While many hitch types can and do work, fifth wheel hitches are highly recommended for very heavy loads by the majority of manufacturers. Of course, sometimes you are limited by the design of your truck or other considerations as to the type hitch you can use. Here is some general info from Offroaders.com on fifth wheel hitches.
"Here is a brief list of hitches and what they can be used for:
- Ball Hitches: For light to medium loads.
- Gooseneck Hitches: Heavy loads.
- Fifth Wheel Hitch: Very heavy loads.
- Weight Distribution Hitches: Heavy to very heavy loads.
- Receiver Hitches: Very light loads (spare tire etc).
The fifth wheel trailer hitch offers a number of advantages, that other trailer hitches don’t.
- Easier to maneuver: Because the hitch is mounted inside the bed of the truck, it makes it easier to turn corners.
- Better Stability: These hitches make the trailers far more stable than other hitches. Stability is always a plus when hauling a heavy load!
- Towing Capacity: You can haul considerably more weight with a fifth wheel hitch. Your typical ball hitch doesn’t even come close to being able to haul the same amount of weight.
- Safer: It’s much safer because it is more stable, especially for someone who is a beginner, to tow your loads using a fifth wheel hitch.
No matter how you look at it, the fifth wheel trailer hitch is the best hitch for hauling heavy loads. It’s unequaled in stability and towing capacity..."