Great Hitch

[PLevesque]

I just installed a B&W Turnover Hitch and was very impressed with the quality and precise installation. It fit like it was meant to be there. I don't plan on using it for a gooseneck trailer, but wanted a smooth bed when not pulling the fifth wheel. Today I received the companion 5th wheel hitch and was even more impressed. I just wanted to let those of you that are considering such a hitch to look at B&W. All I needed to buy to install it was a $20, 4" hole saw at Home Depot. You will need help to get the center plate in position. I used a sawhorse and cable puller thru the hole to hold it in place for bolting. The directions are great... follow them to the letter and measure for the hole more than once!

 

[Crash&Burn]

Does the weight of the 5th hitch set on the bed? Or does it tranfer to the frame somehow?

 

[RJOL]

Does the weight of the 5th hitch set on the bed? Or does it tranfer to the frame somehow?

The "Companion" hitch sits on the truck bed, but all the main weight is carried by a post that transfers the weight to the bed rails.

 

[MLee]

I just installed a B&W Turnover Hitch and was very impressed with the quality and precise installation. It fit like it was meant to be there. I don't plan on using it for a gooseneck trailer, but wanted a smooth bed when not pulling the fifth wheel. Today I received the companion 5th wheel hitch and was even more impressed. I just wanted to let those of you that are considering such a hitch to look at B&W. All I needed to buy to install it was a $20, 4" hole saw at Home Depot. You will need help to get the center plate in position. I used a sawhorse and cable puller thru the hole to hold it in place for bolting. The directions are great... follow them to the letter and measure for the hole more than once!

Did you take any pictures? Did you do the install your self? I am thinking of one of these to install in mine cause I want the flat floor and I am looking for input on 5th wheel hitches.

Marv.

 

[CumminsPower98]

Much of the weight is transfered directly from the hitch through the bed to the goose neck cross members which lie directly beneath. The only thing between is the flat sheet metal of the bed (it doesn't sit on the bed cross members that could crush). Some weight may also be transmitted through the center post but I bet its minimal. The reason I think most of the weight is on the bed is that when installed you must suck the companion down (40 ft. lbs. ), which pulls up on the mounting post so this would in turn be pulling it down to the bed where most if not all the weight rests. As far as I can see the center posts main purpose is to hold the hitch in place, not carry weight.

I agree, these are very nice pieces. I also bought my goose neck for the sole purpose of mounting the 5th wheel hitch so as to have a clean bed floor when removed. I have yet to hook up a goose neck trailer but I used the companion 5h wheel hitch for 2. 5 years transporting RVs and its still tight and works like new. I really like the positive grip of the jaws on the king pin, there is no slop whatsoever.

I have a couple pictures of my hitch back when it was new here: Picasa Web Albums - Mark - Truck Stuff
I don't have any of the goose neck part though.

 

[JCasper]

So what would you guys say to a used one for $200.



I think I am going to pick up a turnover ball this weekend.

 

[oneshotkyle]

wouldn't have it any other way, b&w with the companion hitch was a great decision in my truck.

 

[MLee]

Acording to B&W's web site, the install section, there is a 2" bolt that holds the companion in place, is this correct? or, is there a pole that it slides down and is held in place. If it is the bolt set up, what keeps it from turning? how is it mounted and keeped in the right place?.

Marv.

 

[RJOL]

If you go to their site, you can see photos of the hitch. You can also go to their support page and download installation instructions.



B&W Custom Truck Beds, Inc.

 

[RVTRKN]

If you go to B&W Custom Truck Beds, Inc. you will see the quality and if you read the testimonials (Steven Wright) you will see the letter I wrote B&W, for the awesome Elite flat bed I purchased. I have many pics of the Companion 5th Wheel hitch and supports during production if your interested, when I toured the factory. There's a sample of the pics below, and you can see the the precise welding in the supports.



Steve...

 

[PLevesque]

Actually, the plate under the bed is tight under the bed itself and the cross-members that it bolts to rests directly on the frame members. Bottom line is, because of the close tolerences, even minimal deflection of the system transfers the load directly to the frame. I did install it myself (with the help of my son). I am too fussy to have someone else do it. I am picking up a new Keystone Cougar in a week or two and can't wait to try it out. That new engine needs a good pull with only 2000 miles on it.