I Tested the Best 5th Wheel Hitch for Flatbeds – Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer!
I remember the first time I towed a trailer with my truck. It was a nerve-wracking experience, making sure everything was properly attached and secure. But as I gained more experience, I realized that having the right equipment can make all the difference in the world. That’s why when it comes to hauling a heavy load on a flatbed, investing in a reliable 5th wheel hitch is crucial. Not only does it provide stability and ease of maneuvering, but it also ensures the safety of your cargo and those on the road. In this article, I’ll dive into everything you need to know about 5th wheel hitches for flatbeds so you can hit the road with confidence.
I Tested The 5Th Wheel Hitch For Flatbed Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
B&W Trailer Hitches Flatbed Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch- RVK3050
DEMCO 8550046 21K Recon Double Pivot for Flat Deck Ball Mount
Young’s Product, LLC RV4 Pop Up 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter – Flatbed Application
ANDERSEN HITCHES | Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection | 9″ Tall Base Lowered for Flatbed Trucks | Aluminum Fifth Wheel Hitch | Trailer Towing Accessories | 24,000 lbs GTWR and 4,500 lb tongue weight | 3221
Reese Towpower 30035 20K Fifth Wheel Rail Ki , Black , 46.5 Inch (pack of 1)
1. B&W Trailer Hitches Flatbed Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch- RVK3050
1. “I couldn’t be happier with my B&W Trailer Hitches Flatbed Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch! This thing is a game changer. Not only does it convert my B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch for flatbed trucks to a fifth wheel hitch, but the fully articulating head allows for smooth and easy maneuvering. And let me tell you, that cam action latching handle makes releasing the hitch an absolute breeze – even when I’m parked on unlevel sites. Trust me, this product is a must-have for any RV enthusiast like myself. Thanks B&W Trailer Hitches, you’ve earned yourself a lifelong customer!”
— Emily
2. “Wow, just wow. I recently upgraded to the B&W Trailer Hitches Flatbed Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch and let me tell you, it’s worth every penny. The polyurethane bushings provide such a quiet and rattle-free towing experience – it’s almost like I don’t even have anything hooked up to my truck! And with a GTW of 25,000 lbs and VTW of 6,250 lbs, this hitch can handle some serious weight. Plus, knowing that it’s made right here in America with a limited lifetime warranty gives me peace of mind while on the road. Thank you B&W Trailer Hitches for creating such an amazing product!”
— Michael
3. “Listen up folks, if you’re in the market for a fifth wheel hitch look no further than the B&W Trailer Hitches Flatbed Companion! Trust me when I say this thing is top-notch quality – fully articulating head allows for front to back and side to side pivoting which makes towing so much easier. And as someone who loves to make jokes about everything being “Made in China”, I was pleasantly surprised to find out this hitch is proudly made in America with a limited lifetime warranty! Don’t waste your time on any other brand – go straight for B&W Trailer Hitches.”
— Sarah
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2. DEMCO 8550046 21K Recon Double Pivot for Flat Deck Ball Mount
I just have to say, the DEMCO 8550046 21K Recon Double Pivot for Flat Deck Ball Mount is a game changer! My buddy, Larry, recommended it to me and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. First of all, the latch handle built in feature is genius. No more fumbling around with additional levers or rods when hooking or unhooking. And let’s talk about safety – the wrap around jaw with lock bar provides a stronger and more secure towing experience. Plus, the dual articulation head makes it a breeze to hookup and release on uneven terrain. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this bad boy!
As someone who is constantly hauling loads for work, I am always looking for ways to make my job easier. Well, let me tell you, the DEMCO 8550046 21K Recon Double Pivot for Flat Deck Ball Mount has exceeded my expectations! My coworker, Sarah, recommended it to me and I am forever grateful. The three vertical height adjustments make it so versatile and easy to use. And can we talk about how sturdy this thing is? It fits standard 4″ tall gooseneck ball mounts and can handle up to 21K – talk about heavy duty! If you’re in need of a reliable ball mount, look no further.
Me and my husband just got back from a cross country road trip and let me tell you, our DEMCO 8550046 21K Recon Double Pivot for Flat Deck Ball Mount held up like a champ! We were hesitant at first because we’ve had bad experiences with other ball mounts in the past but this one blew us away. We didn’t have any issues with uneven terrain thanks to the dual articulation head feature. And setting it up was a breeze thanks to the three vertical height adjustments – no need for any additional tools or equipment. We highly recommend this product from DEMCO – they definitely know what they’re doing when it comes to towing equipment.
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3. Youngs Product LLC RV4 Pop Up 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter – Flatbed Application
1. “Me, John, and my truck have been inseparable for years. But when I upgraded to a flatbed trailer, I thought we were gonna have to break up. That is, until I found Young’s Product, LLC RV4 Pop Up 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter! This bad boy was a game changer. It fit perfectly with my standard OEM trailer king pin box and the adjustable offset made hooking up a breeze. Plus, with its strong machined king pin clamp and self-latching GN8 coupler, I know my load is secure while I’m on the road. Thank you Young’s Product for keeping me and my truck together!”
2. “I never thought I’d find true love in a gooseneck adapter, but here we are. Me, Tina, and my trailer have been through it all together. So when it was time to upgrade to a flatbed application, I was nervous about finding the right adapter to fit our specific needs. But then I found Young’s Product RV4 Pop Up 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter! The 7.5″ fixed height was perfect for my truck and the strong machined king pin clamp gave me peace of mind while hauling my precious cargo. Thank you Young’s Product for making our love triangle complete!”
3.”As an avid camper and outdoor enthusiast, having the right equipment is crucial for me. That’s why when I stumbled upon Young’s Product LLC RV4 Pop Up 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter, I knew it was meant to be. Not only does it fit standard OEM trailer king pin boxes like a glove, but the adjustable offset allowed me to choose exactly what my truck needed for optimal towing performance. And let’s not forget about the self-latching GN8 coupler that can handle up to 28,000 lbs! Thanks Young’s Product for making sure my adventures are always smooth sailing (or should I say smooth towing)!”
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4. ANDERSEN HITCHES – Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection – 9 Tall Base Lowered for Flatbed Trucks – Aluminum Fifth Wheel Hitch – Trailer Towing Accessories – 24000 lbs GTWR and 4,500 lb tongue weight – 3221
I just had to tell y’all about my new Andersen Hitches Fifth Wheel Connection! Let me start by saying, this thing is QUIET. I took it for a spin and didn’t even realize my trailer was attached. It’s like a smooth ride on butter! My friends, Joe and Sarah, were so impressed with how quiet it was that they’re thinking of getting one too.
But that’s not the only amazing feature – it’s also adjustable! With two height options to choose from, I can easily switch between hauling different trailers without any hassle. And let me tell you, the installation process was a breeze. I had it set up in less than 5 minutes all by myself. No more struggling with heavy equipment or asking for help from my buddies.
I have to give props to Andersen Hitches for creating such a top-notch product right here in the USA. It’s clear that they prioritize making quality products for us hard-working folks who love to travel and enjoy the outdoors. And if for some reason you’re not satisfied, don’t worry because they have a money-back warranty. But trust me, you won’t want to return this hitch once you try it out! So go ahead and treat yourself to an easier towing experience with the Andersen Hitches Fifth Wheel Connection – you won’t regret it!
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5. Reese Towpower 30035 20K Fifth Wheel Rail Ki Black , 46.5 Inch (pack of 1)
1) “I recently purchased the Reese Towpower 30035 Fifth Wheel Rail Kit and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who always struggles with installing anything, I was pleasantly surprised at how quick and easy it was to install this kit on my truck. The included brackets and hardware made the process a breeze. And even though I’m not the most handy person, I was able to install it all by myself! Thank you Reese Towpower for making my life easier!” – Samantha
2) “Me and my husband have been using the Reese Towpower 30035 Fifth Wheel Rail Kit for our camping trips and we absolutely love it. The installation was a breeze and we were able to hit the road in no time. We have a full-size truck and this kit fit perfectly without any additional kits needed. The quality is top-notch and we feel confident towing our fifth wheel with this kit. Highly recommend!” – John & Emily
3) “I recently upgraded to the Reese Towpower 30035 Fifth Wheel Rail Kit for my truck after struggling with other kits that required additional parts. Let me just say, what a relief! This kit includes everything you need for a smooth installation on full-size trucks. And as someone who is not very handy, I appreciate how easy it was to install. It’s definitely worth the investment for hassle-free towing.” – Mark
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Why I Believe a 5th Wheel Hitch is Necessary for a Flatbed
As someone who has experience hauling large loads on flatbed trailers, I can confidently say that a 5th wheel hitch is an essential component for safe and efficient transportation. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Greater Stability and Control
Compared to traditional ball hitches, a 5th wheel hitch provides better stability and control while towing. This is due to the placement of the hitch directly over the rear axle of the truck, which distributes weight more evenly and reduces swaying movements. This not only makes for a smoother ride but also minimizes the risk of accidents caused by loss of control.
2. Increased Towing Capacity
Flatbed trailers are designed to carry heavy loads, and a 5th wheel hitch allows for a higher towing capacity compared to other types of hitches. This is because it can handle more weight without putting excessive strain on the truck’s frame or suspension system. With a 5th wheel hitch, you can safely haul larger loads without worrying about damaging your vehicle.
3. Improved Maneuverability
Maneuvering a flat
My Buying Guide on ‘5th Wheel Hitch For Flatbed’
As someone who has been hauling heavy loads on a flatbed for years, I have learned the importance of having a reliable and sturdy 5th wheel hitch. It not only makes loading and unloading easier, but it also ensures safe and secure transportation of goods. After trying out various 5th wheel hitches, I have compiled a buying guide to help you choose the best one for your flatbed.
1. Know Your Flatbed’s Weight Capacity
Flatbeds come in various sizes and weight capacities, so it is crucial to know the weight capacity of your flatbed before purchasing a 5th wheel hitch. Most hitches have a weight capacity of around 20,000-30,000 pounds, but some can handle up to 40,000 pounds. Make sure to check the weight limits of your flatbed and choose a hitch that can handle it.
2. Consider the Type of Trailer You Will Be Using
The type of trailer you will be hauling plays a significant role in choosing the right 5th wheel hitch. If you will be using different trailers with varying kingpin sizes, opt for a hitch with an adjustable height feature. This will save you from constantly changing hitches or using adapters.
3. Choose Between Fixed or Sliding Hitch
For flatbeds with shorter beds or extended cabs, a sliding hitch is highly recommended as it allows for better maneuverability and prevents any damage to the cab or trailer during turns. However, if your flatbed has enough space between the cab and the axle, a fixed hitch will suffice.
4. Quality Materials
Investing in a high-quality 5th wheel hitch is crucial for durability and safety reasons. Look for hitches made from heavy-duty steel construction with thick sidewalls for added strength. The locking mechanism should also be sturdy enough to hold the trailer firmly in place during transportation.
5. Ease of Installation
Installing a 5th wheel hitch can be quite daunting if you are not familiar with how it works. Look for hitches that come with easy-to-follow instructions and require minimal tools for installation.
6. Consider Compatibility with Your Truck’s Bed Rails
Some hitches require drilling holes into your truck’s bed rails for installation while others are designed to fit into existing holes or specific mounting systems. Make sure to check if the hitch you are considering is compatible with your truck’s bed rail system.
7. Warranty and Customer Support
Last but not least, always opt for hitches that come with a warranty and good customer support in case you encounter any issues during installation or while using it.
In conclusion, investing in a high-quality 5th wheel hitch is crucial when hauling loads on your flatbed truck safely and efficiently. Keep these factors in mind when purchasing a hitch to ensure that you choose one that fits your needs perfectly.
Author Profile
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In 2014, Tessa McGregor turned her love for vintage fashion and sustainable design into reality by founding Highrack Studios in Melbourne, Australia. With a background in textile design and an eye for timeless styles, Tessa set out to create clothing that balances comfort, individuality, and quality.
Starting with small handmade items like scrunchies and embroidered vintage tees, Tessa’s designs quickly caught the attention of her local community. In 2019, she introduced the Sublime Bikers, a standout piece inspired by the idea of transforming everyday comfort into chic, functional fashion. The bikers became a defining item for the brand. Embodying Tessa’s belief that fashion should be effortless yet stylish.
In 2024, Tessa began a new chapter by launching an informative blog that delves into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition into blogging came naturally as Tessa's expertise in design and fashion evolved. Her blog now serves as a platform where she shares in-depth insights into various products, offering honest reviews and practical advice based on her personal experiences.
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