Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
B&W Trailer Hitches
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
| GTW | 20,000 lbs |
| PROP 65 WARNING: | WARNING: This product may expose you to chemicals including Nickel (Metallic), which is known to the state of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P54Warnings.ca.gov. |
| VTW | 5,000 lbs |
B&W Trailer Hitches is an American manufacturer known for durable, innovative towing products, including gooseneck hitches, fifth-wheel hitches, receiver hitches, and ball mounts. Built in Kansas by employee-owners, B&W products are engineered for dependable performance, easy installation, and long-lasting quality.
B&W Trailer Hitches is an American manufacturer known for building innovative, dependable towing products designed to make hitching easier and towing more comfortable. The company began in 1987 in Humboldt, Kansas, when founders Roger Baker and Joe Works combined their fabrication experience to build custom truck beds and solve common problems faced by truck owners.
B&W changed the gooseneck hitch industry with the introduction of the Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch. Its under-bed mounting system and reversible hitch ball allowed truck owners to quickly store the ball beneath the bed, leaving a clean and unobstructed surface when the hitch was not in use. B&W later applied the same practical approach to the Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch, creating a removable fifth-wheel hitch engineered for a quiet, smooth, and secure towing experience.
Today, B&W manufactures gooseneck hitches, fifth-wheel hitches, receiver hitches, ball mounts, and towing accessories at its nearly 600,000-square-foot facility. The company is owned by approximately 500 employee-owners who remain committed to American manufacturing, trusted materials, skilled craftsmanship, and long-lasting product quality.
Whether you are towing a work trailer, livestock trailer, camper, or fifth wheel, B&W Trailer Hitches offers thoughtfully engineered towing equipment built to perform mile after mile.
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-9494The Companion™ 20K Hitch (Model 3500) is a 5th wheel hitch designed to work with the B&W Turnoverball™ Mounting System. It is rated for a maximum trailer weight of 20,000 lbs and a maximum tongue weight of 5,000 lbs. The hitch mounts into the gooseneck hitch receiver socket in the truck bed and uses a coupler that engages the king pin on a 5th wheel trailer.
The Companion™ 20K Hitch is designed to fit trucks equipped with a B&W Turnoverball™ Mounting System (gooseneck hitch receiver socket in the bed). It is compatible with trucks that have this specific receiver. The manual notes special considerations for Nissan Titan trucks (foot pad must be installed on top of a bed rib) and Toyota Tundra with composite bed (polyurethane pads must be removed). Contact B&W at 800.248.6564 or hitches@turnoverball.com for fitment confirmation for your specific truck.
If you are installing the Companion with a 1257 or 1309 model gooseneck hitch, you must call the factory for a compatible socket post. The standard socket post may not be compatible with these hitch models. Contact B&W at 800.248.6564 or hitches@turnoverball.com for the correct part.
No. Do not use the Companion 5th wheel hitch with any device that changes the location of the king pin pivot point, including a Reese Sidewinder® or Reese Revolution®. These devices prevent the king pin from rotating freely within the coupler jaws, which could result in property damage, serious injury, or death. The king pin on your trailer must rotate freely in the jaws of the Companion coupler.
Installation requires: a large torque wrench capable of measuring 110 ft-lbs, a 3/4" socket, a 7/16" socket or wrench, a 7/32" Allen wrench, and a hammer. These tools are essential for proper torque specification and assembly.
The hitch includes two bolt bags: the Base Bolt Bag (RVB3500) containing 8 pieces of 1/2" x 1-1/2" hex cap screws, 8 pieces of 1/2" x 2" hex cap screws, 16 pieces of 1/2" lock washers, 4 threaded blocks, 2 pivot arms, 1 piece of 1/2" x 3" hex cap screw, 1 socket post, 4 pieces of 1/4" x 1-1/2" machine screws, 4 pieces of 1/4" finish nuts, 4 pieces of 1/4" flat washers, 4 pieces of 1/4" lock washers, 2 plastic foot pads, 1 wire torsion spring, 1 mounting clip, 1 piece of 1/4" x 1/2" cap screw, and 1 piece of 1/4" lock nut. The Coupler Bolt Bag (RVB3006) contains 2 pieces of 3/8" button head cap screws and 2 pieces of 3/8" lock nuts.
If your truck has a removable bed liner or mat, it must be removed or cut to allow the base to directly connect with the bed. A spray-in bed liner is acceptable and does not need to be removed. For Toyota Tundra trucks with a composite bed, the polyurethane pads must be removed as they are not compatible with the bed geometry.
The socket post has two mounting positions that allow the king pin to be placed close to the rear axle depending on where the Turnoverball socket is located. Position 1 is recommended for trucks where the socket is in front of the axle. Position 2 is recommended for trucks where the socket is directly over or slightly behind the axle. Choose the position that best matches your truck's configuration before attaching the socket post to the base.
Before attaching the foot pads, check the width of your truck bed rib by setting the wide face of the plastic foot in the bed rib. If the plastic foot does not reach to the bottom of the bed rib trough, turn the foot pad over to use the narrow rib orientation. For Nissan Titan trucks, the foot pad must be installed on top of a bed rib due to the unique configuration of the bed ribs. The pads should be positioned so they are both in line with the rib along their entire length. Do not fully tighten the hardware initially; tighten only after the base is positioned in the gooseneck socket.
The eight 1/2" x 1-1/2" cap screws attaching the socket post to the center of the base should be torqued to 80 ft-lbs.
The 1/2" x 3" draw-down bolt should be torqued to 60 ft-lbs. The torque value is for dry threads only; do not lubricate the draw-down bolt. After torquing, lock the draw-down bolt in place by swiveling the locking bracket over the bolt.
Each of the 1/2" x 2" cap screws securing the pivot arms to the base should be torqued to 110 ft-lbs. All screws must be started before final torquing, and it is critical that the threaded blocks are installed with the smooth bore holes facing the bolt plate.
Each plastic foot pad attaches to the base through a slot at the end of the base leg. Insert a 1/4" machine screw up through the bottom of the foot pad through the slot, then attach it with a 1/4" flat washer, 1/4" lock washer, and 1/4" finish nut. Do not tighten the hardware at this time so the plastic foot remains movable in the slot. Final tightening occurs after the base is positioned in the truck bed.
Slide the socket post into the bottom of the Companion base and attach it with eight 1/2" x 1-1/2" cap screws and lock washers. Do not fully tighten the hardware at this time. The socket post will be fully secured after the base is positioned in the gooseneck socket.
1. Locate both pivot arms, four threaded blocks, eight 1/2" x 2" cap screws, and eight 1/2" lock washers. 2. Place lock washers over the cap screws. 3. Align the flat side of the pivot arm against the bolt plate and install four 1/2" x 2" cap screws through the holes on the arm. 4. Install the threaded blocks with the smooth bore holes facing the bolt plate (not the threaded side). 5. Pass the threaded blocks through the leg and align them with each set of screws. 6. Start each screw, then torque each bolt to 110 ft-lbs. Installing threaded blocks backward will not allow proper tightening and could lead to hitch failure.
The pivot arms can be mounted in one of nine different locations shown in Table D1 to allow flexibility in coupler height (vertical adjustment) and distance from the cab (horizontal adjustment). Choose a location so that your trailer will be as level as possible and have adequate turning clearance while towing. Positions vary from a highest position of 18 1/4" to a lowest position of 16 1/4", and the king pin can be positioned from 7" behind the post to 1" ahead of the post depending on the location chosen.
1. Lubricate the polyurethane bushings on top of the pivot arms with high-grade lithium grease. 2. Place the coupler over the pivot arms with the saddle handles parallel to the base in the latched position. 3. Place the saddle lock pins through the saddle. 4. Insert hairpins through the holes in the end of the saddle lock pins to secure the coupler to the pivot arms.
Using the 3/8" button head cap screws and 3/8" flanged lock nuts provided in the coupler bolt bag, attach the coupler handle to the arm and tighten. Then pull out the coupler handle safety pin. Be cautious when installing the handle as pulling the arm out away from the coupler creates a pinch point hazard.
1. Locate the 1/4" cap screw, nut, wire torsion spring, and mounting clip. 2. Pass the 1/4" cap screw through the mounting clip and wire spring. 3. Thread the 1/4" lock nut onto the cap screw and tighten just enough that the spring stays in place but can still rotate around the bolt. 4. Locate the flange closest to the truck cab on the driver side pivot arm. 5. Position the clip so that when the spring's coil is in line with the edge of the arm, there is 1/2" of clearance between the bottom of the polyurethane bushing and the top of the spring. 6. Drive the clip securely onto the flange with a hammer.
Adjust the resting angle by rotating the spring on the driver side pivot arm. Pulling the top of the spring away from the cab will increase the angle of the coupler plate. Set the angle so that the coupler will tilt away from the cab when coupling. Once the spring's orientation is set, tighten the 1/4" nut to lock it in place.
Measure from the center of the coupler to the cab of the truck and from the king pin or pivot point of the trailer to the furthest forward corner of the trailer. Compare these measurements to ensure proper clearance when towing. Also inspect the clearance between the bed sides and the underside of the front of the trailer to ensure there is room for the pitch and roll of the trailer while towing.
The Companion™ 20K Hitch is rated for a maximum trailer weight of 20,000 lbs and a maximum tongue weight of 5,000 lbs. Do not exceed these ratings. Also check the tow and tongue ratings of your coupler, hitch, truck, and trailer, and do not exceed any of these ratings. Exceeding these ratings may cause damage to towing components or loss of attachment between the trailer and truck.
Approximately 15%-25% of the trailer weight should be on the hitch. The height of the king pin box and pivot arms should be adjusted so that the trailer is approximately level for towing.
When towing a wedge car trailer, towing stability greatly depends on keeping the center of gravity as low as possible. Load heavy cars over the axles and never tow with a single car on the front of the trailer. Never exceed speeds that are reasonable for the roadway conditions (e.g., turns, going around a curve). Failure to account for proper trailer center of gravity and reasonable speeds may cause damage to the truck, trailer, towing components, and loss of attachment between the truck and trailer.
Before each towing trip, perform a visual inspection of the hitch. Check that all pinned connections are secure and that all bolted connections are at the correct torque specification. Check for cracks or damage to the hitch. Do not tow with the hitch if cracks or damage outside of normal wear is found. Towing with a hitch that has cracks or damage could result in damage to the tow vehicle, trailer, towing components, or loss of attachment between the tow vehicle and trailer.
1. Remove the safety pin from the coupler handle and open it. 2. Adjust the height of the 5th wheel trailer so that the king pin plate is slightly lower than the top of the coupler. 3. Back the truck toward the trailer, centering the trailer's king pin in the coupler, until the king pin engages the jaws. 4. Close the coupler handle and insert the safety pin through the handle and the coupler. 5. Connect the brake and lighting systems before towing. Failure to correctly close the handle and attach the safety pin may result in loss of attachment between the trailer and tow vehicle, leading to property damage, serious injury, or death.
Ensure the truck is stationary with the emergency brake engaged and the tailgate down, trailer wheels chocked, and landing gear down supporting the trailer's weight. Confirm no one is between the truck and trailer. Release the emergency brake and engage the trailer brakes. Gently attempt to pull the trailer forward with the truck. When properly connected, the trailer will prevent the truck from moving. If the truck and trailer are not correctly attached, the trailer will separate from the truck.
1. Lower the landing gear and chock the trailer wheels. 2. Raise the trailer until the tongue weight is removed from the truck. 3. Unpin the coupler handle and rotate it to the open position to unlatch the jaws. If the jaws do not open, readjusting the landing gear may relieve pressure and allow them to open. 4. Use the safety pin to lock the handle in the open position. 5. When you are sure that the landing gear will support the trailer, move the truck forward to release the jaws from the king pin. The jaws will always open when the pressure of the trailer is taken off the coupler as the truck pulls away.
Grease the saddle through the grease zerk approximately every six months with multi-purpose grease. This allows the coupler to pivot freely. Also grease the jaws with multi-purpose automotive type chassis grease. Lubricate the top surface of the coupler with multi-purpose automotive type chassis grease or use a nylon lube plate to provide a lubricated surface.
All bolted connections should be checked for the correct torque specification regularly. Always perform a visual inspection before towing to ensure all connections remain secure.
No. Do not modify this product in any manner. Doing so could alter its integrity and lead to a loss of attachment between the trailer and the tow vehicle.
No. The Companion was designed to be used exclusively with the Turnoverball mounting system. Other uses will void the warranty and are expressly prohibited by B&W Trailer Hitches.
You need a large torque wrench (capable of 110 ft-lbs), 3/4" socket, 7/16" socket or wrench, 7/32" Allen wrench, and a hammer.
Removable bed liners must be removed or cut. Spray-in liners are acceptable. For Toyota Tundra composite beds, polyurethane pads must be removed.
Socket post cap screws: 80 ft-lbs. Draw-down bolt: 60 ft-lbs (dry threads only, do not lubricate). Pivot arm cap screws: 110 ft-lbs each.
Maximum trailer weight: 20,000 lbs. Maximum tongue weight: 5,000 lbs. Do not exceed these ratings or the ratings of your truck and trailer.
If the jaws do not open, try readjusting the landing gear to relieve pressure on the coupler. This may allow the jaws to open. Ensure the landing gear is lowered and the trailer wheels are chocked before attempting to open the jaws. The jaws will always open when the pressure of the trailer is taken off the coupler as the truck pulls away.
If the draw-down bolt is loosening, it is likely not properly locked in place. After torquing the draw-down bolt to 60 ft-lbs, you must lock it in place by swiveling the locking bracket over the bolt. Failure to lock the draw-down bolt with the locking bracket will allow it to loosen, which can result in property damage when the base is not properly clamped to the truck bed.
This indicates the threaded blocks may be installed backward. The threaded blocks have threaded holes on one side and smooth bore holes on the other. The smooth bore holes must face the bolt plate. If the threaded blocks are installed with the threaded holes facing the bolt plate, the pivot arms cannot be fully tightened. Remove the bolts, flip the threaded blocks around so the smooth holes face the bolt plate, and reinstall and torque the bolts to 110 ft-lbs.
Free Shipping
Ships free on all orders
Authorized Dealer
Quick Ship
In stock and ready to ship — order now!
FREE ShippingFREE SHIPPING
Estimated delivery Wed, Aug 12 - Sat, Aug 15
Order before 2 PM EST Monday–Friday for same-day processing
Guaranteed safe & secure checkout
No reviews have been added for this product.
