Why Does Replacement Head for B&W Compnaion BWRVK3500 Have Higher Weight Capacity

Question:

The RVK3500 is rated at 20k this head is rated at 25k. Are there any differences from the head sold originally with the base and this head? Or is it exactly the same and it’s just the RVK3500 base that has the different weight rating? I get that the single point connection will have a lesser weight rating. I’m assuming they use the same head on multiple base options. Just want to make sure the head is what I’m familiar with. Thanks again.

asked by: Kenny

Expert Reply:

That is a good question. The B&W Companion Replacement Head Assembly # BWRVC3006, as you suspected, is used for more than one Companion 5th wheel hitch and some do feature this higher overall 25,000 pound towing weight capacity. This is why it has a higher weight capacity by itself than the 20K rated Base # BWRVB3500.

This Replacement Head though is an exact replacement for what you currently have and will work just like what you are familiar with. This is the original and a direct replacement for your B&W Companion # BWRVK3500,

A hitch setup will always be limited by its weakest component, which is why this hitch sports the lower 20,000 pound rating of the base instead of the higher rating of the head assembly.

expert reply by: Chris R