BW Companion 5th wheel

[CRHardie]

I’m looking at a used truck that has the factory puck and goose neck system in it. I remember seeing where someone made an adapter that would replace the square post on my companion 5th wheel so it could be used with the factory Ram gooseneck socket. Can’t seem to find it now. Can anyone help?

 

[NIsaacs]

I didn't have any luck with an adapter but I did find this.

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/B-and-W/BWRVB3600.html

And this from e-trailer about it.

https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr...r%20you./RK=2/RS=H.pX8HfQSl3BIhsxeUlj.So._Rg-

 

[AH64ID]

I’m looking at a used truck that has the factory puck and goose neck system in it. I remember seeing where someone made an adapter that would replace the square post on my companion 5th wheel so it could be used with the factory Ram gooseneck socket. Can’t seem to find it now. Can anyone help?

I haven’t seen that before, and I not sure it would work because the OEM GN ball attaches different so it wouldn’t be the same torquing it down.

Get yourself the B&W base that Nissacs posted, or sell what you have and get an all new hitch.

My dad went from the GN B&W to the OEM Puck B&W. We sold the old hitch and bought a new one, which was cheaper than just buying the new base.

 

[wyosteve]

You can still use the 'head' unit on a new base. I had to change my base when I got a truck with the oem pucks. I actually like the new system better than the old one. Seems more secure with the 4 attachment points instead of just the square tube in the middle.

 

[AH64ID]

You can still use the 'head' unit on a new base. I had to change my base when I got a truck with the oem pucks. I actually like the new system better than the old one. Seems more secure with the 4 attachment points instead of just the square tube in the middle.

It’s much more secure with the pucks.

We found that it would be more expensive to just get a new base than selling the old unit and buying a new one. Used B&W hitches hold their value well.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Had a 20k Companion in my 11 DRW. Sold it first call on CL. Bought the REAL thing with the 4 puck attachments and have not looked back for my 15 DRW!!!

 

[CRHardie]

The dealer didn’t want to deal so I didn’t get that truck. I found a 2015 that already had a BW hitch in it so I’m good with my current 5th wheel setup. The plate seems to sit more towards the rear of the truck than it did in my 06. Might have to make some changes. Will see as we will be heading out with it next week

 

[AH64ID]

The dealer didn’t want to deal so I didn’t get that truck. I found a 2015 that already had a BW hitch in it so I’m good with my current 5th wheel setup. The plate seems to sit more towards the rear of the truck than it did in my 06. Might have to make some changes. Will see as we will be heading out with it next week

Congrats on the new truck!!!

Yes they seat further aft in the 4th Gen trucks. On my dads 2017 we flipped the post around on the B&W hitch to keep the weight forward of the rear axle.

 

[CRHardie]

Congrats on the new truck!!!

Yes they seat further aft in the 4th Gen trucks. On my dads 2017 we flipped the post around on the B&W hitch to keep the weight forward of the rear axle.

I was looking at it and that looks like what it needs. Thank you for the reply. I’m looking forward to towing with this truck. Dropping the camper on it almost brings it down level. Not sure why they build these trucks so tall. Previous owner installed a set of air bags but I’m not really sure they need any air in them. I dropped the pressure down to 2 pounds from the 20 they had and it seems to sit pretty good

 

[endoscott]

5 pounds is the minimum recommended for at least the Firestone airbags to prevent damage.

 

[AH64ID]

I was looking at it and that looks like what it needs. Thank you for the reply. I’m looking forward to towing with this truck. Dropping the camper on it almost brings it down level. Not sure why they build these trucks so tall. Previous owner installed a set of air bags but I’m not really sure they need any air in them. I dropped the pressure down to 2 pounds from the 20 they had and it seems to sit pretty good

It’s hard to tell, but the photo looks like the truck is a 2500.

They are tall because the coils are softer than the 3500 leaf springs and they drop more under the same weight. The 2500 coil spring trucks have the highest empty tailgate height of all the HD trucks.

Air bags need at least 5 psi in them to prevent damage.

If it is a 2500 then you will really benefit from more than 5 pai in the bags towing since the coil springs are fairly inboard, but the airbags are more outboard so you will gain lateral stability.

If it’s a 3500 then disregard all that, aside from the 5 psi minimum. On the 3500 springs you want to let the springs drop about 1.5” and then use the airbags to hold that height for the best stability.

 

[CRHardie]

It’s hard to tell, but the photo looks like the truck is a 2500.

They are tall because the coils are softer than the 3500 leaf springs and they drop more under the same weight. The 2500 coil spring trucks have the highest empty tailgate height of all the HD trucks.

Air bags need at least 5 psi in them to prevent damage.

If it is a 2500 then you will really benefit from more than 5 pai in the bags towing since the coil springs are fairly inboard, but the airbags are more outboard so you will gain lateral stability.

If it’s a 3500 then disregard all that, aside from the 5 psi minimum. On the 3500 springs you want to let the springs drop about 1.5” and then use the airbags to hold that height for the best stability.

Thanks again. It is a 2500 and there was nothing in the truck about the air bags. Was hoping the previous owner left the manual for them but no luck. I haven’t spent enough time under it to see if they are Firestone or not. Changing the hitch now and then back under the trailer and probably a spin around the block