Answering the main buyer question: these Turnover Ball 5th Wheel hitch options provide secure, versatile towing for heavy trailers and flatbed conversions. They are best for buyers who need reliable articulating heads, straightforward installation, and smooth operation on varied terrains. The top picks below suit professional haulers, RV enthusiasts, and weekend tow rigs. A concise buying table follows to compare core specs at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Why Pick |
|---|---|---|
| B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch – RVK3500 | Full-size pickups, frequent heavy towing | Articulating head, durable polyurethane bushings, strong locking |
| Andersen Hitches Gen 3 Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection | Fast hitching, lightweight installs | Very light for its rating, remote latch, multiple height settings |
| CURT CrossWing 20,000 lbs | High strength, lighter weight | Steel construction, 20K rating, cushioned ShockDrop |
| CURT 16511 E16 5th Wheel Slider | Short bed trucks, easy coupling | Dual-axis pivots, automatic lock, single-handle operation |
| CURT 16085 Spyder Gooseneck Adapter | Rail-equipped trucks needing gooseneck towing | Converts to gooseneck, high weight rating |
B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch RVK3500
The Companion RVK3500 uses a fully articulating head that allows front-to-back and side-to-side pivoting to improve alignment on uneven sites. The cam-action latching handle supports easy release, while polyurethane bushings provide a quiet, rattle-free towing experience. This hitch emphasizes structural integrity and durability for repeated towing. Best for frequent heavy towing and installations where smooth operation matters. Limitation: heavier assembly may require more initial setup effort compared with lighter-weight options.
Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection
The Gen 3 Ultimate is designed for fast, one-person hitching and unhooking, weighing only 37 lbs while supporting up to 24,000 lbs GTWR and 4,500 lbs tongue weight. It offers two height positions (17-9/16″ or 19-9/16″) and a compact base for stability. A patented remote latch cable lets you connect and disconnect without climbing into the bed, which is ideal for quick hookups on the job. Choose this if you prioritize ease of use and minimal bed intrusion. Caution: lower overall footprint may require careful alignment on tall bed rails.
CURT CrossWing 20,000 lbs
CrossWing emphasizes high rating with strong steel construction and a 20,000-pound capacity, while weighing less than traditional options. It uses ShockDrop technology to reduce jerking and vibrations for a smoother ride. This model is best for users who want substantial capacity without excessive weight. Better for longer hauls and rougher roads. Limitation: not a gooseneck adapter; it’s a standalone fifth-wheel hitch with robust weight support.
CURT 16511 E16 5th Wheel Slider
The E16 slider offers dual-axis pivots with 10 degrees of lateral movement and automatic locking for secure coupling. It operates with a simple single-handle mechanism and few moving parts, translating to straightforward use and reliable engagement. Best for short-bed trucks needing a compact yet capable slider. Limitation: may require larger bed clearance during operation in some truck configurations.
CURT 16085 Spyder Gooseneck Adapter
The Spyder adapter is designed to convert 5th wheel rails to a gooseneck hitch, attaching to all industry-standard rails and rated for up to 25,000 lbs GTW. It’s best for trucks that already have 5th wheel rails but require gooseneck towing capability. Choose this if you need a flexible towing solution across different trailer types. Limitation: Gooseneck performance depends on rail condition and proper alignment with the adapter.
Buying Guide: Turnover Ball 5th Wheel Hitch Essentials
- Weight capacity and compatibility: Match hitch rating to your trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating and the truck’s bed length. Heavier trailers demand higher GTWR and tongue weight handling.
- Articulation and ease of connection: Look for fully articulating heads and remote latching or simple single-handle systems for smoother hookups and reduced bed-entry effort.
- Height and offset adjustments: Multi-position or offset bases help align the ball with your trailer’s kingpin, aiding hookups on uneven ground and different truck configurations.
- Durability features: Polyurethane bushings and steel construction improve longevity and reduce towing noise and vibration for a quieter ride.
- Installation and maintenance: Consider hitch designs that minimize installation complexity and provide straightforward maintenance routines, especially for off-road or remote towing.
- Compatibility with accessories: If you own a flatbed or need gooseneck compatibility, ensure the hitch supports adapters or conversion options without sacrificing integrity.
How to Choose Between the Top Picks
- Best for overall heavy towing and durability: B&W Companion RVK3500 combines robust articulation with a proven durability track record and quiet operation.
- Best for quick hitching and light-to-moderate installs: Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate offers rapid, outside-bed connection with low bed weight.
- Best for high capacity with improved ride feel: CURT CrossWing balances strong weight ratings with ShockDrop cushioning for smoother towing.
- Best for short-bed trucks needing a reliable slider: CURT 16511 E16 provides easy coupling with dual-axis pivots and automatic lock.
- Best for converting 5th wheel rails to gooseneck: CURT 16085 Spyder Adapter offers flexibility across trailer types without major bed changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a turnover ball hitch? A turnover ball hitch is a gooseneck-style hitch mounted in the bed of a pickup that allows a fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer to connect, enabling stable high-capacity towing.
- Do all hitches fit short-bed trucks? Some models include height adjustments or sliders designed for short-bed trucks; check specifications for bed compatibility.
- Is a remote latch safer for hitching? Remote latching can reduce the need to climb into the bed, improving safety and speed when connecting or disconnecting the trailer.
- Can a 5th wheel hitch support a gooseneck trailer? Some adapters convert 5th wheel rails to gooseneck connections, but not all models support this without an adapter.
- What should I consider for noise and vibration? Look for polyurethane bushings and cushioned isolators to reduce rattle and improve ride comfort during towing.
- How do I know which weight rating to choose? Match the hitch rating to the trailer’s GTWR and tongue weight; oversize ratings offer margin but may add weight or cost.