Can you Get a 90-Degree Turn out of a B&W Companion Slider on a 2003 Dodge Ram Pickup Short Bed

Question:

Hello I need your help to choose the right hitch. I have a 2003 Dodge 2500 diesel with the 6.5 short bed. with the BandW turn over ball gooseneck hitch. I have a 2008 Palomino Puma 5th wheel model f253fbs. The width of the camper is 9ft108 inches and the BandW gooseneck ball is 32 inches to the cabin. the formula I saw X-y=z gave me -22. So I would need a 5th wheel hitch. right? I saw the BandW Companion Slider RVB 3405. should this work?. hopefully with the numbers that I provide can help you do the math and make sure this will work. I really dont know how much clearance this will give me, can you tell? also can I drive the camper with the slider down to have the clearance or is just for maneuvering. Thank you.

asked by: Nino S

Expert Reply:

You will definitely need the B&W Companion Slider, part # BWRVK3400. As for the numbers, it looks like the 32" - 54" = -22" is correct. That number seems high though, so you might want to check those measurements again.

Either way, the Companion Slider has 12" of travel, so you won't be able to make a full 90-degree turn. That's okay because many people can still pull their 5th wheels without needing to make a full 90-degree turn. You will just need to test drive this in a parking lot or somewhere open first to get the feel of how far you can turn before the camper gets close to the cab. A friend on the outside signaling you would be helpful.

This hitch is meant to be in the locked position when towing. The slider function is just for maneuvering. I've linked to a video review where this is explained at the 2:11 mark.

expert reply by: Kef G