If you've spent any time at a campground lately, you've probably seen a b and w companion fifth wheel hitch sitting in the bed of a heavy-duty pickup. It's one of those pieces of gear that people tend to get a little obsessed with, and honestly, once you use one, it isn't hard to see why. Towing a massive fifth wheel can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you're dealing with a hitch that's noisy, jerky, or just feels flimsy. The Companion has built a reputation for being the exact opposite of that.
One of the first things people notice about this hitch isn't even the hitch itself, but the clever way it connects to the truck. It's designed to work with the B&W Turnoverball under-bed mounting system. This means you don't have those permanent rails bolted into your truck bed. If you've ever had "standard" rails, you know they're a total pain when you're trying to haul a sheet of plywood or some mulch because everything gets hung up on those metal tracks. With this setup, when you aren't towing, you pull the hitch out, flip the ball, and you've got a completely flat bed again. It's a small detail that makes a huge difference for anyone who actually uses their truck as a truck.
The Secret to a Quiet Ride
Let's talk about the "chucking" and "bucking" that usually comes with towing. If you've towed with a cheap hitch, you know that annoying feeling where it feels like the trailer is trying to play tug-of-war with your truck every time you hit a bump or change speeds. The b and w companion fifth wheel hitch handles this differently because of its fully articulating head.
The head moves side-to-side and front-to-back. It's not just a stiff piece of steel; it actually works with the movement of the trailer. This creates a much smoother ride. You don't get that jarring metal-on-metal clunking because the tolerances are so tight. When you lock the trailer into those one-inch thick cast jaws, it stays put. There's almost no "slop" in the connection. It's one of those things you have to feel to appreciate—the first time you hit a bridge expansion joint and don't feel like your neck is going to snap, you'll be a fan for life.
Built Like a Tank
There is no getting around it: this thing is heavy. If you're looking for something lightweight that you can toss around with one hand, this isn't it. But when you're pulling a 15,000-pound trailer behind you, "lightweight" isn't exactly the first word you want to come to mind.
The b and w companion fifth wheel hitch is beefy. It's made from high-quality American steel, and the welds look like a work of art. Because it's so solid, it doesn't flex or groan under pressure. However, the weight can be a bit of a challenge when it comes time to take it out of the truck. B&W was smart enough to design the hitch in two pieces. You can pull a couple of pins and take the head off, then remove the base separately. It's still a workout, but it's a manageable one. Most folks find that the extra effort is a fair trade for the peace of mind they get knowing their hitch isn't the weak link in their towing setup.
The Ease of Hooking Up
Nothing ruins the start of a vacation faster than struggling to get hitched up. Some hitches are incredibly finicky about the angle of the truck or how level the ground is. If you aren't perfectly lined up, the jaws won't lock, and you end up backing in and out six times while your spouse watches with growing frustration.
The Companion is surprisingly forgiving. The cam-action leveling handle is a game-changer. Even if you're parked on uneven ground and the trailer is putting a bit of a bind on the hitch, the handle still opens easily. You don't have to carry a rubber mallet just to beat your hitch handle into submission. The jaws wrap around the kingpin completely, giving you a 360-degree contact point. It's a very secure "thud" when it locks in, which is exactly the sound you want to hear before you hit the highway.
Choosing Between the Fixed and Slider Models
Depending on what kind of truck you drive, you'll have to decide between the fixed version and the slider. If you have a long-bed truck (an 8-foot bed), the standard fixed b and w companion fifth wheel hitch is all you need. You have plenty of clearance between the cab of your truck and the nose of the trailer.
But if you're like a lot of people and you drive a short-bed truck, you know the fear of a "cab strike." That's when you're making a tight turn—maybe backing into a tricky campsite—and the corner of your trailer gets dangerously close to the back window of your truck. For those situations, the slider version of the Companion is a lifesaver. It allows you to move the hitch back 12 inches when you're maneuvering at low speeds, giving you the clearance you need to make those 90-degree turns without blowing out your rear glass. It's a bit more expensive and definitely heavier, but compared to the cost of a truck repair and a smashed trailer, it's cheap insurance.
Why Quality Matters in the Long Run
I've seen a lot of people try to save a few hundred bucks by going with a budget hitch. Sometimes it works out fine, but often they end up upgrading a year later because the cheap hitch was just too loud or made the ride too uncomfortable.
The finish on these hitches is also worth mentioning. They use a gray powder coat that is incredibly durable. Even after years of sitting in the back of a truck through rain, snow, and road salt, they tend to hold up remarkably well. You won't see the same level of rust and flaking that you see on some of the cheaper, painted models. It keeps looking good, which matters if you take pride in your rig. Plus, if you ever decide to sell it, these hitches hold their value better than almost any other brand. People know the name, and they know the quality.
A Few Tips for New Owners
If you decide to pick up a b and w companion fifth wheel hitch, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, make sure you grease the right spots. Even though it's a high-end piece of equipment, it still needs a little love. A bit of lithium grease on the jaw pins and the polyurethane bushings will keep everything moving smoothly and silently.
Second, if you're worried about the weight of moving it in and out of the truck, consider getting a small chain hoist for your garage ceiling. I know a lot of guys who just back their truck under the hoist, lift the hitch out, and leave it hanging there until the next trip. It saves your back and keeps the hitch off the floor.
Lastly, always do a "tug test" after you think you're hitched up. Put your truck in gear and gently pull forward while the trailer brakes are set. It's just good practice no matter what hitch you use, but with the Companion, you'll usually find that it locks in perfectly the first time.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, towing is all about confidence. You want to be able to cruise down the interstate at 65 miles per hour without feeling like every gust of wind or passing semi is going to cause a disaster. The b and w companion fifth wheel hitch gives you that confidence. It's over-engineered in the best way possible.
It might not be the cheapest option on the market, but for many of us, the lack of stress is worth the extra cost. You're getting a hitch that is quiet, incredibly strong, and made by people who actually understand what it's like to tow for a living. Whether you're a full-timer or a weekend warrior, it's a piece of gear that won't let you down. It's simple, it's effective, and it just works. And really, when you're out on the open road, that's all you can ask for.