Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch

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.

The Companion has a medium gray powder-coat finish.

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 American made graphite lube disc. https://www.bwtrailerhitches.com/products/graphite-lube-plate

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.

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.

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.

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. When the handles are lifted, they unlock the coupler from the pivot arms.

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.

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.

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 maneuvering 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.

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.