B&W Companion - short bed 2500 Help

[RBellah]

I need some help, Im in process of buying a 2005 Alpenlite Augusta with an factory extended pin box. Since I have a short bed will the B&W companion work with this setup? I like the turnover ball setup. I do not want to buy the slider unless its a must have and with the factory extended pin box I am thinking I will be ok... whats your thoughts. Thanks

 

[Wertles]

It looks like the Augusta has a flat front, not curved. I am not sure you are going to have enough room to make sharp turns comfortably. I had a Jayco with a flat front end and ran without a slider for a while but that was only because I knew the campgrounds that I was going to and knew that I didn't have to crank the trailer in. Once I got traveling more, I got a slider and I am glad I did. I have needed it many times since. Yes, it is a small pain but it is so much better than having the truck in the shop getting the rear of the cab pulled out. Just my experience and . 02.

 

[Jim W]

I have had two different trucks, both short beds and two different 5er's. With my first combination of a 2001 Chevy extend cab SB and 2006 Ameri-Camp with extended pin box. I hit the cab and broke the rear window when backing into the driveway, at my house. I got distracted and forgot to extend the slider hitch.

This was the only time, I have hit the cab but it was a lesson I will never forget. Since then I have always extended the slider hitch when backing up in my driveway and in camp grounds.

I have never found the need to use the slider hitch when traveling on the highway or city streets. More than enough room to maneuver thru the streets between the truck and 5er.

So for the piece of mind I would get a slider hitch with a SB truck. It is like the man said pay me now or pay me later, your call. But the rear window and truck/5er damage will be more than a slider hitch in cost.

Jim W.

 

[RustyJC]

I can only relate the experience of a fellow member of our Texas Boomers RVing group who has a B&W hitch in his QC short bed 3rd generation Dodge and is towing an Everest 5th wheel. Both cab C-pillars are smashed in at the rear of the cab, and he's replaced the back window as well.



Rusty

 

[TMRoper1669]

I need some help, Im in process of buying a 2005 Alpenlite Augusta with an factory extended pin box. Since I have a short bed will the B&W companion work with this setup? I like the turnover ball setup. I do not want to buy the slider unless its a must have and with the factory extended pin box I am thinking I will be ok... whats your thoughts. Thanks

There should be no problems with using the B&W Companion with 90% of the new Fifth Wheels. I was concerned about the same thing however I have used my Companion with the last 2 Fver's I had. Check out the pictures. Keep in mind that you must pay attention to the turning radius. I have been close a few times but nothing ever hit, I have made several complete U-Turns on unlevel ground fine, but beware of the possibility.

 

[wyhog1]

Companion hitch works great

I have a 2006 Dodge Dually Mega-Cab and the companion hitch works fine... I pull a 2010 37 foot Montana Mountaineer... . it has the tapered front end and allows enough clearance to make u-turns or back into tight spots... . I am always carefull to watch and make sure... . but the B&W compainion hitch is built the best and you keep the flat bed if needed.

Hope this helps you. .

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

I have a QC long bed with the B&W Companion. My tool box sticks up a bit and I am in the about the same pickle as if I had a SB (minus the cab/rear glass thing). Keeping this in mind, I'm always cautious while backing.



I know that the toolbox can be replaced in a couple minutes for a couple hundred $$$ if damaged.



Just be patient use a spotter (if needed) and PAY ATTENTION while backing and don't stress too much if you have to block a road to make a 20 point turn or make someone wait a few seconds. They'll eventually get over it!!

 

[HBarlow]

There should be no problems with using the B&W Companion with 90% of the new Fifth Wheels. I was concerned about the same thing however I have used my Companion with the last 2 Fver's I had. Check out the pictures. Keep in mind that you must pay attention to the turning radius. I have been close a few times but nothing ever hit, I have made several complete U-Turns on unlevel ground fine, but beware of the possibility.

It is not the B&W fifthwheel that is allowing you to tow that trailer with that truck, it is the extended kingpin box on your trailer. With an ordinary kingpin box your results would not be as good.

 

[Woycikracing]

I have used the Companion on a ford super doodie with short box pulling 1999 28' Keystone Sprinter with no issues backing or turning. The Companion allows some generous adjustments to the "uprights" and I had mine all the way to the back. With my new 8' bed 2500 RAM (two weeks old yesterday!) this no longer an issue. I really like the B&W gooseneck/5th wheel combo, little more pricey than just a bolt in 5er hitch, but well worth it IMHO.

 

[RBellah]

Thanks for all your replys this is a great site and a lot of help.

 

[starkmr]

I had a 96 3/4 gasser short bed and a 98 QC SWB w/Cummins that towed a square front trailer. I had a tight spot to get into at our campground but accomplished the feat without issue. I just paid close attention to what was happening with clearance. Your mileage may vary.