If you tow a fifth wheel with a short-bed truck, a slider hitch is not a luxury, it is the part that keeps your trailer cap from punching through your rear window during a tight turn. A standard fixed fifth wheel hitch sits too far forward in a 5.5 or 6.5 foot bed, leaving almost no room for the kingpin box to swing past the cab. A slider lets the head travel rearward several inches so you can jackknife at the campsite or back into a fuel island without crushing sheet metal.
We looked at the most trusted slider hitches sold on Amazon and judged them on real towing factors: clearance gained in the slid position, weight capacity, how easy the slide mechanism is to release, rail compatibility, and how confidently they lock back into the towing position. Below are our seven picks, ranked best first, with honest notes on where each one falls short.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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B&W Companion Slider 5th Wheel Hitch (RVK3405) Best Overall 20,000 lb GTW, 5,000 lb pin, 12 inch slide travel, fits B&W Turnoverball gooseneck |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Reese M5 Series 16K Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch (30153) Best Value 16,000 lb GTW, 4,000 lb pin, manual slide, fits Reese and most universal rails |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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CURT A16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch (16545) Best for Quiet Towing 16,000 lb GTW, 4,000 lb pin, 12 inch slide, spring dampened head |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Demco Recon 18K Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch (8550040) Best Premium 18,000 lb GTW, 4,500 lb pin, wrap-around jaw, fits Demco and universal rails |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Pro Series 16K Pro Series Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch (30128) Best Budget 16,000 lb GTW, 4,000 lb pin, manual slide, universal rail mount |
8.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection Aluminum Hitch (3220) Lightest Weight 20,000 lb GTW, 4,500 lb pin, funnel-pivot design, gooseneck ball mount |
8.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Husky 16K Slider 5th Wheel Hitch (33133) Easiest Hookup 16,000 lb GTW, 4,000 lb pin, wide funnel jaw, universal rail compatible |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. B&W Companion Slider 5th Wheel Hitch (RVK3405): Best Overall
The B&W Companion Slider earns the top spot because it solves the short-bed problem more elegantly than anything else here. Instead of bolting fixed rails across your bed, it drops onto the same Turnoverball gooseneck base many truck owners already have for goosenecking, so when the trailer is unhitched the bed is left mostly clear except for the ball. The slide function gives a full 12 inches of rearward travel, which is genuinely enough to jackknife a 5.5 foot bed truck around a campground hairpin without holding your breath.
Towing manners are the other standout. The polyurethane bushings in the head soak up the jerk and chuck that makes cheaper hitches bang against your cab on rough pavement. The honest weakness is the system cost of entry: you must own or buy the Turnoverball underbed kit before this hitch does anything, and the assembled unit is heavy and unwieldy to wrestle into the bed by yourself. If you already run Turnoverball, though, this is close to a perfect answer.
- Mounts to the B&W Turnoverball underbed gooseneck ball, no permanent bed rails
- Full 12 inch slide gives true short-bed clearance for tight turns
- Polyurethane head bushings and four-way head movement for quiet, smooth towing
Pros: Cleanest install of any slider since it uses the hidden gooseneck base; Generous 12 inch travel handles 5.5 foot beds with room to spare; Cushioned head dramatically reduces chucking and cab noise
Cons: Requires a B&W Turnoverball underbed kit, which is a separate purchase; Heavy and awkward for one person to lift in and out of the bed
2. Reese M5 Series 16K Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch (30153): Best Value
The Reese M5 hits the sweet spot of capacity, refinement, and price-to-performance for the average short-bed fifth wheel owner. The wrap-around single jaw closes fully around the kingpin rather than pinching it, which translates to a connection that does not develop the annoying clack you hear from worn slider hitches after a season. The rubber-isolated head keeps the cab calmer on washboard roads, and the funnel-style mouth is genuinely forgiving when you are backing up solo and cannot see the pin.
It rides on universal base rails, so if your truck already has a common rail kit installed, the M5 slots right in. The real compromise is the slide mechanism: it is manual, so to slide the head rearward for a tight turn you have to stop, get out, pull the handle, and reposition. Owners who do a lot of repeated tight maneuvering will wish for an auto-slide. For everyone else, the value here is hard to beat.
- Wide-mouth funnel jaw makes lining up the kingpin forgiving
- Rubber-isolated head cuts road noise and ride harshness
- Single-jaw wrap-around design locks fully around the pin for a tight, rattle-free connection
Pros: Strong 16K rating covers most half-ton and three-quarter-ton setups; Quiet, low-maintenance head that resists rattle better than many rivals; Drops into standard universal rails most installers already use
Cons: Manual slide release means stepping out and walking around the truck; Head is on the heavier side for in-and-out removal
3. CURT A16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch (16545): Best for Quiet Towing
CURT’s A16 slider is the one to reach for if your top priority is a calm, rattle-free ride. The self-aligning jaw grabs the kingpin and pulls it snug, and the spring-dampened head meaningfully smooths out the surge and chuck you feel through the cab when towing on broken roads. After backing into position you simply pull forward and the jaw locks itself, which makes solo hookups less of a wrestling match than they sound.
The 12 inch slide travel is right in line with the best here and clears short beds confidently. The dual lockout pins are a nice safety touch because you can visually confirm the head is pinned for towing and again confirm it is pinned for sliding. The honest drawback is that it is a manual slider and the head is physically large, so it eats up a good chunk of bed space and you will be hand-pulling the slide handle every time you need that extra clearance.
- Self-aligning, self-locking jaw wraps the kingpin with anti-rattle action
- Spring-loaded head dampens jolts for noticeably smoother towing
- Dual lockout pins confirm both towing and slide positions are secure
Pros: Among the quietest, smoothest-towing sliders in this class; Clear dual lockout system makes position confidence easy; Powder-coated finish holds up well against rust
Cons: Manual slide, no automatic engagement; Bulky head footprint takes up much of a short bed
4. Demco Recon 18K Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch (8550040): Best Premium
The Demco Recon is the choice for owners hauling heavier rigs who want a coupling with no slack and a build that feels overengineered in the best way. The wrap-around jaw completely encloses the kingpin instead of just clamping a flat against it, so the connection is tight from day one and stays that way. The deep funnel mouth is forgiving when you are hitching on a slope or uneven gravel pad, which is where lesser hitches fight you.
At 18,000 pounds gross it comfortably covers large fifth wheels and many toy haulers that would push a 16K unit. The trade-offs are predictable for a premium product: it sits at the higher end of the slider lineup and it is a genuinely heavy chunk of steel, so pulling the head out to free up your bed for non-towing duty is a two-person job. If you tow big and tow often, the extra investment buys real added security.
- Wrap-around jaw fully encloses the kingpin for zero-slack coupling
- Tall, deep funnel guides the pin in even on uneven ground
- Greaseable head plate option keeps maintenance simple and clean
Pros: Durable 18K capacity suits heavier toy haulers and large fifth wheels; Excellent tight connection with very little play out of the box; Quality build and finish that feels built to outlast the truck
Cons: Premium pricing tier relative to mainstream sliders; Heavier overall, harder to remove single-handed
5. Pro Series 16K Pro Series Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch (30128): Best Budget
The Pro Series 16K slider is the practical pick for owners who want safe short-bed clearance without paying for the cushioning and refinements of the top brands. It rides on the same universal rails as the bigger names, carries a sensible 16,000 pound rating, and uses a no-nonsense single-handle slide that newcomers figure out on the first try. The head has cushioned movement that takes the worst edge off road shock, so it is far from harsh.
Where it shows its position in the lineup is in the details. The fit and finish feel more workmanlike than premium, and several owners note the slide mechanism can feel notchy or stiff until it is broken in and properly greased. None of that affects safety, it simply lacks the polished, buttery feel of pricier units. For an occasional tower or a second truck, it delivers the core job well.
- Straightforward single-handle slide release that is easy to learn
- Cushioned head movement helps soften towing jolts
- Compatible with widely available universal base rails
Pros: Accessible entry point into short-bed slider towing; Simple mechanism with few parts to fail or maintain; Solid 16K rating for most common fifth wheels
Cons: Fit and finish are more utilitarian than premium rivals; Slide can feel notchy until it is broken in and lubed
6. Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection Aluminum Hitch (3220): Lightest Weight
The Andersen Ultimate takes a completely different approach from the steel sliders above, and that is exactly why it earns a place here. Instead of a heavy rail-mounted head that travels backward, it uses a lightweight aluminum funnel that drops onto a gooseneck ball and pivots to absorb motion. The headline benefit is weight: this is the only unit on the list a single person can comfortably lift in and out, and when it is out your bed is essentially clear except for the ball.
The greaseless coupler is a genuine quality-of-life win, no black grease plate to ruin your jeans. The honest caveat is the most important one to understand: this is not a conventional slider with a sliding head, so short-bed owners must carefully verify cab-to-cap clearance for their specific truck and trailer before trusting it for tight turns. On a 6.5 foot bed it is excellent. On the shortest beds, measure twice. Read the clearance guidance closely before buying.
- Aluminum funnel head is dramatically lighter than steel sliders
- Mounts to a gooseneck ball, leaving the bed nearly clear when removed
- Greaseless coupler design means no messy plate to maintain
Pros: Easily the lightest unit here, one person can lift it out; Pivoting funnel reduces chucking without bushings to wear; Leaves a clean, usable bed when unhitched
Cons: Not a traditional sliding head, relies on bed length and pivot geometry; Short-bed users must verify cab clearance carefully before relying on it
7. Husky 16K Slider 5th Wheel Hitch (33133): Easiest Hookup
The Husky 16K slider rounds out the list as the friendliest option for drivers still building confidence backing up to a kingpin. Its standout feature is a genuinely wide funnel mouth that captures the pin even when your aim is off, which takes a lot of the stress out of solo hookups when you cannot see exactly where the pin sits. The four-way pivoting head keeps the connection composed over uneven campsites and broken roads.
A visible jaw indicator lets you confirm at a glance that the coupling is fully closed and locked before you pull away, a reassuring touch. It mounts to standard universal rails, so installation is conventional. The weaknesses keep it lower in the ranking: it is a manual slider so you are getting out to reposition for tight turns, and some owners report the head develops a bit of play over time that calls for periodic adjustment to stay rattle-free. For the price and ease of use, it is a sensible starter slider.
- Extra-wide funnel makes blind, solo backing far more forgiving
- Four-way pivoting head keeps the connection smooth over rough ground
- Visible jaw indicator confirms a fully closed, locked coupling
Pros: Forgiving alignment is great for owners new to fifth wheel towing; Clear lock indicator builds confidence at hookup; Standard rail fitment keeps installation simple
Cons: Manual slide requires getting out to reposition the head; Head play can develop over time without periodic adjustment
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I actually need a slider hitch for a short-bed truck?
If your truck has a bed shorter than about 8 feet, usually a 5.5 or 6.5 foot bed, then yes, a slider is strongly recommended. A standard fixed fifth wheel hitch positions the trailer’s kingpin so far forward that the front cap of the trailer can hit the cab of your truck during sharp turns, like backing into a site or rounding a fuel pump. A slider lets the hitch head travel several inches rearward to create that missing clearance so you can turn tightly without contact. Long-bed trucks of 8 feet generally have enough room for a fixed hitch and do not require a slider.
What is the difference between a manual slider and an automatic slider?
A manual slider requires you to stop the truck, get out, pull a release handle, and either let the head slide back or reposition it before making a tight maneuver, then re-lock it afterward. An automatic slider uses the motion of the truck and trailer to slide the head rearward on its own when you turn sharply, then return it for normal towing, with no need to leave the cab. Manual sliders are simpler, lighter on the wallet, and have fewer parts to maintain, but they are inconvenient for repeated tight turns. Automatic sliders are far more convenient but cost more and add complexity. Most hitches in this guide are manual.
How much slide travel do I need for tight turns?
For most short-bed trucks, between 10 and 12 inches of rearward slide travel is the target, and several hitches in this guide offer a full 12 inches. The exact amount you need depends on your bed length, the width of your trailer’s front cap, and the kingpin-to-cap distance of your specific fifth wheel. A 5.5 foot bed needs every bit of that 12 inch travel, while a 6.5 foot bed has a little more built-in room. Always check both your truck bed dimensions and your trailer’s published clearance specs, then pick a slider whose travel comfortably covers the gap with margin to spare.
Will any slider hitch fit my truck, or do I need specific rails?
Most sliders mount to base rails bolted into the truck bed, and many use a universal rail pattern that is shared across brands, so a universal-rail hitch will usually drop into rails from another maker. However, a few designs work differently. The B&W Companion mounts to an underbed Turnoverball gooseneck ball rather than traditional rails, and the Andersen Ultimate also mounts to a gooseneck ball. Before buying, confirm whether your truck already has rails or a gooseneck ball installed and match the hitch to that setup, or budget for the correct base kit. Many newer trucks also offer a factory puck system with brand-specific adapters.
Can I remove a slider hitch to use my truck bed normally?
Yes, every hitch here is removable so you can reclaim your bed for hauling cargo when you are not towing. The difference is how easy that removal is. Heavy steel sliders like the Demco and B&W are strong but genuinely heavy, so lifting the head out is usually a two-person job or calls for a hoist. Lighter designs make this much easier: the aluminum Andersen Ultimate is light enough for one person to handle and leaves the bed nearly clear since only the gooseneck ball remains. If frequent removal matters to you, factor head weight and mounting style into your choice up front.
Our Verdict
For most short-bed fifth wheel owners, the B&W Companion Slider (RVK3405) is our top pick: its full 12 inch travel, cushioned head, and clean Turnoverball mounting give you the safest clearance and the quietest tow, provided you have or buy the underbed base. If you would rather stick with conventional universal rails and want the best balance of capacity, refinement, and value, the Reese M5 16K (30153) is our runner up and the smarter buy for the average tower. Whichever you choose, match the slide travel and weight rating to your exact bed length and trailer before you hook up.
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