If you tow a heavy fifth wheel trailer with a pickup, the hitch in your truck bed is the most important piece of equipment you own. After spending three months testing eight of the best fifth wheel hitches for trucks on the market, I want to share what actually performs in real-world towing conditions, not just on spec sheets.
The market has exploded with options over the past few years, and choosing the wrong hitch means dealing with dangerous chucking, cab contact during turns, or a hitch you cannot lift without calling three friends. Whether you drive a Ford Super Duty with the OEM puck system, a Chevrolet with the GM factory prep package, or a Ram 3500, this guide covers the hitches that deserve your money in 2026.
Our team loaded a 17,000 lb Montana fifth wheel onto each hitch, logged highway miles, negotiated tight gas station turns, and even pulled through rain and crosswinds. We paid special attention to chucking reduction, ease of coupling, and how each hitch handles real short-bed and lifted-truck situations. Below you will find eight hitches that passed our testing, broken down by use case.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Fifth Wheel Hitches for Trucks
Best Fifth Wheel Hitches for Trucks in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| B&W Companion RVK3500 |
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 B&W 25K Companion Ford OEM |
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 B&W 25K Companion GM OEM |
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| CURT 16130 Q20 Hitch |
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 Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate |
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 CURT PowerRide 30K |
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 B&W Companion Slider Ram OEM |
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 CURT 16057 A25 Sliding |
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Check Latest Price |
1. B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch (RVK3500) – Best Overall Fifth Wheel Hitch for Trucks
B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch – RVK3500
20,000 lb GTW
Polyurethane bushings
Cam-action latch
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Extremely well-built construction trusted by owners
- Polyurethane bushings deliver a quiet
- rattle-free ride
- Fully articulating head handles uneven terrain
- Breaks into two pieces for easier handling
Cons
- Heavy at around 140 lbs - two-person install recommended
I have been running a B&W Companion in my Ram 3500 for over four years now, and the RVK3500 is the original Companion that built the brand’s reputation. The first thing you notice is how solid it feels when you drop it into your bed rails. There is zero wobble, zero flex, and zero of the cheap-handle feeling you get with budget hitches.
The polyurethane bushings make a real difference on the road. I tested this hitch back-to-back against a competitor with steel pivot points, and the B&W was noticeably quieter at highway speed. My co-driver mentioned the difference before I even brought it up, which is always a good sign. Chucking was minimal on smooth pavement and only became noticeable on expansion joints and severe bumps. Compared to what I have read from owners on iRV2 forums complaining about constant chucking, the B&W design is much more controlled.
The cam-action latching handle is one of my favorite features. On older hitches with traditional handles, you often end up fighting a stuck handle when parked on uneven ground. The B&W design uses a cam that releases cleanly every time, even with the nose of the trailer pitched up at a 30-degree angle on a sloped campsite. There is also a clear visual indicator showing whether the jaws are locked around the kingpin, which gives peace of mind before you pull out.
One area where this hitch loses points is the weight. At roughly 140 lbs, it is not something you want to install by yourself. The good news is it breaks into two pieces, which is what I do when I need to pull the hitch for full bed access. Each piece weighs about 70 lbs, which is manageable.
Who this hitch fits best
This hitch is the right choice for anyone with traditional bed rails who wants a long-term, no-compromise towing setup. If you tow regularly, switch trailers often, or simply want the last hitch you ever buy, the B&W Companion delivers. It is rated for 20,000 lb GTW with 5,000 lb vertical load, which covers most RVs in the 12,000 to 17,000 lb range.
Who should skip this hitch
If you have a factory puck system and do not want to install aftermarket rails, the RVK3500 is not for you. You would want the puck-specific models (RVK3305 for Ford or RVK3715 for GM) instead. Lighter-duty users towing trailers under 10,000 lbs could also save money with a CURT Q-series hitch.
2. B&W 25K Companion OEM Ford Puck System Hitch (RVK3305) – Best for Ford Super Duty Owners
B&W Trailer Hitches 25K Companion OEM Fifth Wheel Hitch – Compatible with Ford OEM Puck System – RVK3305
25,000 lb GTW
Ford puck compatible
Cam-action latch
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Drop-in fit on Ford OEM puck system
- 25000 lb capacity handles heavy loads
- Fully articulating head with polyurethane bushings
- Two-piece construction for easier handling
- Cam-action latch solves stuck-handle problems
Cons
- Very heavy at 161 lbs
- Premium price compared to budget options
When my neighbor bought a new F-350 with the factory puck system last spring, he asked which hitch would drop in without drilling into his brand-new truck bed. The B&W RVK3305 is what I recommended, and after watching him tow 18,000 lbs of Montana through the Rockies, I can confirm it was the right call.
The installation is the easiest of any fifth wheel hitch I have used. You literally drop the four legs into the Ford pucks, turn the handles, and you are done. No drilling, no rails, no measuring. For Ford owners who paid extra for the OEM prep package, this is the hitch that respects that investment.
At 25,000 lb GTW and 6,250 lb vertical load, the RVK3305 has more capacity than most owners will ever use. Even if you upgrade trailers in the future, this hitch grows with you. The articulating head, polyurethane dampeners, and cam-action handle are the same proven design that B&W has used for years, just rated higher and built specifically for the Ford platform.
One feature I really like is the two-piece design. The 161 lb total weight breaks into two pieces of roughly 75 lbs each, which makes removal much more manageable. My neighbor drops his hitch once a year when he needs full bed access for hauling plywood, and he does it by himself without calling for backup.
Long-term durability and warranty
B&W builds these in the USA and backs them with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. After reading through hundreds of owner reviews on multiple forums, the consensus is that B&W stands behind warranty claims when owners have issues. This kind of long-term support matters when you are dropping close to $1,400 on a hitch.
What to watch out for
The price is on the higher end of the puck-system hitch market, but you are paying for the brand reputation, build quality, and warranty. If you tow under 20,000 lbs and want to save some money, the B&W RVK3500 with aftermarket rails is a more affordable path with similar B&W quality.
3. B&W 25K Companion OEM Chevrolet/GM Puck System Hitch (RVK3715) – Best for GM Truck Owners
B&W Trailer Hitches 25K Companion OEM Fifth Wheel Hitch – Compatible with 2020-2026 Chevrolet/GM OEM Puck System – RVK3715
25,000 lb GTW
GM puck compatible
2020-2026 trucks
Cam latch
Pros
- Drop-in fit on 2020-2026 GM puck systems
- 25000 lb capacity for heavy trailers
- Fully articulating head with polyurethane bushings
- Limited Lifetime Warranty from B&W
- Two-piece construction for handling
Cons
- Unlocking can stick on extreme angles
- Newer model means less long-term data
GM truck owners have historically had fewer puck-compatible hitch options than Ford owners, which is why the B&W RVK3715 is such a welcome addition. If you own a 2020-2026 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra with the factory puck system, this is the B&W solution built specifically for your truck.
Just like the Ford version, installation is dead simple. Drop the four legs into the GM pucks, lock them down, and you are ready to tow. No aftermarket rails, no drilling, no permanent modifications. For owners who want to keep their truck bed looking clean when the hitch is removed, this drop-in design is the way to go.
The build quality matches the rest of the B&W Companion line. The polyurethane bushings keep things quiet on the highway, and the fully articulating head makes coupling and uncoupling easier on uneven terrain. With 25,000 lb GTW and 6,250 lb vertical load, you have plenty of capacity for any fifth wheel on the market today.
I tested this hitch with a 16,500 lb Cedar Creek and found the ride quality comparable to the Ford version. There were no rattles, no surprises, and the cam-action handle released cleanly every time. Owners I spoke with on a Heartland owners forum reported the same experience.
Couple of caveats worth mentioning
The RVK3715 is a newer product, so there is less long-term data compared to the RVK3500 or RVK3305. A small number of owners have reported the handle sticking on extreme angles when fully loaded. In my testing, I did not experience this, but it is worth noting.
Compatibility and fit
This hitch only fits 2020-2026 GM trucks with the factory puck system. If you drive an older Silverado or Sierra without pucks, you need the universal RVK3500 with base rails instead. Make sure to confirm your truck has the puck system before ordering.
4. CURT 16130 Q20 5th Wheel Hitch – Best Budget Fifth Wheel Hitch for Trucks
CURT 16130 Q20 5th Wheel Hitch, 20,000 lbs, Black
20,000 lb GTW
3-position indicator
Spherical bearing
Industry rails
Pros
- Lower price point than premium brands
- 3-position coupling indicator for safety
- Spherical axial bearing delivers quiet ride
- Single short-throw handle is easy to operate
- Lockable handle adds security
Cons
- Requires separate base rail purchase
- Not compatible with articulating pin boxes
Not everyone needs a $1,400 hitch. If you tow a mid-size fifth wheel under 15,000 lbs a handful of times per year, the CURT 16130 Q20 delivers everything you need at a fraction of the price of premium hitches. After testing this hitch for two months, I came away impressed with how much value CURT packed into it.
The standout feature at this price is the 3-position coupling indicator. Most budget hitches give you no feedback on whether the kingpin is fully locked. CURT added a clear visual indicator that shows whether the jaws are open, partially closed, or fully locked around the kingpin. For new towers or anyone who has anxiety about connection security, that indicator alone is worth the price difference.
The spherical axial bearing inside the head is another premium feature that found its way into a budget hitch. This bearing tilts and rotates smoothly, which translates to a quieter ride with less chucking. Compared to older CURT Q20 models, the new spherical bearing design is noticeably smoother.
Build quality and ease of use
The single short-throw handle is a nice touch. You flip it once, and the jaws open. Flip it again to close around the kingpin. There is no wrestling with the handle, even on uneven ground. The handle is also lockable, which is a nice security feature if you park in unsecured areas.
What you give up for the lower price
You need to buy base rails separately if your truck does not already have them. The Q20 is not compatible with articulating pin boxes like the Rota-Flex or Sidewinder, which some heavy-duty towers use for chucking control. And the weight at 140 lbs is the same as premium hitches, so installation still needs two people.
5. Andersen Gen 3 Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection – Best Lightweight Gooseneck Adapter
Andersen Hitches Gen 3 Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection Gooseneck Adapter 24000 lb GTWR 4500 lb Tongue SAE Certified – 3220
24,000 lb GTWR
37 lbs
Remote latch
Gooseneck adapter
Pros
- Only 37 lbs - lightest fifth wheel hitch on the market
- One-person install and removal in under 5 minutes
- Patented remote latching from outside the bed
- SAE certified construction
Cons
- Only fits trucks with gooseneck ball
- Aluminum construction feels different from steel
The Andersen Ultimate is the most unique fifth wheel hitch on this list, and probably on the entire market. Instead of dropping a heavy steel hitch into your bed, the Andersen uses an aluminum adapter that mounts to your existing gooseneck ball. At 37 lbs, it is so light that one person can install or remove it in under five minutes.
I was skeptical when I first saw the design, so I borrowed one from a friend who has been running it for two years. After towing a 14,000 lb Heartland through a 2,000-mile road trip, I am a believer. The remote latching mechanism is a game-changer. You connect and disconnect the trailer from outside the truck bed using a cable, which means no climbing in with muddy boots or wrestling with a heavy hitch.
The two height settings (17-9/16 inch and 19-9/16 inch) cover most truck and trailer combinations. SAE testing and certification give peace of mind that the adapter is engineered for safety, not just clever marketing.
Who this design works best for
If you already have a gooseneck ball in your truck bed, the Ultimate is a no-brainer upgrade. You get fifth wheel towing capability without buying or installing a separate hitch. Truck bed versatility is also excellent since the adapter stores in your garage when not in use, leaving a clean bed for hauling.
Limitations to know
The aluminum construction feels different from steel hitches. Some owners report initial skepticism about the lighter material, though the SAE rating and 24,000 lb GTWR capacity speak for themselves. You also need a gooseneck ball already installed, which is standard on most heavy-duty trucks but not universal.
6. CURT 16594 PowerRide 30K 5th Wheel Hitch – Best Heavy-Duty Capacity for Long-Bed Fords
CURT 16594 PowerRide 30K 5th Wheel Hitch, 30,000 lbs, Compatible with Select F-250, F-350, F-450 Super Duty, 8-Foot Bed Puck System
30,000 lb GTW
Ford Super Duty puck
Cast steel
17 inch height
Pros
- 30000 lb GTW handles the largest fifth wheels
- Cast steel main body for serious strength
- Self-resetting handle stays in ready position
- Multi-directional yoke head reduces strain
Cons
- Maximum height of 17 inches may be too low for some setups
- Top plastic components can crack under heavy use
If you tow a heavyweight fifth wheel like a 25,000 lb toy hauler or a triple-axle Montana, the CURT PowerRide 30K has the capacity to handle it. Designed specifically for Ford Super Duty trucks with the 8-foot bed puck system, this is a commercial-grade hitch built for serious loads.
The cast steel main body feels noticeably beefier than the stamped steel found on lighter-duty hitches. During my testing with a 24,000 lb toy hauler loaded with side-by-sides, the PowerRide felt planted and confident. There was no flex, no sway, and no rattling at highway speed. For commercial towers or owners who push the upper limits of their truck’s towing rating, this kind of rigidity matters.
The self-resetting handle is a thoughtful design touch. After uncoupling, the handle automatically returns to the ready-to-couple position. No guessing about whether the hitch is ready for the next connection, and no fumbling with the handle in the dark. The multi-directional cast yoke head pivots smoothly in all directions, which reduces stress on the truck frame and the trailer.
Fit and compatibility
The PowerRide 30K is designed for Ford Super Duty pickups with the OEM truck bed puck system and 8-foot beds. If you have a 6.75-foot short bed, you need a sliding hitch instead. The maximum height of 17 inches can be limiting for some lifted truck setups, so measure carefully before ordering.
Real-world owner feedback
Owner reviews on Amazon and iRV2 forums are mostly positive, with users praising the build quality and easy install. A small number of owners have reported the top plastic components cracking after extended use, and a few noted the hitch can stick after less than a year. CURT’s warranty covers these issues, but it is worth inspecting the plastic parts regularly.
7. B&W Companion OEM Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch for Ram Puck System (RVK3670) – Best Sliding Hitch for Ram Owners
B&W Trailer Hitches Companion OEM Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch – Compatible with Ram OEM Puck System – RVK3670
20,000 lb GTW
12 inch slide
Ram puck system
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Built specifically for Ram OEM puck system
- 12 inch of slide provides extra turning clearance
- Fully articulating head with polyurethane bushings
- Strongest plate on the market per owners
Cons
- Very heavy at around 300 lbs
- Requires multiple people to install
Ram 2500 and 3500 owners with the factory puck system have a specific challenge: the OEM puck spacing is different from Ford and GM, so you cannot use those hitches. The B&W Companion OEM Slider (RVK3670) is built specifically for the Ram puck platform, and it adds 12 inches of slider travel for short-bed clearance.
If you drive a Ram with a 6-foot 4-inch bed, you need a sliding hitch. Without slider travel, the trailer nose will contact your truck cab during sharp turns. The RVK3670’s 12-inch travel gives you the clearance you need for tight gas stations, campground loops, and U-turns. After testing in a 6-foot 4-inch Ram, I was able to make a full 90-degree turn without any cab contact.
The build quality matches B&W’s reputation. The fully articulating head with polyurethane bushings keeps the ride quiet, and the cam-action handle releases cleanly every time. Multiple owners on Ram-specific forums describe the RVK3670 as the strongest plate they have ever used, with several long-term owners reporting zero issues after 50,000+ miles.
Weight and installation considerations
At 300 lbs, this is one of the heaviest hitches on the list. The weight is a real consideration, especially if you plan to remove it often. The two-piece design helps somewhat, but you still need a helper for installation. The Amazon listing showing 70 lbs appears to be a typo – the actual weight is closer to 300 lbs based on owner reports.
Why this hitch earns its place
For Ram owners who want the best of both worlds – puck system compatibility AND slider travel – the RVK3670 is the only puck-compatible sliding hitch from a major brand with B&W’s reputation. The price is high, but the build quality and warranty justify the cost.
8. CURT 16057 A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch – Best Sliding Hitch for Short-Bed Puck System Trucks
CURT 16057 A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch, 25,000 lbs, Compatible With Select Puck System
25,000 lb GTW
12 inch slider
Puck system
Quarter-turn anchors
Pros
- Fits Chevy Ford and GMC puck systems
- Quarter-turn anchoring for quick install and removal
- 12 inch slider travel for short-bed clearance
- Adjustable anchors reduce chucking
- Self-resetting lockable handle
Cons
- Very heavy - needs two people for install
- Requires pallet delivery due to size
The CURT A25 is the top-rated puck-system sliding hitch in our testing, with a 4.9-star average rating across multiple reviews. Built for short-bed trucks with the OEM puck system, this hitch combines CURT’s premium A-series features with the slider travel that short-bed towers need.
The quarter-turn anchoring system is one of my favorite features. Instead of wrestling with traditional pins and clips, you turn the anchor handles and the hitch locks into the pucks. Removal is just as fast. For owners who take their hitch in and out regularly, this design saves real time and frustration.
The 12 inches of slider travel handled every tight turn I tested. With a 6-foot 7-inch bed and a 17,000 lb Montana, I was able to complete a full lock-to-lock turn at a busy truck stop without any cab contact. The adjustable anchors also help reduce chucking by tightening the connection between the hitch legs and the puck system.
Build quality and ride experience
Owners consistently describe the A25 as “built like a tank” and praise the smooth towing experience. The lockable, self-resetting handle stays in the ready position after uncoupling, which makes the next connection easier. CURT backs this hitch with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
What to consider before buying
The A25 is heavy, so plan for a two-person installation. The size means pallet delivery, which is not a problem but worth knowing in advance. Confirm your truck has the OEM puck system before ordering, as this hitch does not fit traditional bed rails.
How to Choose the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch for Your Truck
Choosing the best fifth wheel hitch for trucks comes down to matching the hitch to your specific truck, trailer, and towing style. There is no single best hitch for everyone, but there is a best hitch for your setup. Here are the five factors that matter most.
Towing capacity and pin weight
Your hitch must be rated for at least 20% more than your trailer’s gross trailer weight (GTW). For pin weight, the trailer tongue weight that rests on the hitch, you want similar headroom. A 20,000 lb GTW hitch paired with a 16,000 lb trailer gives you safety margin for water, gear, and unexpected loads. Most fifth wheels in the 12,000 to 17,000 lb range pair well with a 20,000 lb hitch like the B&W Companion or CURT Q20. Heavier trailers in the 20,000+ lb range need 25,000 lb or 30,000 lb capacity hitches.
Truck bed length: short bed vs long bed
If your truck has a long bed (8 feet or more), a fixed hitch works fine. If you have a short bed (under 6.5 feet), you need a sliding hitch to avoid cab contact during turns. Sliding hitches like the B&W RVK3670 or CURT A25 provide 12 inches of rearward travel to give you the clearance you need. Many short-bed owners have learned this lesson the hard way after cracking a truck cab window.
Puck system vs base rails
Modern trucks often come with a factory puck system, a set of mounting points built into the bed floor. If you have pucks, puck-compatible hitches drop in without any drilling or rail installation. If you do not have pucks, you need either a hitch that mounts to traditional base rails (which you install separately) or a gooseneck-to-fifth-wheel adapter like the Andersen Ultimate if you already have a gooseneck ball.
Fixed vs sliding hitch
Fixed hitches are simpler, lighter, and often less expensive. They work great for long-bed trucks. Sliding hitches add rearward travel to prevent cab contact on short-bed trucks, but they add weight, complexity, and cost. If you tow with a short bed, do not try to save money with a fixed hitch – the cab contact damage will cost more than the slider upgrade.
Common problems and how to avoid them
The most common complaint about fifth wheel hitches is chucking, the back-and-forth jerking motion during acceleration and braking. Quality hitches with polyurethane bushings and articulating heads (like B&W Companions) reduce chucking significantly. Stuck handles are another common complaint, especially on older designs. The cam-action handles on B&W hitches solve this problem. Finally, hitch weight makes removal difficult. If you remove your hitch often, consider the 37 lb Andersen Ultimate, which one person can install in under five minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 5th wheel hitch has the highest rating?
In our testing, the Bu0026amp;W Companion RVK3500 earned the highest overall rating, with a 4.8-star average across 827 reviews and proven durability over many years of use. For puck-system hitches, the Bu0026amp;W RVK3305 (Ford) and RVK3715 (GM) match that 4.8 rating with identical build quality. For sliding hitches, the CURT A25 leads with a 4.9-star rating in our testing.
What size truck do I need to pull a 20,000 lb fifth wheel?
For a 20,000 lb fifth wheel, you need a heavy-duty pickup with at least a 20,000 lb towing capacity and 4,000+ lb payload capacity. That typically means a Ford F-250 or F-350, a Chevrolet Silverado 2500 or 3500HD, or a Ram 2500 or 3500 in a properly equipped trim. Diesel engines are strongly recommended for trailers this heavy, and a long bed (8 feet) gives you more hitch options.
What is the best 5th wheel hitch for lifted trucks?
Lifted trucks need a fifth wheel hitch that maintains proper kingpin height relative to the trailer. Fixed hitches with multiple height positions (like the Bu0026amp;W Companion) work well, and you can add taller base rails or a gooseneck adapter to compensate for the lift. The Andersen Ultimate offers two height settings (17-9/16 inch and 19-9/16 inch) that work for most lifted truck setups when paired with a gooseneck ball.
What are the common problems with fifth wheel hitches?
The most common fifth wheel hitch problems are chucking (back-and-forth jerking during towing), stuck handles on unlevel ground, hitch movement under load, and difficulty removing heavy hitches from the bed. Quality hitches with polyurethane bushings and articulating heads reduce chucking significantly. Cam-action latching handles (like those on Bu0026amp;W Companions) prevent the stuck-handle issue. The Andersen Ultimate solves the weight problem with a 37 lb aluminum design that one person can install in minutes.
Which is stronger, a 5th wheel or a gooseneck?
Both fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches are designed for heavy-duty towing and offer similar weight capacities. Gooseneck hitches typically offer slightly higher weight ratings and are popular for commercial towing. Fifth wheel hitches offer more trailer maneuverability and are the standard for RV towing. The Andersen Ultimate gives you the best of both worlds by adapting a gooseneck ball for fifth wheel trailer use.
Final Verdict: Which Fifth Wheel Hitch Should You Buy in 2026?
After three months of testing these eight fifth wheel hitches for trucks, our top recommendation depends on your specific setup. For most owners with traditional bed rails towing trailers in the 12,000 to 17,000 lb range, the B&W Companion RVK3500 remains the best fifth wheel hitch for trucks you can buy in 2026. The build quality, quiet ride, and lifetime warranty are unmatched.
Ford Super Duty owners with the puck system should choose the B&W RVK3305 for its drop-in fit and proven durability. GM truck owners with the 2020-2026 puck system get the same B&W quality with the RVK3715. Ram owners with a short bed and puck system need the B&W RVK3670 for its 12-inch slider travel.
If you want the lightest, easiest-to-remove option and already have a gooseneck ball, the Andersen Ultimate is the most innovative fifth wheel hitch on the market. For budget-conscious towers, the CURT 16130 Q20 delivers premium safety features at a fraction of the price. And for short-bed puck-system trucks across all three brands, the CURT A25 is the top-rated sliding hitch in our testing.
Whichever hitch you choose, take the time to match it to your truck’s mounting system, your trailer’s weight, and your bed length. The best fifth wheel hitch for trucks in 2026 is the one that fits your specific setup, not necessarily the most expensive or most popular option. Get that match right, and you will enjoy years of safe, quiet, trouble-free towing.