The best lightweight fifth wheel hitch depends on whether you need a rail-mounted hitch, a gooseneck adapter, or a replacement pin box. The CURT CrossWing is a strong choice for buyers seeking a lighter conventional hitch with a stated 20,000-pound rating. Andersen’s Gen 3 and rail-mount models suit buyers prioritizing easier installation and removal. The CURT E16 is a straightforward choice for buyers who value automatic locking, while the GEN-Y Nomad is for compatible LCI Rhino trailers requiring a gooseneck-style pin box.
| Product | Best For | Stated Weight Or Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| CURT CrossWing | Lighter rail-mounted hitch | 60-pound main body; 20,000-pound rating |
| Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate | Lightweight gooseneck connection | 37 pounds; 24,000-pound GTWR |
| Andersen Rail Mount Kit | Industry-standard rail systems | 40 pounds; 20,000-pound GTWR |
| CURT E16 | Single-handle coupling | 16,000-pound rating |
| GEN-Y Nomad | Compatible LCI Rhino pin box replacement | 30,000-pound towing capacity |
CURT CrossWing Lightweight Fifth Wheel Hitch
Best for: Buyers who want a lighter conventional fifth wheel hitch without giving up a stated 20,000-pound rating. CURT lists the main body at 60 pounds and says the hitch uses steel construction. The lighter body can make handling and storage easier than a heavier assembly, though the supplied information does not state the weight of every component.
The CrossWing includes ShockDrop technology with a cushioned isolator intended to help reduce jerking, vibration, rattling, and jarring while towing. Its listed strength testing is to SAE J2638 specifications. These details make it a useful comparison point for shoppers balancing weight, capacity, and ride-related features.
Limitation: The 60-pound figure applies to the main body, not necessarily the complete hitch. Check the truck, trailer, and mounting-system requirements before choosing it.
Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate Gooseneck Connection
Best for: Buyers who prioritize low hitch weight and one-person handling. Andersen lists this connection at 37 pounds, with a 24,000-pound gross trailer weight rating and 4,500-pound tongue weight rating. It connects a fifth wheel to a gooseneck ball, so it is a different setup from a conventional fifth wheel hitch mounted on bed rails.
Two height settings are listed: 17-9/16 inches and 19-9/16 inches, measured from the truck bed to the top of the ball mount. The compact offset base is 3-1/4 inches. A remote latch cable allows connection and release from outside the truck bed, reducing the need to climb into the bed during hookup.
Limitation: Confirm that the trailer and truck are suited to a gooseneck-adapter connection and that the selected height provides appropriate clearance. Its capacity ratings do not replace checking the vehicle and trailer limits.
Andersen Rail Mount Hitch Kit
Best for: Owners with industry-standard fifth wheel rails who want a lighter rail-mounted option. The product is listed at 40 pounds and has a 20,000-pound gross trailer weight rating and 4,500-pound tongue weight rating. It converts the rail setup to a ball connection and includes a remote release cable.
Three height positions are provided: 14-7/16, 15-9/16, and 16-11/16 inches from the top of the rails to the top of the ball mount. The multiple settings help buyers compare trailer level and bed clearance needs. The listing states that it installs on standard industry rails without special parts or adapters.
Limitation: This is a rail-mounted gooseneck-style adapter, not a conventional fifth wheel head-and-jaw hitch. Check rail type, trailer requirements, and height before purchase.
CURT E16 Fifth Wheel Hitch
Best for: Buyers who want a conventional fifth wheel hitch with automatic coupling and simple handle operation. The E16 is rated for 16,000 pounds, pivots on dual axes, and provides 10 degrees of lateral movement. CURT also lists automatic locking and a single operating handle.
The pivoting movement can help the hitch accommodate some side-to-side variation during towing, while the automatic lock is designed to secure the connection during coupling. Compared with the higher-capacity products in this list, its stated rating is lower, so it is most appropriate when the trailer’s verified requirements fall within the hitch and vehicle limits.
Limitation: The provided product details do not state the hitch’s weight. Do not assume it is lightweight based on the product name or compare its handling weight with the Andersen models without verifying complete assembly weights.
GEN-Y Nomad Gooseneck Pin Box
Best for: Owners of trailers equipped with an LCI Rhino frame who need a gooseneck-style pin box replacement. This is not a stand-alone, lightweight hitch for a truck bed. The listing describes a direct bolt-on replacement for compatible Rhino pin boxes and gives a 30,000-pound towing capacity and 6,500-pound tongue weight rating.
The static pin box has a SnapLatch coupler designed to connect to a standard 2-5/16-inch gooseneck ball when the trailer is lowered. It self-centers for alignment and releases with a latch cable. The listing specifies 5/8-by-2-inch Grade 8 bolts, at least four per side, and 160 ft-lb of torque. It also calls for 6–8 inches of bed rail clearance.
Limitation: Compatibility is specifically listed for LCI Rhino frames. Verify the trailer’s frame, GVWR, bolt requirements, and clearance before selecting this replacement.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Lightweight Fifth Wheel Hitch
Do you need a conventional hitch or a gooseneck connection?
A conventional fifth wheel hitch connects through a hitch assembly in the truck bed. The CURT E16 and CrossWing fit that general category. The Andersen products convert a rail or gooseneck setup to a ball connection, while the GEN-Y Nomad replaces a compatible trailer pin box. Identify the connection type your trailer and truck require before comparing weight.
How should you compare weight and capacity?
Use the stated weight only for the component it describes. The CrossWing figure is for its main body; the Andersen products list weights for their connections. Compare each rating with the trailer’s actual loaded weight, tongue or pin weight, and the truck’s towing limits. A hitch rating alone does not establish that the full vehicle combination is within its limits.
What measurements should you check?
Compare hitch height settings with trailer height and truck-bed clearance. Check rail style for rail-mounted equipment, and verify frame compatibility for a replacement pin box. Also confirm that the trailer can clear the truck during turns and that the coupling method matches the equipment already installed.
Is easier removal important?
If one-person handling is a priority, the listed 37-pound Andersen Gen 3 and 40-pound rail-mount kit provide specific weight figures. Remote latches can also reduce the need to climb into the truck bed. For other models, verify the complete assembly weight and removal steps before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lightest hitch listed here?
The Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate is listed at 37 pounds. Its stated capacity is 24,000 pounds GTWR and 4,500 pounds tongue weight.
Which option has the highest stated towing capacity?
The GEN-Y Nomad lists a 30,000-pound towing capacity, but it is a pin box replacement for compatible LCI Rhino-frame trailers, not a universal truck-bed hitch.
Does the CURT E16 have a listed weight?
The supplied product details do not state its weight. Verify the complete hitch weight if lifting or removal is a key consideration.
Can a gooseneck adapter fit every fifth wheel trailer?
No. Confirm the trailer manufacturer’s requirements, frame or pin-box compatibility, truck setup, and applicable ratings before using an adapter.
Should I choose a hitch based only on its maximum rating?
No. Match the hitch to the trailer’s actual loaded weight and tongue or pin weight, then check the truck’s towing and payload limits and the mounting system’s requirements.