For shooters of weight and convenience, the right fifth wheel hitch blends lightness with reliable strength. This guide compares compact, weight-conscious hitches that still deliver solid towing performance across common truck bed setups. Below you’ll find five top options, each with notable articulation, ease of use, and compatibility considerations to help you pick a model that balances weight, durability, and fit.
Summary Of Selected Products
| Product | Brand | Model |
|---|---|---|
| B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch | B&W Trailer Hitches | RVK3500 |
| B&W Companion OEM Fifth Wheel Hitch (GM) | B&W Trailer Hitches | RVK3715 |
| CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch | CURT | 16115 |
| Reese Goose Box 5th Wheel Pin Box | Reese | Goose Box (20,000 lbs) |
| ANDERSEN GEN 3 Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection | Andersen Hitches | Gen 3 3220 |
B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3500
The B&W Companion RVK3500 is designed for reliable weight transfer with a fully articulating head that pivots front-to-back and side-to-side. Its cam-action latching handle enables easy release, even on uneven surfaces, helping reduce maneuvering effort during hookup and disconnect. The hitch uses polyurethane bushings to minimize noise and rattling, contributing to a quieter towing experience while maintaining strong performance for a mid-to-heavy payload range. The design emphasizes smooth alignment, secure coupling, and practical handling in compact or lighter-weight truck bed configurations.
B&W Companion OEM Fifth Wheel Hitch for GM Puck System RVK3715
This Companion OEM hitch is engineered for use with GM’s factory puck system (2020–2026 models). It features a fully articulating head for fluid front-to-back and side-to-side movement, along with a cam-action latching process for easy connection and release, even on unlevel sites. The design prioritizes compatibility with OEM mounting and dependable stability, making it a strong option for owners seeking seamless integration with GM trucks while maintaining a relatively lean profile for easy handling.
CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch, 16,000 lbs
The CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch emphasizes a dual-pivot head that provides up to 10 degrees of lateral movement for smoother towing. It includes an auto-lock system for easier coupling and secure retention, alongside an anti-rattle skid plate to minimize hitch noise and vibration at the coupler. The combination of adjustable head movement, automatic locking, and anti-rattle features makes this unit a practical, lighter option within a mid-range weight class for heavy trailers.
Reese Goose Box 5th Wheel Pin Box
The Goose Box 5th Wheel Pin Box uses air ride technology to cushion rides and reduce jarring from road irregularities. With a 20,000 lb maximum capacity, it’s built for heavy towing while delivering smoother travel through its airbag system, dual shocks, and rubber springs. The installation surfaces to a goose ball in the truck bed, helping keep the truck bed clean when not towing and offering a robust alternative to traditional pin boxes for comfortable, controlled towing across varying road conditions.
ANDERSEN GEN 3 Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection
The Gen 3 3220 from Andersen Hitches is a lightweight yet strong option at about 37 lbs, designed for easy handling and installation while supporting up to 24,000 lbs GTWR. It offers two height settings to accommodate various trailer setups and a compact base with offset for stability and storage. A patented remote latching system enables quick coupling and decoupling without entering the truck bed—enhancing convenience for frequent hitching and unhitching in different locations.
B&W 25K Companion OEM Fifth Wheel Hitch for Ford Puck
This OEM Ford-compatible Companion hitch provides a fully articulating head for flexible movement and a cam-action latching handle for easy release, even on unlevel sites. Its design mirrors the brand’s emphasis on secure, smooth coupling and quiet operation, while offering a lighter, compact profile suitable for Ford OEM puck system installations in lighter-to-midweight towing applications.
500 lb Capacity 5th Wheel Lifting Bracket & 5th Wheel Hitch (MEIHAOME)
This lifting bracket offers a 500-pound duty rating for mounting, dismounting, or moving a fifth wheel hitch, with high-quality metal construction for durability and corrosion resistance. Its straightforward installation supports one-person operation, providing a practical assistive tool for installers or owners who frequently adjust their hitch setup or swap components between vehicles while maintaining a lighter overall configuration in the bed area.
B&W 20K Companion OEM Fifth Wheel Hitch for Ford Puck
Designed for Ford OEM puck systems, this lighter-weight option still emphasizes B&W’s hallmark features: a fully articulating head for smooth motion and a cam-action latching mechanism for secure, simple operation on both level and unlevel surfaces. It remains a practical choice for users prioritizing weight savings while staying within a compact footprint for smaller or mid-size pickups.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations When Choosing A Lightweight Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Truck compatibility: Confirm bed type (OEM puck versus rail systems) and fit with your specific make, model, and year. OEM puck systems generally require compatible hitches from the same brand or approved third-party adapters.
- Weight and handling: Lighter hitches reduce installation effort and bed handling. Consider overall hitch weight, ease of lifting, and how often you will hitch and unhitch.
- Articulation and movement: A fully or mostly articulating head improves maneuverability and reduces binding during tight turns. Look for front-to-back and side-to-side pivoting.
- Coupling ease and security: Auto-lock or cam-action latching mechanisms simplify hookup while maintaining secure retention. Anti-rattle features help minimize bed noise and vibrations at speed.
- Ride quality: Some options, like goose box or air-ride styles, emphasize vibration damping to improve towing comfort on rough roads.
- Durability and materials: Polyurethane bushings and corrosion-resistant finishes extend life and reduce maintenance in varied climates.
- Ease of installation and maintenance: Consider models that offer straightforward installation and accessible maintenance access or replacement parts.
- Pricing and availability: Weigh the value of weight savings against reliability and brand support, especially for frequent long-haul trips.
- Warranty and support: A robust warranty and accessible customer support help address installation or performance questions over time.
- Noise reduction: Anti-rattle features and tight tolerances contribute to a quieter towing experience, especially on uneven surfaces.