New B&W Companion

[laknox]

Just got a press release saying that B&W has released a new Companion FW hitch with 20,000 lbs capacity. It's up on their site now. One thing that I noticed, is that it appears that they've added an adjustable-width "rail", for lack of a better term, underneath the frame, that sits in the bottom of the bed channel. There are slots on each end to allow adjustment for width. I would ASSume that the rail is just tall enough to sit on the bottom of the channel while allowing the rest of the frame to sit on the ridges. This would address the bed-denting issue some have reported on newer trucks.

Lyle

[Tango__AE7UI]

Our fifth is no where 20,000 #'s, so I'll stay with the present B&W we have.
It is a great hitch and I wouldn't want any other brand.
The (4) U-bolts are not that big a deal for me.

[sdetweil]

57 Panhead wrote:
Can you buy just the base without the hitch head and if so anybody know what the cost is?

Steve

probably have to call B&W to get that info. the Patriot and Companion heads aren't the same. don't know if the new one is the same as the old either.

[57_Panhead]

Can you buy just the base without the hitch head and if so anybody know what the cost is?

Steve

[ependydad]

All sorts of good stuff. I'll admit, blatant fan-boy post:
http://learntorv.blogspot.com/2013/10/b-announces-new-companion-hitch.html

(And no, I don't make a dime from the blog entry- I just like their stuff!)

[sdetweil]

rhagfo wrote:
Well not likely to changing from what I got, But will say the new method of installing in the TV looks to be a great improvement over the U bolts.

and the wider base, with the wrap under feet.

[rhagfo]

Well not likely to changing from what I got, But will say the new method of installing in the TV looks to be a great improvement over the U bolts.

[Alley_Fox]

I bought my Companion four years ago on craigslist for $400USD and it has performed flawlessly for over 22K towing miles, it's paid for itself.....

[sdetweil]

laknox wrote:

Alley Fox wrote:
Looks like they've added some nice features. I'm a long way from 20K#, but I'm tempted to take a closer look, maybe retire my old Companion 'cause it looks like a nice upgrade.

Be nice to upgrade, for sure, but The Boss would frown on it. 🙂

Lyle

I like it too.. how much spare do you need? I have the rail based Patriot. my FW is rated 15,500 GVWR.. I think I would have to load the tanks to get there.

the Patriot is rated 16k#/4k hitch.. I am as yet, under 3k hitch.
and 1st weigh said 10700 on the trailer axles.

[ependydad]

laknox wrote:

Alley Fox wrote:
Looks like they've added some nice features. I'm a long way from 20K#, but I'm tempted to take a closer look, maybe retire my old Companion 'cause it looks like a nice upgrade.

Be nice to upgrade, for sure, but The Boss would frown on it. 🙂

Lyle

No kidding. The new one looks great, but mine is only a year and a half old. I'd be beaten in my sleep if I even suggested it...

[laknox]

Alley Fox wrote:
Looks like they've added some nice features. I'm a long way from 20K#, but I'm tempted to take a closer look, maybe retire my old Companion 'cause it looks like a nice upgrade.

Be nice to upgrade, for sure, but The Boss would frown on it. 🙂

Lyle

[Alley_Fox]

Looks like they've added some nice features. I'm a long way from 20K#, but I'm tempted to take a closer look, maybe retire my old Companion 'cause it looks like a nice upgrade.

[laknox]

ricatic wrote:
I had a very nice discussion with the B&W staff at the Hershey RV Show. It started with me telling them how much I liked the hitch but was concerned because I was looking at 20,000# GVW toy haulers.

Like the carnival barker, they said "step right over here and see our latest offering"...and they showed me the new 20,000# GVW Companion. It has a redesigned base that no longer uses the U Bolts to attach to the TurnOver Ball socket. There are other changes that also lend to the new GVW.

It sure looked like a very clean setup...if I get a bigger trailer...I will have one...

Regards

No more u-bolts? Pray, tell us how they dunnit! 🙂

Later: Found the new install video. Pretty cool development they've got.

Lyle

[ricatic]

I had a very nice discussion with the B&W staff at the Hershey RV Show. It started with me telling them how much I liked the hitch but was concerned because I was looking at 20,000# GVW toy haulers.

Like the carnival barker, they said "step right over here and see our latest offering"...and they showed me the new 20,000# GVW Companion. It has a redesigned base that no longer uses the U Bolts to attach to the TurnOver Ball socket. There are other changes that also lend to the new GVW.

It sure looked like a very clean setup...if I get a bigger trailer...I will have one...

Regards