Recommended B&W Companion Slider for a Turnover Ball System

Question:

I’m hoping you can help me decide on a hitch now that I’ve had my turnover ball hitch installed. I’m on the fence looking at an Anderson hitch assembly and the Companion 5th wheel slider. Could you tell me the advantages and disadvantages between the two please. Again my truck is a 2015 Chevrolet LTZ single rear wheel Duramax 4X4 and I will be pulling a 36’ to 40’ trailer. My concerns are having enough room or clearance between cab of truck and the nose of the trailer. Thanks in advance for your help . P.S. please include model numbers of recommendations. Thanks again,

asked by: Mike D

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help you. Since you already have the Turnover Ball Hitch item # BWGNRK1012 installed in your 2015 Silverado 3500 I recommend going with the Companion Slider item # BWRVK3400-5W. B&W makes the best hitches in the towing business and is by far the best choice over the Anderson. The square receiver on the Companion base will drop right down into your Turnover ball system for a secure connection.

The B&W Companion Slider item # BWRVK3400-5W will give you 12" of travel from front to back to help with tight turns and backing into spaces. The Companion has a 20,000 lbs capacity and has 1" thick dual jaws that will give you a 360-degree jaw to kingpin contact.

The only disadvantage I can see for the B&W is that it is heavy. The Companion Slider weighs in at 277 lbs but you can use the B&W 5th Wheel Lifting Device item # BWRVXA3130 to help you move it.

The Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System item # AM3200 is light weight and is significantly cheaper in price and quality compared to the B&W Companion Slider. I don't recommend using this or any other Anderson 5th wheel hitch over a B&W one. Both hitches are made in America but the B&W Companion is made of steel and most of the Anderson's are made of aluminum.

I have linked a couple of pictures below along with an installation video so you can see the functions of the B&W Companion Slider.

To make towing with a 5th wheel easier I recommend adding the Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 10' Long item # C56000. This harness puts a 7-way connector in the bed of your truck and allows you to keep the one on your bumper. This makes hooking up to your 5th wheel trailer easier and more convenient.