Questions: Andersen Ultimate Aluminum #3221 5th Wheel Hitch

I thought there was another flatbed B&W that had a fairly high rating but my quick search did not find it.

In the essence of avoiding an argumentative tone, I can see that the spacers provided for the base plate frame on the B & W Companion allows for a greater bearing surface area that helps spread some of the loads to the under-bed cross members.

When I was searching for a suitable 5th wheel hitch after I got my flatbed truck, I did notice and consider the RVK 3050. Unfortunately, the footprint wouldn't fit into the GN ball cutout. I have one of the higher-end CM truck beds, and footprint of the hitch was about 4 or 5 inches too much. This led me to believe that the RVK 3050 was really aimed toward the more specific 5er truck beds that have the slot from front to back. Otherwise the footprint is larger than most flatbed truck cutouts.

If B & W was smart, they'd work with CM Manufacturing to develop a better system for flatbed trucks.

B&W offers the RVK 3050 for flat bed trucks. It adjusts from 14.75-16.75"

WTP-GC wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Since its design the bed metal has gotten much thinner. So B&W provided spacers to transfer the load to the cross members.

Actually, the spacers are meant to provide a continuous bearing surface for the hitch base frame by bridging the gap between the bed corrugations. It has nothing to do with transferring any amount of load to the cross members.

Sorry but that is what the spacers do. Have you personally gone they all this with a 18K Companion?

SabreCanuck wrote:
OR you could buy the Anderson or B&W RAIL versions which would effectively put the exact same weight displacement on the bed as any other 5th wheel. I honestly don't know what you guys keep arguing about on that one when there are other options from both manufacturers.

It is like saying you shouldn't buy a certain brand truck because the gasser doesn't have enough power. Then, buy the diesel in the same truck.

Pass the popcorn please.

As far as I know, Andersen is the only manufacturer that offers a "lowered" fifth wheel, specifically made for the higher elevation beds on flat bed trucks and/or newer model trucks that seem to only be getting taller. This is not available in a rail-mount configuration.

Generally speaking, though, it would appear that the industry is attempting to move away from traditional rail systems. I suppose that time will tell whether or not this happens.

SabreCanuck wrote:
OR you could buy the Anderson or B&W RAIL versions which would effectively put the exact same weight displacement on the bed as any other 5th wheel. I honestly don't know what you guys keep arguing about on that one when there are other options from both manufacturers.

It is like saying you shouldn't buy a certain brand truck because the gasser doesn't have enough power. Then, buy the diesel in the same truck.

Pass the popcorn please.

I'd buy the Andersen Ultimate rail version (or the B&W for that matter) at full retail in an AZ minute . . . unfortunately, my trailer would be 4-5 inches nose high vs. the Andersen Ultimate aluminum #3221.

OR you could buy the Anderson or B&W RAIL versions which would effectively put the exact same weight displacement on the bed as any other 5th wheel. I honestly don't know what you guys keep arguing about on that one when there are other options from both manufacturers.

It is like saying you shouldn't buy a certain brand truck because the gasser doesn't have enough power. Then, buy the diesel in the same truck.

Pass the popcorn please.

WTP-GC wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Since its design the bed metal has gotten much thinner. So B&W provided spacers to transfer the load to the cross members.

Actually, the spacers are meant to provide a continuous bearing surface for the hitch base frame by bridging the gap between the bed corrugations. It has nothing to do with transferring any amount of load to the cross members.

The valleys rest on the top hats which set on the frame rails, which is much better than carrying the weight on the ridges. Still not my cup of tea! Chris

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Since its design the bed metal has gotten much thinner. So B&W provided spacers to transfer the load to the cross members.

Actually, the spacers are meant to provide a continuous bearing surface for the hitch base frame by bridging the gap between the bed corrugations. It has nothing to do with transferring any amount of load to the cross members.

The 18k B&W Companion that caused bed deflection when towing heavy was designed to be used in a truck that had some strength in the bed. Since its design the bed metal has gotten much thinner. So B&W provided spacers to transfer the load to the cross members. B&W re designed the Companion for the newer truck bed weakness. It now comes as a 20k model.

I towed my 18k RV with my 18k Mobile Suites with zero issues after the spacers were added. I would have zero issue with towing a 20k RV with a 20k Companion based on my personal experience.

My current 25k puck RVK 3600 Companion is in another class!