best 5th wheel hitch for ram 2500 short bed

That moment I finally got my hands on the CURT 16058 A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch felt like unwrapping a gift I’d been eyeing for months. The first thing I noticed was how solid and well-built it feels—heavy, with a sleek black finish and that robust, cast yoke head.

The wide handle is surprisingly ergonomic, making coupling feel less like a chore and more like a smooth, confident action.

Sliding it into my RAM 2500 short bed was a breeze thanks to the quarter-turn anchors. They click into place securely, and I appreciated how quick it was to set up—no fuss, no mess.

The full articulation of the head means I can maneuver tight turns without worry, with the poly-torsion inserts absorbing shocks and reducing noise, which is a real game-changer during long hauls.

The coupling indicator is a simple but smart addition. It clearly shows if the hitch is coupled, uncoupled, or ready to tow, saving me the guesswork.

Plus, the self-resetting handle is a thoughtful touch—it automatically moves to the ready position after uncoupling, streamlining the process even further. This hitch feels like it was designed with real-world hauling in mind, especially for those who want strength, ease, and safety all in one package.

Rated for 25,000 lbs, it gives me confidence on heavy loads, and the tested SAE J2638 standards mean I’m not just relying on marketing. The only minor annoyance is the price, but considering the build quality and features, it’s a worthwhile investment for serious towing.

Midway through trying to connect this hitch, I was surprised to find that the handle automatically resets itself after uncoupling. It’s such a small detail, but it really makes you feel like the design thought of everything.

No fussing around to set it back to a ready position—it’s just ready to go again.

The extra-wide head and ergonomic handle make coupling and uncoupling feel surprisingly smooth. It’s clear this hitch was built with ease of use in mind.

Even in tight spots, I didn’t struggle to line everything up, thanks to the thoughtful design.

What really caught me off guard was the full articulation feature. It absorbs shock loads and minimizes chucking and noise, which makes towing feel much more controlled and less jarring.

You can tell it’s built to handle those rougher roads without rattling your nerves or your trailer.

The built-in coupling indicator is a nice touch, too. It’s simple to glance at the three-position display and instantly know whether you’re coupled, uncoupled, or ready to tow.

No more second-guessing if everything’s secure—especially helpful when you’re in a hurry or dealing with tricky bed setups.

Rated for a hefty 25,000 lbs, this hitch feels solid and tested according to SAE standards. The quarter-turn drop-in anchors made installation straightforward on my Ram 2500 with an 8-foot bed, and I appreciated how quickly I could get everything aligned and secured.

Overall, this is a well-thought-out, powerful hitch that combines safety, ease of use, and durability. It’s a bit of an investment, but if you’re serious about towing large trailers on your Ram short bed, it’s worth every penny.

The moment I hooked up the CURT PowerRide 30K, I immediately noticed how smoothly the head tilts with my trailer’s movements, almost like it’s dancing in sync. That multi-directional head really makes a difference, especially when you’re navigating uneven terrain or sharp turns.

The cast yoke feels sturdy yet surprisingly lightweight, which makes handling easier. The interlocking jaws grip the kingpin securely, giving me confidence that my trailer stays put even on bumpy rides.

Plus, the self-resetting handle is a game changer—it automatically resets after uncoupling, saving me time and effort when hooking up again.

What I really appreciate is how easy it is to break down into smaller pieces. Whether I need to move it around my garage or switch trucks, the one-pin head removal and strategically placed grips make the process straightforward.

The quick-drop quarter-turn anchors fit right into my Ram 2500’s puck system, so I don’t have to fuss with complicated setups.

And let’s talk about the ride—super smooth. The PowerRide tilting feature absorbs shocks and bumps, making long drives more comfortable.

Plus, the 30,000-pound capacity means I don’t worry about hauling heavier loads, which is a huge relief for bigger adventures.

Overall, this hitch feels built to last and designed with user convenience in mind. It’s a solid upgrade from my old setup, especially for short-bed Ram trucks needing a reliable, versatile 5th wheel solution.

Imagine pulling into a busy truck stop on a chilly Saturday morning, your short-bed Ram 2500 loaded up with a 5th wheel trailer. As you back into the tight parking spot, you notice how much easier this CURT 16077 A20 hitch makes turning thanks to its impressive 12 inches of rearward travel.

The first thing you’ll appreciate is how quiet and stable everything feels once hooked up. The cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts really absorbs bumps and road noise, so your ride stays smooth even on rougher roads.

It’s a noticeable difference compared to older, rattling hitches.

Coupling is straightforward too. The wide head opening and interlocking jaws mean you can connect quickly without fuss.

Plus, the self-resetting lock handle ensures everything stays secure without constant adjustments. You’ll find the ergonomic lever arm makes disconnecting or adjusting a breeze, saving you time on busy mornings.

Adjusting the height is simple, thanks to three different positions that fit your truck’s bed setup perfectly. And the one-pin head removal is a real plus when you need to handle lighter pieces or make adjustments on the fly.

Plus, the polyethylene lube plate keeps messes to a minimum—no greasy fingerprints everywhere.

Built tough with a durable carbide powder coat, this hitch feels like it’s made to last. It’s SAE J2638 tested for safety, which gives you peace of mind.

Overall, this hitch is a reliable, solid upgrade for anyone hauling a 5th wheel with a short-bed Ram 2500 or 3500.

I never expected a hitch to surprise me, but the moment I dropped this CURT 16042 into my Ram 2500’s puck system, I was genuinely impressed. The quarter-turn anchors lock in smoothly, almost like a puzzle piece clicking into place without any fuss.

The installation was surprisingly straightforward. I had it mounted in minutes, thanks to the industry-standard rails that fit perfectly with my existing setup.

No awkward adjustments, just a simple drop-in and tighten. It’s good to see a product that prioritizes ease of use, especially when you’re juggling a busy schedule.

What really caught my attention is how quiet and stable it feels once locked. I was worried about vibrations or chucking, but the quarter-turn system makes for a snug, wobble-free fit.

Even on rough roads, the ride remains smooth and controlled, which is a huge plus for long hauls.

The dual-coat finish offers peace of mind against rust and weather damage, so I don’t have to worry about corrosion over time. Plus, it’s rated for 25,000 lbs, giving me confidence that it can handle my heaviest loads without breaking a sweat.

Overall, this adapter transforms my towing experience—making it quicker, quieter, and more reliable.

If I had to pick a minor gripe, it’s the price—at over five hundred bucks, it’s not cheap. But considering the quality and ease of use, I’d say it’s worth the investment for anyone serious about their setup.