Why Won't B&W Patriot Slider Work with Curt X5 5th Wheel Base Rails Adapter for B&W Turnoverball

Question:

I am looking for a solution to configure my gooseneck hitch on my 2017 Ram 2500 with BMW Turnover gooseneck hitch installed to tow a 5th wheel camper. From what I’ve seem so far, a X5 Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Adapter Plate with Square Shank should work perfectly, even with a BMW Patriot 18K slider hitch so I can tow a 5th wheel trailer and keep my gooseneck set up. Everything on manufacturers websites seem to suggest this configuration would work fine, however, your specs page on this item notes that this product will not work with my truck or my 5th wheel hitch. Can you give me more information about why this wouldn’t work and where I can find that on the manufacturers websites? Also, could you maybe suggest an alternate solution? Thanks!

asked by: Will K

Expert Reply:

If you have the B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitch, you really should be using the B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # BWRVK3400 as it's one of the best, if not the best fifth wheel hitches on the market and it's designed specifically for this gooseneck hitch. The B&W Companion has extra thick locking jaws that grip the king pin tight to provide a smoother ride, the cam-action handle allows for uncoupling on uneven terrain, and the removable head will save your back when taking the hitch out. It costs a bit more than some of the other options out there but it's well worth it, buy once cry once.

If you already have a fifth wheel hitch you want to use, you can make this compatible with an adapter like the Curt X5 5th Wheel Base Rails Adapter part # 16310. However, I don't like this solution as it is going to add more height to your fifth wheel hitch making it harder to level the trailer and more weight therefore straining your back each time when removed. It's also not compatible with certain fifth wheel hitches such as the B&W Patriot Slider 5th Wheel Hitch part # BWRVK3270. The slide mechanism on the hitch won't work with the base of the adapter therefore stopping you from sliding the hitch to the rear when making tight turns. There are also a few others out there that are incompatible which is again why I don't like this option for most people.

expert reply by: Conner L