CURT A20 Slider
The CURT A20 for short bed trucks, with a manual slider that keeps the trailer clear of the cab in tight turns. Good for fifth wheels up to 20,000 lb.
Amazon $1,266.80$1,266.80
The CURT A20 Slider is the better fifth wheel hitch overall, rated 4.2 to 3.9. The CURT A20 Slider leads on capacity and features. The B&W Patriot 18K wins on price. The B&W Patriot 18K costs $367.80 less ($899 vs $1,266.80).
B&W Patriot 18K
A strong pick for long bed trucks on standard rails pulling fifth wheels up to 18,000 lb, with a smooth, quiet coupler and a lifetime warranty.
B&W Trailer Hitches $899 etrailer $899$899
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the CURT A20 Slider for capacity (20,000 lb gross trailer weight vs 18,000 lb gross trailer weight) and features (full articulation, adjustable height, short bed ready, lockable vs full articulation, adjustable height, lockable).
- Choose the B&W Patriot 18K for price ($899 vs $1,266.80).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every up to 20,000 lb fifth wheel hitch; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | CURT A20 Slider | B&W Patriot 18K |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.2/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Price 25% | 33 $1,266.80 | 58 $899 |
| Capacity 20% | 100 20,000 lb gross trailer weight | 60 18,000 lb gross trailer weight |
| Weight 15% | 62 100 lb head | 50 hitch weight not published (neutral score used) |
| Features 20% | 100 full articulation, adjustable height, short bed ready, lockable | 75 full articulation, adjustable height, lockable |
| Warranty 20% | 100 limited lifetime warranty | 100 limited lifetime warranty |
Specifications
| CURT A20 Slider | B&W Patriot 18K | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Gross trailer weight | 20,000 lb | 18,000 lb |
| Pin weight | 5,000 lb | 4,500 lb |
| Head | ||
| Mount | Rails (or puck kit) | Rails (or puck kit) |
| Jaw | Interlocking dual jaws | Dual jaw |
| Articulation | Fore, aft and side to side | Fore, aft and side to side |
| Adjustable height | Yes | Yes |
| Height | - | 16 to 19 in |
| Short bed ready | Yes | No |
| Slider | Manual | - |
| Lockable | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Head weight | 100 lb | - |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime |