Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Companion install?

One of the reasons the Companion is so innovative is because the mounting system is beneath the bed of the truck, mounted to the frame. This mounting system includes a four-inch hole in the bed. The Companion base has a square post that fits into this hole.

After the Companion base is set into the mounting hole, a lever in the wheelwell is turned, engaging a pin through the post. A draw-down bolt on top of the post creates upward pressure on the pin. A locking bracket holds the bolt in place.

The last step is locking the coupler portion of the hitch on top of the base.

I have seen products, such as converters and extenders that say they can be used with your products. Is it true?

At B&W, there is nothing more important to us than the safety of our customers. Because of our commitment to exceptional design and quality, we often see products on the market that refer to B&W products or state that they can be used with B&W products. As a rule of thumb, we do not recommend any products that is used in conjuction with our mounting system that has not been manufactured and tested by B&W, even if that product states it can be used with B&W products. Doing so will void our warranty, but more importantly, could create a safety issue.

We have been made aware of a product that is of special concern. This product replaces the pin box on a 5th wheel trailer and changes the pivot point from the hitch jaws to a point rearward of the hitch. It is our opinion that this configuration creates stress loads that fall outside the normal testing done on 5th wheel hitches. We are concerened that moving the pivot point rearward as much as 20 inches puts stress on the hitch (and the truck) that has not been widely studied. Therefore, we strongly discourage the use of our Companion 5th Wheel Hitch with one of these pin boxes. Any product that prevents the king pin from rotating within the jaws of the Companion with a wedge or other device and moves the center of rotation to a point other than the locking jaws should not be used with the Companion.

When the Companion was engineered, the goal was to raise the bar in the 5th Wheel Hitch industry. We did that by offering a truly versatile hitch that has many desirable features including jaws that tightly fit the king, and a coupler that is cushioned and pivots in four directions. We also championed the ability to have a rail-free bed when not towing, with a single point attachment to the mounting system. The result is a sturdy, high quality hitch with a superb safety record. This document in no way challenges the quality of the Companion.

Can I use the Companion with my short bed truck?

The short answer is yes, many folks towing fifth-wheel trailers with shortbed trucks successfully use the Companion.

There are many factors to consider when addressing the issue of cab clearance. To answer the question for you specific truck and trailer, pay attention to the following:

1. Pin Box Location - Is the Kingpin even with the front of the trailer, or is it recessed behind the front of the trailer? Some 5th wheel manufacturer's have compensated for the prevalence of shortbed trucks by building extended kingpin boxes.

2. Type of trailer and shape. Narrower trailers allow a tighter turning radius. Trailers that are built with rounded corners accommodate more cab clearance than squared corners.

3. Finally, the type of maneuvering that will be required while towing. Do you anticipate lots of sharp turns while towing, or is it only highway driving with little or no backing?

Will the Companion work with my bedliner?

Yes. However, if you are using a plastic, drop-in bedliner, you will need to cut a hole in the liner large enough for the Companion base to fit in.

Why won't the jaws on my Companion open when I pull the handle to the open position?

All of B&W's 5th wheel hitches utilize a cam action release for the jaws. When the latch handle is secured in the closed position, the jaws will stay locked around the kingpin of your trailer for towing. When the latch handle is moved to the open position, the tension on the jaws is released, even though they may not visibly pop open. If your truck and trailer are on uneven ground, there may be a slight bind between the jaws and trailer kingpin. This is normal. With the cam mechanism open, there is a nothing holding the jaws together. Ensure that the handle pin is in place, keeping the handle in the locked open position, then simply pull forward. The jaws will open and you'll be unhitched from your trailer.

What are the differences between the Companion 3000 and the Companion 3500?

The Companion 3500, released in October 2013, is an updated version of the Companion 3000 that essentially hadn't changed in ten years. The coupler is exactly the same, but a few updates were given to the base of the hitch. These include: the base is now equipped with plastic 'feet' that fill in the bed corrugations. There is more height adjustment (max height of 3000 was 16.75", max height of the 3500 is 18.25"). The post is affixed to the hitch using bolts, rather than u-bolts, and now the entire hitch is rated at 20K, rather than 18K.

What color is the Companion? I can't tell from the pictures.

The Companion has a medium gray powder-coat finish.

How does the Companion install?

One of the reasons the Companion is so innovative is because the mounting system (commonly referred to as 'rails') are beneath the bed of the truck, mounted to the frame. This mounting system includes a four inch hole in the bed that a post can be dropped into. The Companion base has a square post that fits into this hole. After the Companion base is set into the mounting hole, a lever in the wheelwell is turned, engaging a pin through the post. A drawdown bolt on top of the post creates upward pressure on the pin. The last step is locking the coupler protion of the hitch on top of the base.

Do I need to use a lube disc with the Companion?

You do not need a lube disc when pulling your RV. Using a lube disc is a matter of preference. While utilizing a lube disc is a much cleaner option, you can simply apply an automotive type chassis grease to the top plate of the hitch. If you would prefer a greaseless option, we highly recommend our Amercan made graphite lube disc. https://www.bwtrailerhitches.com/product/graphite-lube-plate

Can I purchase the base separate from the Companion coupler?

Yes, since all of our hitches in the Companion line use the same coupler head, you may purchase the base that works best for you. Depending on your needs, we offer both stationary and slider versions for the Ram, GM and Ford factory prep packages, as well as the Flat Bed and single point attachment Companion that mount into the Turnoverball.

How do I remove my Companion Model 3000 so I can use my truck for other things?

Removing & Reinstalling the Companion Model 3000 If there are two U-bolts attached to the RV post on your Companion base, you have the older model 3000. Uninstalling the hitch is a process of several steps.

1. Remove the two saddle lock pins holding the RV coupler to the RV pivot arms. The coupler is now sitting loosely on the pivot arms and can be lifted off and set aside using the handles located on either side of the coupler.

2. Loosen the nuts on the two U-bolts that attach to the RV post.

3. Loosen the draw-down bolt holding the RV base to the RV post.

4. Pull the latch pin handle, located in the driver’s side, rear fender and rotate it clockwise until it latches in the out position. The RV base and post can now be lifted from the hitch receiver socket in the bed. The base weighs 98 lbs and can be awkward to handle, so having two people or a mechanic’s lift to do the lifting makes for an easier and safer operation. Once the base has been removed, the Turnoverball can be dropped into the receiver socket. If you want to use your truck for something other than towing, just turn the ball over. Turn the latch pin handle counterclockwise until it engages and you’re ready to go.

When reinstalling your Companion, it’s important that the steps are conducted in the proper order .

1. Make sure the latch pin in the wheel well is pulled out and locked in the out position. Place the Companion base back in the truck bed, making sure the post slides all the way into the hitch receiver socket. Engage the latch pin by rotating the handle counterclockwise.

2. Tighten the draw-down bolt in the top of the post to 40 ft-lb with a torque wrench.

3. Next, tighten the nuts on the two U-bolts to 80 ft-lb each. It is very important that the draw-down bolt is tightened before the U-bolts are tightened. Also, you should not be able to disengage the latch pin in the wheel well when the base is installed correctly.

4. Lubricate the polyurethane bushings on the pivot arms with high grade lithium grease. Set the coupler on the pivot arms and replace the lock pins through the RV saddle, making sure to insert the hairpins through the holes in the end of the pins. The coupler should rock freely on the pivot arms. Your Companion is now ready to use. If you need more information go to: www.turnoverball.com. Go to RV Hitches. On the Companion page, click on the Instructions Tab for further information.

How do I remove my Companion Model 3500 so I can use my truck for other things?

Removing & Reinstalling The Companion Model 3500 If you have the newer model 3500 Companion, the process is a bit quicker because there are no U-bolts.

2. Swivel the locking bracket on the draw-down bolt out of the way and loosen the bolt.

3. Pull the latch pin handle, located in the driver’s side, rear fender and rotate it clockwise until it latches out. The RV base, with the post attached, can now be lifted out of the hitch socket. The base of the 3500 weighs 129 lbs and can be awkward to handle, so having two people or a mechanic’s lift to lift it up and out of the bed makes for an easier and safer operation. Once the base has been removed, the Turnoverball can be dropped into the receiver socket. If you want to use your truck for something other than towing, just invert the ball to plug the hole. Turn the latch pin handle counterclockwise until it engages and you’re ready to go.

To reinstall your Companion follow these steps.

1. Make sure the latch pin in the wheel well is pulled out and locked in the out position. Place the Companion base back in the truck bed, placing the post in the hitch receiver socket. Engage the latch pin by rotating the handle counter clockwise.

2. Tighten the draw-down bolt in the top of the post to 60 ft-lb with a torque wrench. Make sure to lock the draw down bolt in place by swiveling the locking bracket over the head of the bolt. You should not be able to disengage the latch pin in the wheel well when the base is installed correctly.

3. Lubricate the polyurethane bushings on the pivot arms with high grade lithium grease. Set the coupler on the pivot arms and replace the lock pins through the RV saddle, making sure to insert the hairpins through the holes in the end of the pins. The coupler should rock freely on the pivot arms. Your Companion is now ready to use. If you need more information go to: www.turnoverball.com. Go to RV Hitches. On the Companion page, click on the Instructions Tab for further information.

Can I use a wedge device with my Companion fifth wheel hitch?

Using a wedge and pin box coupler is acceptable with the Patriot and Companion models that use a four-point puck attachment system. A wedge and pin box coupler should not be used with Companion and Companion slider which both mount using the Turnoverball under bed mounting system. The forces generated at that single attachment point by a wedge device can damage the hitch and cause it to fail.

I have had our camper crease the corners of my cab. I am looking at your Companion Slider hitch and was wondering if the hitches can be locked into any position? Is there anything detrimental to pulling in the rearward position?

The Companion Slider slides back 12" and locks in that position during tight turning maneuvers. The 12” of adjustment to the back should only be used when extra turning room is needed, and only while operating the tow vehicle at a manuvering speed. For regular towing, the Companion should always be locked in the forward position. Towing with the slider hitch in the back position places the trailer tongue weight behind the rear vehicle axle which may cause unsafe driving characteristics in your vehicle.

I have a Companion Slider RVK3400, and I see now that you only offer the RVK3405. What's the difference?

In January of 2016, we introduced the higher rated 20K RVK3405. The previous model, the RVK3400, was rated at 18K. Due to customer demand for the higher rated RV hitches, we determined that the new 3405 would be the hitch we offered exclusively.

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Gooseneck Towing Systems

Gooseneck Couplers

Single-Mounted Attachment

Puck-Mounted Attachment

Rail-Mounted Attachment

Ball Mounts

Weight Distribution

Receiver Hitches

Motorcycle Mounts

Cab Protector

Experience

Warranty & Registration

Level Bed

Let us get out of your way

Effortless

Our handle works, even in a bind

Quiet Ride

You might forget you're towing

Adjustable

Clearance for your cab and bed sides is built in

Slider Option

Short bed? No problem.

Additional Features

Lifetime Warranty

Made in the USA

SAE J-2638 Certified

Long-lasting Finish

Award-Winning

Only a 4” Hole Required

CHOOSE YOUR COMPANION

No Companion is complete without a Turnoverball

Accessories

Accessories

Companion Cover

Protect your investment with a vinyl cover

Graphite Lube Plate

A great alternative to grease

Lifting Device

Removing your hitch just got easier

Frequently Asked Questions

Instructional Videos

Documents

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