We researched and compared the top fifth wheel hitches designed specifically for flatbed trucks. Our evaluation is based on manufacturer specifications, published industry standards, and aggregated owner feedback. We considered factors like towing capacity, ease of installation, pivot range, and overall durability to help you choose the right hitch for your flatbed setup.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
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B&W Companion RVK3300 Best Overall for Flatbed 25,000 lbs towing capacity; 6,000 lbs vertical load; fits 8-inch channel |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Curt Q20 16500 Best Value for Flatbed 16,500 lbs towing capacity; 4,000 lbs vertical load; fits 4-inch channel |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Reese M5 30842 Best for Heavy Duty 20,000 lbs towing capacity; 5,000 lbs vertical load; fits 8-inch channel |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Demco Hijacker Autoslide 21K Best Autoslide for Flatbed 21,000 lbs towing capacity; 5,250 lbs vertical load; automatic sliding mechanism |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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PullRite SuperGlide 2700 Premium Autoslide Pick 18,000 lbs towing capacity; 4,500 lbs vertical load; automatic sliding |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Lippert Components 162128 Budget Friendly 12,000 lbs towing capacity; 3,000 lbs vertical load; fits 4-inch channel |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Blue Ox Patriot 15K Compact Design 15,000 lbs towing capacity; 3,750 lbs vertical load; fits 4-inch channel |
7.6 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. B&W Companion RVK3300: Best Overall for Flatbed
The B&W Companion RVK3300 is a top-tier fifth wheel hitch engineered for flatbed trucks. Its 4-point pivot system provides a smooth, quiet ride by minimizing chucking, and the integrated Turnover ball allows you to switch between fifth wheel and gooseneck towing. The hitch is rated for 25,000 lbs, making it suitable for heavy fifth wheel trailers. Based on owner feedback, the powder-coated finish resists rust well, and the removable head design is convenient for flatbed use.
However, the hitch is heavy (165 lbs) and installation can be a two-person job. Some users noted that the locking mechanism can be stiff initially. It is not ideal for those who need a lightweight, single-person install. If you prioritize a durable, multi-purpose hitch and have help for installation, this is a strong choice.
- Turnover ball gooseneck compatibility for flatbed versatility
- Patented 4-point pivot system reduces chucking and noise
- Removable head converts bed to flat use easily
Pros: Exceptional build quality with powder-coated finish; Smooth towing with minimal chucking
Cons: Heavy unit at 165 lbs requires two people to install
2. Curt Q20 16500: Best Value for Flatbed
The Curt Q20 16500 offers a solid balance of performance and price for flatbed owners. Its dual-jaw locking mechanism provides a secure connection, and the rotating handle makes coupling easier. The hitch is compatible with standard 4-inch flatbed rails and has a 16,500-lb capacity, suitable for many mid-size fifth wheel trailers. Owner reviews highlight its straightforward installation and reliable operation.
However, it lacks the capacity for larger trailers, and some users report minor chucking on rough roads. It may not be the best for those towing over 16,000 lbs. If you have a lighter to moderate trailer and want a dependable, budget-friendly hitch, this is a great option.
- Quick-connect latch system for easy coupling
- Dual-jaw locking mechanism with auto-lock
- Rotating handle reduces effort when connecting
Pros: Affordable without compromising core features; Easy to operate with one-handed latch
Cons: Not rated for extreme heavy hauling over 16,500 lbs
3. Reese M5 30842: Best for Heavy Duty
The Reese M5 30842 is built for heavy-duty flatbed towing with a 20,000-lb capacity. Its 5-position pivot system effectively dampens chucking, providing a smooth ride even with large trailers. The hitch features a large handle for easy locking and unlocking. Based on spec sheets, it is compatible with 8-inch channel rails commonly found on flatbeds. Owner feedback confirms its durability and stable towing performance.
However, the hitch is very heavy (over 150 lbs) and may require professional installation. Some users find the handle difficult to reach in tight spaces. It is not recommended for those with limited strength or who need to frequently remove the hitch. If you tow heavy loads and value stability over portability, this is a solid pick.
- 5-position pivot system for reduced chucking
- Large, easy-grip handle for locking
- Compatible with most flatbed rail systems
Pros: Very stable towing with minimal movement; High capacity for large fifth wheels
Cons: Heavy and bulky, installation can be challenging
4. Demco Hijacker Autoslide 21K: Best Autoslide for Flatbed
The Demco Hijacker Autoslide 21K is designed for flatbed trucks with short beds, featuring an automatic sliding mechanism that moves the hitch rearward during tight turns to prevent cab contact. It has a 21,000-lb capacity, suitable for heavy trailers. The self-locking jaws provide a secure connection. Owner feedback indicates that once set up correctly, it performs well and reduces the worry of cab damage.
However, installation is more complicated than fixed hitches, and some users report issues with the slide mechanism sticking. It is heavier and more expensive than standard hitches. If you have a short bed flatbed and frequently make tight turns, this autoslide is worth considering, but if you have a long bed, a simpler fixed hitch may be better.
- Automatic sliding mechanism for tight turns
- No need to manually slide hitch when turning
- Fits standard flatbed rails
Pros: Convenient automatic slide for short bed trucks; Smooth operation once installed
Cons: Complex installation and adjustment
5. PullRite SuperGlide 2700: Premium Autoslide Pick
The PullRite SuperGlide 2700 is a premium autoslide hitch that automatically moves the trailer back during turns, making it ideal for short bed flatbeds. It has an 18,000-lb capacity and uses a unique linkage system without manual pins. Owner reviews praise its smooth operation and added security. The hitch is compatible with many flatbed rail systems.
However, it comes at a high price point, and some users report that the sliding mechanism can be noisy. Installation is complex and may require professional help. It is not the best value for those who don’t need autoslide features. If budget is not a concern and you want the ultimate convenience for tight turns, this is a top choice.
- Patented superglide technology for auto-slide
- No pins or levers to operate during turns
- Fits flatbed with universal mounting brackets
Pros: Fully automatic operation; Eliminates cab clearance worries
Cons: Very expensive compared to non-sliding hitches
6. Lippert Components 162128: Budget Friendly
The Lippert Components 162128 is an affordable fifth wheel hitch for flatbeds, with a 12,000-lb capacity. It is lightweight and easy to handle, making it a good option for lighter trailers. The single-point locking mechanism is simple but effective. Owner feedback indicates it works well for smaller fifth wheels and is easy to install on standard 4-inch channels.
However, it is not built for heavy use, and some users report more chucking compared to premium hitches. The lower capacity limits its use to smaller trailers. If you have a light fifth wheel and want a budget-friendly, easy-to-manage hitch, this is suitable. Skip it if you tow heavy loads or want a smoother ride.
- Lightweight design at 85 lbs
- Single-point locking mechanism
- Compatible with most flatbed rails
Pros: Easy to install and remove by one person; Low cost entry for flatbed towing
Cons: Limited towing capacity for larger trailers
7. Blue Ox Patriot 15K: Compact Design
The Blue Ox Patriot 15K offers a compact solution for flatbed towing with a 15,000-lb capacity. Its 4-point pivot system helps reduce chucking, and the lightweight design makes installation easier. The hitch fits standard 4-inch flatbed rails and comes with all necessary hardware. Owner reviews mention it tows well for its size and is a good value.
However, it is not as strong as higher-capacity hitches, and some users report minor wear over time. It may not be suitable for frequent heavy towing. If you have a mid-size trailer and prefer a lighter hitch that doesn’t take up much bed space, this is a decent choice. Skip it if you need maximum durability for heavy loads.
- Compact and lightweight at 95 lbs
- 4-point pivot system for smooth towing
- Easy to install with included hardware
Pros: Good maneuverability in tight spaces; Reasonable price for features
Cons: Not as durable as heavier-duty models
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a fifth wheel hitch and a gooseneck hitch for flatbed?
A fifth wheel hitch mounts in the bed and uses a kingpin plate, while a gooseneck hitch uses a ball in the center of the bed. Fifth wheel hitches are generally easier to connect and provide more stability, but they take up more bed space. Goosenecks offer more bed space but require more precise backing. For flatbeds, both are common; some hitches like the B&W Companion combine both options.
How do I know if a fifth wheel hitch will fit my flatbed?
Check the hitch’s rail channel width requirement (common sizes are 4-inch and 8-inch). Measure your flatbed’s mounting rails to ensure compatibility. Also verify that the hitch’s mounting base matches your bed’s bolt pattern. Most manufacturers provide fitment guides based on truck make and model.
What towing capacity do I need for my fifth wheel trailer?
You need a hitch rated at least as high as your trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Add a safety margin of 10-20%. For example, if your trailer’s GVWR is 15,000 lbs, choose a hitch rated for 16,500 lbs or more. Also consider the vertical load (pin weight), which is typically 20-25% of trailer weight.
Are sliding fifth wheel hitches necessary for short bed trucks?
Sliding hitches are recommended for short bed trucks (under 8 ft) to prevent the trailer cab from contacting the cab during sharp turns. They slide rearward automatically or manually. If you have a long bed, a fixed hitch is usually sufficient. Autoslide hitches offer convenience but are more expensive.
How often should I lubricate my fifth wheel hitch?
Lubricate the fifth wheel plate and locking mechanism every 3-6 months or after every 10,000 miles, depending on usage. Use a lithium-based grease for the plate and a dry lubricant for the locking jaws. Regular maintenance prevents wear and ensures smooth operation.
Our Verdict
After researching and comparing, the B&W Companion RVK3300 stands out as the top pick for most flatbed owners due to its excellent build quality, versatility with gooseneck towing, and smooth ride. For those on a budget, the Curt Q20 16500 offers great value without sacrificing essential features. The Reese M5 30842 is the runner-up for heavy-duty towing, while the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 21K is best for short bed trucks needing automatic sliding.
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