B&W Companion non slider in Ram short box?

[camp-n-family]

Don’t have a 5th wheel now but am thinking of upgrading in the future. I came across a slightly used B&W Companion hitch locally for $450cdn. Seems like a good deal even though I don’t need it yet but I am wondering if it’s a good idea with a short box (6’4”). Most newer fivers have rounded fronts and from what I’m reading most people don’t feel the need for a slider.

Jump on it or wait and fork out for a slider?

[camp-n-family]

jglow27 wrote:
I don't know if you will ever see a used TO setup. Once they are installed, they seem to stay installed.

Yes, only looking for new ones as you'll never find them used. Best I can find so far is $650Cdn. Seems steep for what it is. I'll probably hold off until I actually have the fifth wheel. By then I may not even have the same truck.

[jglow27]

I don't know if you will ever see a used TO setup. Once they are installed, they seem to stay installed.

[camp-n-family]

Thanks for all the replies. I went and picked the hitch up on the weekend. I have no use for it yet but I know that the next trailer will be a fiver so now I’m somewhat prepared. If I never use it I know I can sell it on for more than I paid. Now the search is on for a decent price on the turn over ball.

[jglow27]

I just installed a Companion Slider. After using it, I would be happy with the non-slider version. If I found a deal on one, I would snap it up.

If you have a plastic bed liner. you will need to remove it or cut out where the Companion meets the truck bed. Spray in bed liners are OK.

[AZ_T_T]

I have that hitch and a 6' 6" bed and have never had a problem. I can definitely hit the back window in a very tight situation but it hasn't been an issue in over 6 years of using this setup.

[RollandB]

The only way to know for sure is get a tape measure out once you purchase the fifth wheel. I found a Pullrite Superglide on Craigslist that hadn’t been installed for $500. When I went to a long bed, changed to a B&W Companion. Sold the Superglide to a guy why listened to those that said he didn’t need a slider, but learned the hard way about the front cap meeting the back of his cab

[Toolguy5]

Big1 wrote:
I have the B&W Companion with a slider I also have a short bed, and even though I only had it for almost a year I haven't use the slider part yet but it's good to know that if I ever need it I have it. I had to get the gooseneck turn over ball under bed mount but if I need to tow a trailer that have a gooseneck well I have that setup also.

I have the B&W slider as well. I have had it for 3 years and have not used the slider.


OP if you do buy it you can always just buy the slider base if needed and use the same head. I have talked to B&W to see if I needed to buy the whole hitch or just the base. They told me the base is the same so just switch the base. Also the head is the same for the 18K and the 20K.

Happy shopping.

[Big1]

I have the B&W Companion with a slider I also have a short bed, and even though I only had it for almost a year I haven't use the slider part yet but it's good to know that if I ever need it I have it. I had to get the gooseneck turn over ball under bed mount but if I need to tow a trailer that have a gooseneck well I have that setup also.

[4bearhug]

camp-n-family wrote:
Don’t have a 5th wheel now but am thinking of upgrading in the future. I came across a slightly used B&W Companion hitch locally for $450cdn. Seems like a good deal even though I don’t need it yet but I am wondering if it’s a good idea with a short box (6’4”). Most newer fivers have rounded fronts and from what I’m reading most people don’t feel the need for a slider.

Jump on it or wait and fork out for a slider?

This is exactly what I did when I bought my Companion for my short box Silverado. Found one used on Craigslist in good condition and added the turnover ball underbed receiver later. Seems like that was just about what I paid for mine. It has worked great for me without having a slider. Some folks might shy away from a used hitch but I just don't see a whole lot that can go bad on a B & W hitch so I see no reason to pay new price.

[camp-n-family]

This one has the post that locks into the turn over ball slot. I would still have to buy and install the turn over ball kit.

[Dan_Henry]

B & W is an excellent hitch, there are. 2 versions I know about one has 2 U bolts that secure the hitch to square tube and the other has the square tube made on the hitch base. These both require a turn over ball under bed mount . I have towed several thousands miles with the same 6 4 bed Ram truck with out any problems. I checked to see how close of a turn I can make on level ground and keep this in mind when making a close turn