B&W Companion and 2013 RAM 3500 DRW

[MewshawManor]

We bit the bullet and replaced our 2007 Chevrolet 6.0 gas with a 2013 RAM 3500 in the 6.7 diesel. It fits nicely in the garage and we can't wait to tow with it. Picked it up yesterday.

The dealership installed a B&W gooseneck system in the truck prior to us picking it up. We couldn't complain since they didn't charge us.

We had intended to install rails but now that we have the nice turnover ball, I am intrigued by the B&W Companion 3500. The dealership told us it's the way to go. Definitely more money than buying a new set of rails and having it installed. Reviews look stellar.

Should we go ahead and spend the $500 premium and buy a B&W Companion? the new 3500 model Companion is made especially for adjustment to a 2013 RAM such as ours. I can always sell our old Reese rattling hitch afterwards.

[Riddler6_7]

NC Hauler wrote:

CumminsDriver wrote:

NC Hauler wrote:
Rich,
Believe you're right. I got the impression that he did have the prep package....Some on the cummins forum who wanted the B&W companion hitch that have the prep package may have found a way to make a "square peg go into a round hole"....some are working on a sleeve that might be able to work in the pre-existing prep package center hole, (one was going to try something a report back), if he can do it, he can drop the Curt hitch right into the center hole.

Yeah, as I stated some post back, IF the Ram doesn't come with a 5er/GN package, you can probably put just about any hitch in the truck you want to...though you may have to do some work with the center hole set up bracketing if you need to use that one considering how it is already set up underneath the bed.

Jim,
Here is a video of the B&W being installed in a Ram with the factory cross member if you haven't seen it before. Click on the video on the right. Pretty slick set up.

Rich

I'd seen it Rich, yeah, if one doesn't have the prep package, they can put the locking bracket in factory center cross member...again though, someone had stated something about being able to use a sleeve in the prep hole , then being able to use the square lock down sleeve with the GN/5er prep package...BUT, I haven't seen any pictures or heard of any one doing this ...just the "hear say".

Hate to bring up an old thread but was there any updates on fitting the square peg in the round hole? It would really be relatively easy to just produce a different post that will go into the gooseneck prep package hole. Was there a specific thread where this was being discussed? Thanks

[ependydad]

Scott_85 wrote:
I think I over paid when I had mine installed. From a plug in the bed, the turn over ball, and the companion slider everything was 2124 for everything.

I didn't get a slider and my bill was right about $1,800 for the same setup (plug in bed, turnover ball and companion) w/ installation, if I recall correctly.

[NC_Hauler]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
If I order a 14/15 RAM at this point I will not have the prep kit installed. I will install the B&W GNRK 1314 goose neck kit. $439 at tweetys.com. Weighs only 58 lbs and is a breeze to install. Then I will get the $879 Companion RVK 3500 that has 20K towing and 5K pin rating. I would sell my existing Companion on CL for $400-$500.

Anyone know what the RAM factory prep kit costs as an option?

In the long run Rich, I believe that would probably be your best bet. "IF" I had known back when I ordered what would have happened, or how long it would take for truck to come in, that the picture frame adapter was something more you needed, ( in reality, at first mention of the 5er/GN prep package, one was let to believe that was all you needed)...WRONG...you ALSO needed the picture frame adapter IF you were going to use a conventional 5th wheel hitch..

You will save some money by going the route you're talking about doing Rich.

Jim

[Cummins12V98]

If I order a 14/15 RAM at this point I will not have the prep kit installed. I will install the B&W GNRK 1314 goose neck kit. $439 at tweetys.com. Weighs only 58 lbs and is a breeze to install. Then I will get the $879 Companion RVK 3500 that has 20K towing and 5K pin rating. I would sell my existing Companion on CL for $400-$500.

Anyone know what the RAM factory prep kit costs as an option?

[MewshawManor]

Scott_85 wrote:
I think I over paid when I had mine installed. From a plug in the bed, the turn over ball, and the companion slider everything was 2124 for everything.

My prices quoted were not including the turnover ball. The dealer had already put that in. I did price some and they look to be in the $500-700 range plus installation.

[NC_Hauler]

CumminsDriver wrote:

NC Hauler wrote:
Rich,
Believe you're right. I got the impression that he did have the prep package....Some on the cummins forum who wanted the B&W companion hitch that have the prep package may have found a way to make a "square peg go into a round hole"....some are working on a sleeve that might be able to work in the pre-existing prep package center hole, (one was going to try something a report back), if he can do it, he can drop the Curt hitch right into the center hole.

Yeah, as I stated some post back, IF the Ram doesn't come with a 5er/GN package, you can probably put just about any hitch in the truck you want to...though you may have to do some work with the center hole set up bracketing if you need to use that one considering how it is already set up underneath the bed.

Jim,
Here is a video of the B&W being installed in a Ram with the factory cross member if you haven't seen it before. Click on the video on the right. Pretty slick set up.

Rich

I'd seen it Rich, yeah, if one doesn't have the prep package, they can put the locking bracket in factory center cross member...again though, someone had stated something about being able to use a sleeve in the prep hole , then being able to use the square lock down sleeve with the GN/5er prep package...BUT, I haven't seen any pictures or heard of any one doing this ...just the "hear say".

[Scott_85]

I think I over paid when I had mine installed. From a plug in the bed, the turn over ball, and the companion slider everything was 2124 for everything.

[MewshawManor]

Doing some comparison shopping and discovering pricing all over the map.

$1069 at one local place.
$829 cheapest online.

To me that is a huge difference.

[kroghville]

We too,have the B&W and love it! As an added bonus, when we bought ours, they sent us a letter saying we get a free night of camping when we go and take a free factory tour. Can't beat that!!

[Rich1961]

NC Hauler wrote:
Rich,
Believe you're right. I got the impression that he did have the prep package....Some on the cummins forum who wanted the B&W companion hitch that have the prep package may have found a way to make a "square peg go into a round hole"....some are working on a sleeve that might be able to work in the pre-existing prep package center hole, (one was going to try something a report back), if he can do it, he can drop the Curt hitch right into the center hole.

Yeah, as I stated some post back, IF the Ram doesn't come with a 5er/GN package, you can probably put just about any hitch in the truck you want to...though you may have to do some work with the center hole set up bracketing if you need to use that one considering how it is already set up underneath the bed.

Jim,
Here is a video of the B&W being installed in a Ram with the factory cross member if you haven't seen it before. Click on the video on the right. Pretty slick set up.

Rich

[NC_Hauler]

Rich,
Believe you're right. I got the impression that he did have the prep package....Some on the cummins forum who wanted the B&W companion hitch that have the prep package may have found a way to make a "square peg go into a round hole"....some are working on a sleeve that might be able to work in the pre-existing prep package center hole, (one was going to try something a report back), if he can do it, he can drop the Curt hitch right into the center hole.

Yeah, as I stated some post back, IF the Ram doesn't come with a 5er/GN package, you can probably put just about any hitch in the truck you want to...though you may have to do some work with the center hole set up bracketing if you need to use that one considering how it is already set up underneath the bed.

[NC_Hauler]

E=mc2 wrote:
I have had my B&W companion for a little over 1 year now. It came with the truck when we bought it and I love it. I have noticed that there are two types of people on this forum.....Companion lovers and Companion haters. I had never pulled a fifth wheel until I bought my truck so I do not have experience with other hitches but as others have said when it's locked, it's locked, and the fact I still have a unobstructed bed when my hitch isn't installed is a huge plus. When we bought my fiver the previous owner threw in a Reese hitch and rails.... Needless to say it is in my shop under the bench collecting dust.

Haven't seen anyone in here that "hates" the B&W companion, unless I missed something. Its a great hitch, but now it does sound like you may have a bit of "hate" towards Reese hitches, seeing as how you added that it's in your shop, ". When my hitch is locked, it too is locked and it's the old fashion two jaw type...Been using them for well over 20 years and never had the first issue with them...Had some work done on this one this year, wanted it checked out while waiting on my picture frame adapter and new springs and jaw chucks were replaced free of charge, (it has a life time warranty like a lot of the hitches do),
I purchased this one in Oct. of 07. I would own a B&W in a heartbeat, but unlike you, I would also look at others. Curt makes a good one also, and I think the Andersen Ultimate 5er hitch would work well....

[E_mc2]

I have had my B&W companion for a little over 1 year now. It came with the truck when we bought it and I love it. I have noticed that there are two types of people on this forum.....Companion lovers and Companion haters. I had never pulled a fifth wheel until I bought my truck so I do not have experience with other hitches but as others have said when it's locked, it's locked, and the fact I still have a unobstructed bed when my hitch isn't installed is a huge plus. When we bought my fiver the previous owner threw in a Reese hitch and rails.... Needless to say it is in my shop under the bench collecting dust.

[Rich1961]

NC Hauler wrote:

MewshawManor wrote:

NC Hauler wrote:

So are you saying that your truck bed didn't have a 7 pin connector, BUT did have the "holes" in the bed of the truck??? If it "had holes in it", you had the prep package and could have went from there".....now really confused...

When we signed the deal, there were no holes in the bed. I'm fairly certain the frame was already prepped. I'm assuming any 3500 DRW, likely any 2500 or 3500 already have holes for universal GN or 5'er rails.

NC Hauler wrote:

Sounds like something that B&W doesn't quite understand because Reese, Curt, and Andersen don't seem to have an issue with where locations of holes are. I would think that the manufacturer/design Engineers of the 13' and 14' Ram truck would know where weight should be distributed on their trucks and where lockdowns into their frame should be located....guess B&W doesn't agree with Ram Engineers:h

Sorry, I really don't have many more answers for you. It has something to do with location of the actual 4" hole on the B&W GN kit for 2013.

I suggest watching this installation video, particularly at 1 minute, 25 seconds, where the change to the Companion is necessary for 2013 RAM 3500's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUr-nQuPEnE

I'm good with what I have as is almost every one that has spoken of these installs on the cummins forums, quite a few of them I might add....Only thing I know about B&W is it takes a square mount with ball on top and Ram has to have round shaft with ball on top, both in identical place. The location is identical....only thing is the mount has to be different with the B&W...it takes a square shank shaft with the ball on top.....the Ram truck, 5er/GN prep package comes with a round hole...thus, that unit doesn't work, unless the lock down underneath the bed of the truck, attached to the truck is removed and the B&W bracket is welded into place....to me, not worth the effort, IF you have the prep package, (5 holes already in the bed of the truck), if no holes in the bed of the truck, doesn't make any difference....but nothing wrong with any of the locations, they're all where design engineers spec'ed them to be to carry most weight and have most support..

Jim,
It sounds like his truck didn't come with the factory GN/5th Wheel prep like your truck did, but it does have the factory frame cross member under the bed like all Ram 3500 have, with or without the GN/5th prep. B&W makes a Gooseneck adapter that bolts onto the factory cross member, and since there are no holes in the truck bed, it only means the installer of the B&W adapter has to drill a hole for the GN ball and safety chain tiedowns.

Rich