I got my truck and just started planning what I need to do to get it ready to pull my fifth wheel. It currently has a B & W turnover ball in the bed. The sticker says 30,000 lb and 7,500. Probably 2002 vintage like the truck. The B & W companion says it fits on a turnover ball base.

Has anyone used the companion? Is it a good fifth wheel hitch?

Would it be a good idea to have the existing mounting checked too?

http://i958.photobucket.com/albums/ae61/yopappamon/bac1280d.jpg

The hitch says 18,000 capacity. My trailer is 13,200 plus my stuff. The total load rating is just under 16,000. I'm assuming that's well within the hitches capacity. I'm new to fifth wheels, so if it's a stupid question, feel free to mock. :D

Not a stupid question at all. Several of us use the companion 5th wheel and are very happy with it. Since you already have the gooseneck installed I would definitely get the companion to go with it.

You absolutely should check the mounting to make sure it all looks good, no broken bolts, all are tight, etc.

16k is no worry at all for the hitch weight wise. I recommend using a teflon pad on the fifth wheel plate, but make sure you grease the jaws and the rubber pads in between the two components of the companion hitch.

Hope that helps!

Thanks for the info.

I just hope the fifth wheel hitch will fit. The truck has a transfer fuel tank that might get in the way. I'd like to keep the tank.

I can't find dimensions for the Companion on B&W's web site. How far forward of the pin hole does the hitch extend? I need to find out if it will fit.


http://i958.photobucket.com/albums/ae61/yopappamon/c5647d28.jpg

I ran a L tank and toolbox in my 06 long bed and it fits fine with the companion, it's maybe 6"-8" in front of the ball and the bulk of the hitch to the rear. Depending on how high your camper is you may want the tool box out when you tow also. I never hit mine but had a few times you couldn't stick a finger between the two. Also keep an eye on the fuel pump if you have to jackknife it in to a camp spot. I have not got the fuel tank, tool box, or companion put in my 11 yet but it shouldn't be a problem.

-Jeff

Thanks Jeff,

I plan on getting rid of the pump and plumbing the tank.

One of the eBay sellers of the companion has sold them for $700, hopefully I can get one for that price.

Got the tank and hitch in y new truck yesterday and snapped a pic for ya,

http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/48147/2076616300085950553S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2076616300085950553wnHqqm)

-Jeff

Excellent, it should just fit. I just ordered the hitch.

I wonder if I should consider a bed mat? I'd have to take out the tank to put it in.

Is a teflon pad a standard hitch accessory? First I've heard of them.

teflon pads are pretty common, should be able to get at any towing/camper shop for around $10. Then you don't need to grease the face/top of the hitch and it keeps thins a lot cleaner. You still need some grease on the jaws of the hitch.

here is the first one that popped up on google.

http://www.towshop.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=104&idproduct=1109

-Jeff

Ok, I've seen them, just didn't know they were teflon.

Now I need to figure out what to do with my tires.

I'm not sure if I would have a bed mat under the legs of the hitch. I could be completely wrong, but I would think it would allow the hitch to move a little bit in the bed as it compresses the mat. Maybe eventually lead to things loosening up?

Wouldn't hurt to give B&W a call about that. If you do, post on here and let us know what they say.

I probably won't do it. It would be too big a job to take the tool box and tank out. But the bed is pretty banged up. Maybe a spray liner.

On the Companion hitch there is up down and front back adjustments. Up down is to level the trailer. What is front back for? Just cab clearance or is it something else?

On the Companion hitch there is up down and front back adjustments. Up down is to level the trailer. What is front back for? Just cab clearance or is it something else?

Clearance and adjust weight loading on the truck, forward to get more weight on the front axle ect. If you look at my pic, mine is set in the rear most holes but with the vertical arms forward. Its about perfectly centered over the rear axle.

Never had any problem with the bedliner, but I do carry a 18v dewalt impact that gets used to tighten the pin bolt and u bolts.

-Jeff