B&W Companion vs Andersen Ultimate Showdown!

laknox wrote:
C'mon Cummins, tell the whole story. The =only= Companion rated at 25k is the RAM puck version. All other standard Companions, GN mount, Ford or GM pucks, are 20k. All has to do with the extra-wide fore/aft spread of the pucks on the RAM. I can only a$$-u-me that the rail versions are also 20k, because I didn't look them up. I've been around long enough that you know that I'm a B&W fanboy, but we've got to tell the whole story, too.

Lyle

My rail version is 16K. I see now that they're 18K. I tow 9,000 lbs. I can't say how 15,000 would react with either hitch. Just giving my personal review.
I'm also a B&W fan. If I had my choice it would be the B&W. Which it may be if I can't get the Andersen dialed in.

laknox wrote:
C'mon Cummins, tell the whole story. The =only= Companion rated at 25k is the RAM puck version. All other standard Companions, GN mount, Ford or GM pucks, are 20k. All has to do with the extra-wide fore/aft spread of the pucks on the RAM. I can only a$$-u-me that the rail versions are also 20k, because I didn't look them up. I've been around long enough that you know that I'm a B&W fanboy, but we've got to tell the whole story, too.

Lyle

OK compare it to this one that DOES transfer weight to the bed when taking off and braking, my 2011 Dually bed had the dents to prove it!

I towed MANY thousands of miles with this 18K Companion with a 18K Mobile Suites behind it. I would tow 24K with that same hitch any day before I would tow a 24K RV with an ANDERSEN!!!

"- Zero grease/lubrication ever required
- More affordable
- Made in Idaho (I like local)"

OK ya got me!

"I get no chucking with my Andersen but did with the Curt"

Darn right you did with the head pivot positioned so low to the connection point compared to the B&W or your ANDERSEN.

Come on lets see the VISUAL comparison!

WTP-GC wrote:
While I do like my Andersen UH...and while I do believe that the B & W is a quality product...how exactly will the results of the "showdown" be measured. Its like apples and oranges. We already know that the AUH weighs less and is easier to install/remove. We already know that the B & W is "beefier" and can be used with the puck system. We already know that the AUH requires the truck to be raised higher to hitch up. So what's next? Quality of ride? Chucking? Better for shortbeds? I see them as 2 separate products that serve 2 separate interests.

Sorry, not trying to be critical, but I'm just having a hard time seeing what could learned through this "showdown" that isn't already known.

I agree, I switched to the Andersen. I couldn't do what I wanted with my previous hitch, and B&W would not have changed anything. As you said apples ,and oranges.

goducks10 wrote:

laknox wrote:
C'mon Cummins, tell the whole story. The =only= Companion rated at 25k is the RAM puck version. All other standard Companions, GN mount, Ford or GM pucks, are 20k. All has to do with the extra-wide fore/aft spread of the pucks on the RAM. I can only a$$-u-me that the rail versions are also 20k, because I didn't look them up. I've been around long enough that you know that I'm a B&W fanboy, but we've got to tell the whole story, too.

Lyle

My rail version is 16K. I see now that they're 18K. I tow 9,000 lbs. I can't say how 15,000 would react with either hitch. Just giving my personal review.
I'm also a B&W fan. If I had my choice it would be the B&W. Which it may be if I can't get the Andersen dialed in.

Whats to dial in on the Andersen. I measured the height of my old fifth hitch in the bed ,set my Andersen the same ,it has three height settings.

Not sure what else there is other then deciding which way you want the pin box adapter to mount , unless you have the rail mount hitch ,then it can go either way, not much to think about. Mine was setup how I thought it would work, and after first trip, there was nothing I needed to change.

Cummins12V98 wrote:

laknox wrote:
C'mon Cummins, tell the whole story. The =only= Companion rated at 25k is the RAM puck version. All other standard Companions, GN mount, Ford or GM pucks, are 20k. All has to do with the extra-wide fore/aft spread of the pucks on the RAM. I can only a$$-u-me that the rail versions are also 20k, because I didn't look them up. I've been around long enough that you know that I'm a B&W fanboy, but we've got to tell the whole story, too.

Lyle

OK compare it to this one that DOES transfer weight to the bed when taking off and braking, my 2011 Dually bed had the dents to prove it!

I towed MANY thousands of miles with this 18K Companion with a 18K Mobile Suites behind it. I would tow 24K with that same hitch any day before I would tow a 24K RV with an ANDERSEN!!!

I can say one thing, it wouldn't be very smart to tow 24K ,with an 18K hitch. I don't care what brand it is. Not a remark most would make, but you did :S

The B&W for the Ford puck system must be smaller and lighter than the one for the Ram. It can be installed and removed in two pieces and is very easy for one person to handle. I can't imagine anything being much simpler.

laknox wrote:
C'mon Cummins, tell the whole story. The =only= Companion rated at 25k is the RAM puck version. All other standard Companions, GN mount, Ford or GM pucks, are 20k. All has to do with the extra-wide fore/aft spread of the pucks on the RAM. I can only a$$-u-me that the rail versions are also 20k, because I didn't look them up. I've been around long enough that you know that I'm a B&W fanboy, but we've got to tell the whole story, too.

Lyle

Although I think your explanation is logical: that B&W rates their Ram hitch 5k higher than the Ford or GM on account of the wide spread of the Ram pucks.... I find it interesting that Reese manufactures a hitch for the Ford Puck system that they rate for 26500 lbs.... Curt's hitch for the Ford Puck system is rated for 24000 lbs.

4x4ord wrote:
The B&W for the Ford puck system must be smaller and lighter than the one for the Ram. It can be installed and removed in two pieces and is very easy for one person to handle. I can't imagine anything being much simpler.

Head weight is EXACTLY the same. Base has a larger footprint with the RAM. I asked B&W about the base being the reason for the 25 vs 20K rating, they said they rate to the weakest link, NOT the size of the base. Still I would have no issues towing a 24K 5er with a 350 Ford or 3500 GM with their puck system B&W's vs the Ultimate that is "rated" to 24K.

A simple visual would confirm what I say, anyone can rate anything they want to what they want. B&W is VERY conservative with their ratings, their safety factor is very large.