Community Forums

KHBama · 08-09-2018, 11:45 AM

Went to my local truck store to get a spray in bedliner for my Ram 2500, decided to replace my Pro Series 16k hitch with the B&W while I was there... I was kind of sold on the Andersen ultimate hitch because of the weight and ease of removing, but owner told me I would not regret buying the B&W. Hope he’s right!

plasma800 · 08-09-2018, 11:57 AM

Great hitch

wingnut60 · 08-09-2018, 11:59 AM

Have always used a Companion post model, now have the puck model. Great hitches.

KHBama · 08-09-2018, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut60

Have always used a Companion post model, now have the puck model. Great hitches.

Pretty easy to remove when not using? They eliminate any chucking? Thanks

5001craig · 08-09-2018, 12:16 PM

My 5er came with a GN adapter and this year I purchased a 25K rated B&W Companion. I also got a different truck--'18 3500 Ram CTD long bed with rear factory air (love typing that).

I'm not sure if it's the hitch or the rear factory air system on the new truck but the 5er towed much nicer than it did with my last truck ('13 Ram same truck except it was a short bed Megacab with aftermarket air bags). Maybe it was a combination of the two changes.

I use a hoist at work for removal. I tried forklift extensions the first time I removed it and had to "walk" it back from the factory pucks. That was the last time I will do that. Hoist works great. I love this hitch.

Played with the height of the hitch and took this pic. Weight was off the jacks.

Searching_Ut · 08-09-2018, 01:04 PM

As someone that owns both hitches, I think you made the right choice. The only thing the Andersen has going for it is light weight. My B&W is the puck mount, which other than lifting is much easier to install and remove. With the Andersen, you have to climb in the bed with the trailer attached to torque it down, with the B&W just drop in place, turn 4 lock arms and insert safety pins. No tools required provided you can lift it yourself, which is how I do it.

plasma800 · 08-09-2018, 05:48 PM

I have the bw turnover ball style, and no, I dont need to remove it... I could if I had to, but I don’t m, so I won’t.

Not that it’s difficult but you do have to recall the torque numbers on the drawdown plate when you reinstall , so eh... I’ll use my other truck for hauling or a trailer leaving my hitch in place

It does break into two pieces but they are heavy

What I really wish I had was a trailer saver, but dang at that price tag ...

plasma800 · 08-09-2018, 05:51 PM

I have no chucking but I also have a rubber pin box, which I’m sure olaysbinto the equation

And our 5rv is just under 15k loaded! I’m sure that changes the dynamic too

KHBama · 08-09-2018, 06:18 PM

Well got it home and took it out of bed, will be a few weeks before we head out again. That bad boy is sturdy. It is nice to have my truck bed completely back but don’t see me removing it all the time.

KHBama · 08-09-2018, 06:28 PM

Do you guys cover your hitch? I do not have a trifold bed cover

grindstone01 · 08-09-2018, 08:40 PM

I used my new 25K rated B&W Companion w/puck system today with a Chevy 3500 2018. I towed from Indiana to Iowa City and the truck and hitch performed flawless. I also installed a Trail Air pin box from the old MoreRyde rubber pin box and was happy with the ride, even though I-80 is a rough ride through Ill. I need to get a lube plate for the hitch. I use a tri-fold bed cover and I would advise covering the hitch when not in use. I also have a bed mat in the truck and used a 2" hole saw to drill the puck holes through the rubber which allows the hitch sits flat on the bed mat.

plasma800 · 08-10-2018, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KHBama

Do you guys cover your hitch? I do not have a trifold bed cover

I have a roll down viynl bed cover , the access

I hate it and love it

On the one hand it was inexpensive, easily rolls out of the way, it’s soft and easy to maneuver, it keeps my bed covered

On the second hand , the way the rails attach to the truck leaves some to be desired. They fall down easily either on the own or because you grabbed the bed rail edge , put something heavy over the edge and mashed them, ...

All in all it works, and I’d prefer the vinyl over a hard flip up type.

Also my ram bed rails are smooth on the back under side not giving the clips a lot of grip.

It looks silly rolled down to my 5th wheel tailgate with a notch , lol, but hey it keeps the weather off all the same! And I wouldn’t trade my 5rv tailgate for anything

txcpl · 08-11-2018, 04:15 AM

We loved our turnover ball B&W hitch.

If you have the turnover ball hitch, be sure to lightly grease the ball where it mounts into the receiver in the truck bed. That will help removal of the turnover ball tremendously. Been there, done that.

B&W is a great hitch.

Yosemite77 · 08-12-2018, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KHBama

Well got it home and took it out of bed, will be a few weeks before we head out again. That bad boy is sturdy. It is nice to have my truck bed completely back but don’t see me removing it all the time.

I installed a hoist in my garage to lift it out. I store it on a furniture dolly I bought at Home Depot. The combination makes it a breeze to get the hitch out and stowed away.
I’ve also found the hoist to be a huge help for oil changes and for blade removal on my mower. I wish I’d installed one years ago.