B&W Upgrade

[LandShark]

I'm upgrading my B&W companion (on my 1995 2500) with a new 2015 3500, with the 5th wheel prep, next week. I know I can buy the new base for the puck system and use the old head unit, but is there an adapter out there to use the old base with the square peg, that fits the Dodge round hole? I'm mostly towing a 11,000 pound max 5th wheel. It looks like the new base is much larger (and heavier) and I will not be able to store my 8' ladder in the bed using the new style base. Or should I just get a new ladder?

 

[RustyJC]

If you give B&W a call or go to their website and ask them, they can certainly answer your question about the availability of an adapter for the 2015 factory gooseneck hitch.

Rusty

 

[RustyJC]

Duplicated post.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Sell what you have on Craigs list and get one of these. If you have the pucks you may as well get one of these. You can also keep your head and buy the base only.

 

[Dieselnerd]

When I got my 2014 in late 2013 I had the same question. It would have been so easy! The answer is you must buy the B&W turnover ball hitch that will use your square post. I did that originally since at that time B&W did not have the base that fits the pucks. Later I got the new base too and used my old head.

You might as well get the base that fits your pucks from the start. Costs a little more to start but down the road you will never regret having the additional capacity.

 

[LandShark]

Thanks for the feedback. I couldn't find anything on the net that would go from square to round. I did meet someone who milled his own adapter, but I would worry about the safety of it. No doubt that the B&W puck platform is the best way to go and just the lower part is available to use with my old top section. Mostly wanted to make sure I wasn't overlooking anything.
I'm not thrilled that the lower section weight has increased from about 75# to 125#. No problem for me to throw 75# into the bed of the truck, but will need help to get 125# up there safely. Maybe I'll have to devise some type of lift system from the overhead beams in my carport.

 

[Dieselnerd]

I'm not thrilled that the lower section weight has increased from about 75# to 125#. No problem for me to throw 75# into the bed of the truck, but will need help to get 125# up there safely. Maybe I'll have to devise some type of lift system from the overhead beams in my carport.

I'm still fairly strong but I'm 79 and getting 125 pounds in my truck isn't easy. I bought a simple game hoist for lifting deer. It lifts over 300 pounds and was around $25 to buy online. Hooks to a beam in my garage and makes it easy to lift the base.

 

[TMRoper1669]

I would definitely get the new base, I really like mine it super easy to get out and it up's your towing capacity. I went through the same thing when I bought my new truck and I'm glad I went to the puck and sold my old companion.