Is B&W Companion Hitch a Good Replacement for Gooseneck Hitch Setup

Question:

I was strongly considering replacing my Goose neck horse trailer hitch with Companion 5th Wheel 3500 to improve safety, ease of coupling and decrease bucking. I already have the appropriate BandW hitch in the 8 ft bed of F350. But my horse trailer expert informs me that the nylon cushioned joints will wear out quickly due to continuous movement of our horse in the trailer. Would you agree with this statement? He has installed a few but also states the height level adjustment is difficult. I have measured the distance with my trailer level and dont believe height will be a problem due to 16 1/4 or 18 1/4 heights from the bed available at the Pivot arms. I would imagine the only part that could wear out would be the two black tipped companion pivot arm mounts that the head units rests on. With regular lithium grease lubrication I would doubt they would wear out. These pivot arms are $49.00 each. I was also unable to find the exact distances on the 7/8 inch holes measured to the plate on the Bulldog Gooseneck to 5th wheel trailer coupler inner tube. BD0289640300

asked by: Gregory S

Helpful Expert Reply:

You are going to be very happy with the B and W Companion Hitch part # BWRVK3500 which will fit directly to your B and W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch. This is viewed by many as the nicest fifth wheel hitch around and we know it will work well for you.

To wear out components of this hitch would take years and years of use and quite a bit of mileage. I would be highly surprised if that was ever and issue for you. We have yet to have someone come back and ask about parts which have worn out and these hitches are very popular and been out for a number of years. Horse trailers don't typically use fifth wheel trailers so I would wonder how much experience a horse trailer expert has with a fifth wheel setup. Fifth wheels are normally seen on campers whereas goosenecks are normally used on agricultural applications.

Height adjustment is not that difficult either. And you only have to do it once so it's not a reoccurring thing.

On the Bulldog fifth wheel tube part # BD0289640300 the distance between the adjustment holes are 2-3/4 inches.

expert reply by: Jameson C