Product Details
The Single-Point Companion features a clean, level bed when not in use. Installation is a breeze. Drop the post on the base into the hole in the bed, latch into place in the wheel well, and tighten the drawdown bolt. Then set the couple on the arms and pin in place. If you have a short bed truck and anticipate a lot of tight turns you should consider a slider.
- The Single-Point Fifth Wheel Hitch handle operates effortlessly and never leaves you in a bind, thanks to the use of a cam.
- When the handle is open, the cam moves out of the way allowing the jaws to open when you pull away and uncouple.
- When the handle is closed, the cam prevents the jaw from opening, preventing accidental release.
We set out to build a fifth wheel hitch with the smoothest ride in the industry. Our jaws are machined to precisely fit your coupler, so there isn't room for sloppiness. A shock absorber allows side-to-side movement without slamming. The whole coupler rides on polyurethane bushings that absorb roughness from the road.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
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 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 conjunction 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 concerned 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 color is the Companion? I can't tell from the pictures.
The Companion has a medium gray powder-coat finish.
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 American made graphite lube disc. https://www.bwtrailerhitches.com/products/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.
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 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.
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