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B&W 5th wheel

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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 05:39 PM
  #1  
Krob's Avatar
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From: Germany but my Heart is in Eastern Oregon
B&W 5th wheel

Ive got a B&W turn over goose and they have a 5th wheel drop in type thing has anyone used them? How do they work, are they any good etc?
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 07:06 PM
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I have the Turnoverball, and will be getting the Companion 5th wheel hitch if I can ever afford a 5th wheel. Anyway, the Companion hitch has a great reputation and is supposed to be a great hitch.
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 08:55 PM
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I got it. It's built real strong and works great. Easy to install and remove.
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 09:16 PM
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I have one, and no longer have a 5th wheel. What is it worth to you? I used it for 75k miles. it worked flawlessly.
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 10:02 PM
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how hard are they to remove/install? do you have to remove the bed?
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 10:09 PM
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Nope. They bolt rite in and it only takes an hour or two. Have a budie along to help hold it in place while bolting it up. The only thing you have to remove is the spare tire.

That is the Goosneck hich. The 5th wheel companion that they are talking abought just drops in in a matter of seconds after that. They are a second unit that you have to buy to convert the goosneck hich to a 5th wheel hitch.
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 11:31 PM
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From: Germany but my Heart is in Eastern Oregon
Thanks guys.
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Old Aug 17, 2007 | 02:01 PM
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From: Piney Flats, TN
GREAT PRODUCT and very well built. I have had mine for over a year with out any problems. Really easy to take in and out of the bed. Although an expensive route to a 5er hitch, having a clean bed in "the off season" is great.
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Old Aug 17, 2007 | 06:27 PM
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RAF
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From: Egg Harbor City, NJ
Robins, Are you interested in ironbutt's offer???
Originally Posted by ironbutt
I have one, and no longer have a 5th wheel. What is it worth to you? I used it for 75k miles. it worked flawlessly.
If not. ironbutt what would you like to get for it?
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Old Aug 18, 2007 | 06:40 AM
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From: Oregon
I really like mine, too. Install is pretty easy. A stool or sawhorse and a ratcheting tie down works well to hold the center section in place while you bolt it in. Also, measure twice (or more) before you cut the 4" hole...

As far as installing the companion, it drops into the same socket. Once you turn the handle to lock it in with the cross bar, there's a bolt that gets torqued to 40 ft/lbs to draw the hitch tight to the bed, then 4 nuts on 2 U bolts get tightened... It's a bit more involved than pulling pins, but it leaves the bed flat when removed.

I think there's a photo in my gallery...
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Old Aug 18, 2007 | 12:49 PM
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Krob's Avatar
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From: Germany but my Heart is in Eastern Oregon
Thanks guys. Ironbut and RAF im not interested in it now.
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Old Aug 18, 2007 | 04:04 PM
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A Tip

If you leave all or some of the pin weight on your hitch, you should be able to pull your release handle under the truck bed and remove the companion without having to loosen your torqued bolts. Then when it's time to use again drop it back into the hole, hook up your trailer, then put the rod back in.
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Old Aug 18, 2007 | 05:30 PM
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Jeff in TD's Avatar
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Interesting idea. I'll have to try that.

I always carry a torque wrench and a set of deep wells in the truck anyway, for lug nuts or whatever, but that would be handier.
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Old Aug 26, 2007 | 10:19 AM
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From: near Norris TN
Homer S: If you can do that with the release pin you are not using the hitch correctly!!! You torque the post bolt to 40lbs then torque the hitch bolts down! That way the pin can;t come out while you are towing!!!
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Old Aug 26, 2007 | 12:24 PM
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I also have the BW with the companion 5th hitch. It works well and it is not that difficult or time consuming to switch from gooseneck to 5th wheel and back.

I read this post the other day: "If you leave all or some of the pin weight on your hitch, you should be able to pull your release handle under the truck"

I didn't expect it would work but thought why not give it a try. I pulled on the release handle with the 5th wheel loaded - it did not move as it would if the post bolt was removed.

As Gene pointed out if you follow the proper sequence of installing the companion hitch, you first torque the post bolt which puts a load on the release pin and the weight of the fifth wheel does not release that load.

I would buy this set up again - it works for me.

George
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