required)

Best for: Short Bed Towing.

The CURT S25 slider hitch is designed for short-bed trucks, offering a quiet, solid design to eliminate chucking and smooth sliding between positions without binding. It automatically latches in both directions, requiring only one exit for hookup.

This 25,000 lb capacity carbon steel hitch features an easy-to-reach lever arm for ergonomic operation and a lever lift motion for user-friendly functionality. Industry-standard mounting points are utilized. The auto-latching mechanism ensures secure engagement, making towing a fifth-wheel trailer with a short-bed truck more convenient.

Product Details

Pros

• Quiet, solid design reduces chucking
• Smooth sliding without binding
• Auto-latches in both directions
• Ergonomic lever arm for easy operation

Cons

• Requires a separate head unit (sold separately)

A strong choice for short-bed truck owners needing a high-capacity hitch that minimizes noise and chucking, with convenient auto-latching and user-friendly operation, provided the head unit is acquired.

What Buyers Often Overlook

Match hitch capacity and travel to the truck setup

Choose a hitch whose stated capacity covers the trailer and whose travel suits the truck bed, but do not treat either number as a substitute for vehicle-specific fit. The listed options span 16,000 pounds with up to 8 inches of travel on the Demco 8550026, 16,000 pounds with 14 inches on the PullRite 2714, 20,000 pounds with 12 inches on the CURT S20, and 25,000 pounds with 12 inches on the CURT A25 and S25 slider. PullRite’s 2900 lists 20,000 pounds and 14 inches of automatic travel.

More travel can provide additional turning clearance, but the hitch still must align with the truck’s mounting system and the trailer’s coupling arrangement. Also check whether the product is a complete hitch: the CURT 16564 and 16574 are sliders that require a head, while the Demco includes industry-standard bedrails but needs frame brackets ordered separately.

The Key Product Trade-Off

OEM puck, rail, and capture-plate compatibility change the buying decision

Mounting compatibility is the primary category-specific trade-off because sliding hitches are not interchangeable across every truck bed. CURT 16057 and 16058 use quarter-turn anchors for select OEM puck systems, but each listing targets different vehicle applications. The B&W RVK3670 is designed for the Ram OEM hitch platform, while PullRite 2714 attaches to factory Ford puck mounting points for select Ford 6.5-foot beds.

The B&W RVK3405 attaches to a Turnoverball under-bed mounting system, allowing that system to support either a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch. PullRite SuperGlide models require a capture plate to activate the sliding cam, so that component must be included in the installation plan.

CURT 16680 combines an E16 hitch, S20 slider, and puck-system adapter with rails, making it a more complete configuration for select models. Confirm the truck year range and mounting hardware before purchase.

Best Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch: Buyer's Guide

Fit, Dimensions, and Compatibility

Compare the listed dimensions with the intended counter, cabinet, appliance, storage, or installation space. Confirm model compatibility and connection requirements where they are supplied. A useful feature cannot compensate for a product that does not physically fit or work with the buyer’s existing setup.

Capacity, Output, and Operating Format

Match listed capacity, volume, output, and operating mode to the actual household or work routine. Larger figures can support heavier use, while a smaller format may be easier to place and maintain. Treat daily output, immediate storage, and container capacity as separate specifications when the listing distinguishes them.

Materials, Construction, and Care

Use the listed materials and care instructions to judge cleaning effort, storage conditions, and compatibility with the intended use. Dishwasher, freezer, food-contact, or weather-related claims are included only when supplied for that product. Check whether routine care fits the way the product will be used.

Included Components and Setup Needs

Review the included components before planning installation or first use. Hoses, adapters, lids, paddles, bowls, brushes, controls, and manuals vary by listing. Confirm power, water, assembly, or accessory requirements from the supplied product information rather than assuming that separately pictured parts are included.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose the CURT 16057 or 16058 when your truck has the specified OEM puck system and you want 25,000-pound capacity, 12 inches of travel, and quarter-turn installation. Select the PullRite 2900 or Ford-specific 2714 when automatic 14-inch sliding is the priority and the required capture plate and mounting arrangement are confirmed. The B&W RVK3670 fits Ram OEM pucks, while the RVK3405 suits a Turnoverball system.

For rail-based short-bed setups, the Demco 8550026 offers a 16,000-pound rating, up to 8 inches of travel, and a double-pivot head. Choose the CURT S20 or S25 when you need a slider for a separate head, or the CURT 16680 when a combined hitch, slider, adapter, and rails match your truck.

Quick Buying Checklist

• Confirm the complete dimensions against the available space.
• Verify model, accessory, connection, and appliance compatibility.
• Match capacity or output to the expected amount of use.
• Compare materials and care instructions with the maintenance routine.
• Check the included components before planning setup or first use.
• Confirm listed power, water, storage, or installation requirements where applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary benefit of a sliding fifth wheel hitch?

A sliding fifth wheel hitch offers increased maneuverability, especially in tight spaces or when making sharp turns. It automatically moves the trailer forward or backward, providing more clearance between the trailer and the truck cab, reducing the risk of collision.

How do I know if my truck has a puck system?

Puck systems are typically found in newer model trucks, often from 2015 onwards, and are designed for easy installation and removal of hitches. Look for a set of four pucks or sockets in the truck bed, usually near the wheel wells.

Are sliding hitches compatible with all fifth wheel trailers?

Sliding hitches are designed to work with standard fifth wheel trailers. The primary compatibility concern is with the truck’s hitch mounting system (like a puck system) and the trailer’s kingpin. Ensure your trailer’s weight is within the hitch’s capacity.

What is the difference between an automatic and manual slider?

Automatic sliders engage and disengage based on the turning angle of the truck and trailer, requiring no driver input. Manual sliders require the driver to manually lock or unlock the hitch in a specific position before or after maneuvering.

Why is hitch capacity important for a fifth wheel setup?

Hitch capacity is crucial for safety and preventing equipment failure. It must exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your trailer to ensure the hitch can safely handle the towing forces and weight, especially during braking and acceleration.

Final Words

Choosing the right sliding fifth wheel hitch depends on your truck’s specific mounting system and your towing needs. For ease of use and enhanced maneuverability, particularly with short-bed trucks or in challenging parking situations, a reliable sliding hitch is a worthwhile investment.