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Old 04-23-2017, 12:19 PM   #1
Bolo4u
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B&W opinions

Ok this post isn't about which hitch is better, I know they all have their advantages/disadvantages. I am just trying to decide the best choice, and Im looking for input from those who may have a similar setup.

TV 2017 Ram 3500 DRW CTD CC LB 4X4, and does NOT have the factory puck system, but I did order the parts to install myself, but I have yet to install them.

I sold my Demco frame and slider setup used in my former shorted Ram 2500 and as part of the deal, I acquired a lightly used B&W companion 18K 5th wheel hitch, which installs in a B&W turnover ball gooseneck.

I do not have the B&W turnover ball system...yet

I am really torn between installing the Ram factory puck system (yes i know i have to drill 4 holes in the bed) and going with a Demco frame and their new Recon fixed 21K hitch, or...

Putting in the B&W turnover ball and only drilling one hole, and using the B&W companion after installing the upgrades or getting a new base. (the older style 3000 companion needs a retro fit kit to go between the bed ribs of damage can result) Or I can order just the base portion and use the head I already have.

I have never used the B&W companion gooseneck setup and am wondering from those who have, what is your opinion? Have you had any issues with the gooseneck style system?

Yes I know B&W is a well liked and reputable company, and so is Demco, but their Recon hitch is still fairly new to the market (right at or less than a year old I believe)

I have some time, and Im on the fence for now.
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Old 04-23-2017, 12:24 PM   #2
Javi
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If.... I were doing it, I'd install the factory puck system....




Oh WAIT.... I did exactly that and couldn't be happier...

As a note... back in the 80's I installed hitches for a living (well as a second income).. and the puck system is better than any I've ever used or installed..
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Old 04-23-2017, 04:43 PM   #3
Lic0rice
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I installed the Turnover Ball Hitch in our GMC. Holes are pre-drilled into the truck's frame. Took 5-6hrs but that was because I didn't thoroughly read/follow the directions....imagine that!!. If you are mechanical (and follow the directions regarding the bolt installation), you can do it in about 4 hrs.

Very pleased with the hitch. It's great that the hitch breaks down into 2 pieces making it much easier to install/remove. Don't have a need currently for the gooseneck ball, but nice to have the opinion if needed.

B&W makes a quality hitch!
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Old 04-23-2017, 05:35 PM   #4
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We've had our B&W Companion in 2 of our trucks and love it. The 2009 F350 was the first when we got the 5er, so had the turnover ball installed and used the Companion. When we ordered the 2016 F350 I had the option of getting the factory pucks but didn't since I wanted the gooseneck and we already had the companion. Just had a new turnover ball installed. I'm still hoping for a new gooseneck horse trailer someday.

Of course, with either the pucks or turnover ball you have the option of removing the hitch and having the full bed to use. That has been priceless for us. To me, it just seems a very solid hitch. And we haven't had a single issue with it, both while using or when installing or removing the hitch itself.
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Old 04-27-2017, 03:56 PM   #5
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I've done more research and I'm about 90% certain Im going with a B&W 5th wheel hitch, but I haven't fully decided on a turnover ball/companion hitch vs. the puck/companion hitch.

For those of you who used the turnover ball/companion setup do/did you notice any movement or other issues with the 5th wheel assembly causing damage to the bed?

Regardless, I will be installing the Ram factory pucks next week, in the event I chose the puck/companion hitch. I know I would need to install the turnover ball hitch, should I chose the other.
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Old 04-27-2017, 04:32 PM   #6
hdxbonez
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My B&W turnover ball/companion setup has been rock solid, with no movement or damage to the truck bed. The base is tightened down to the hitch pin, transferring loads directly to the frame rail crossmember, not the truck bed
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Old 04-27-2017, 04:39 PM   #7
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I haven't used the turnover ball, but my coworker does have one... he uses it mostly for the gooseneck ball.... and only occasionally pulls a 5th wheel.. His words... If you will need the gooseneck... use the turnover hitch... if not put the pucks in and don't waste the extra cash...
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Old 04-27-2017, 05:11 PM   #8
nellie1289
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I have a bw companion 3600 with factory ram pucks. If is a no brainer. Great setup. Quiet. Easy to take in and out. Love it. Have full bed in five mins.
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Old 04-27-2017, 05:37 PM   #9
Lic0rice
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hdxbonez View Post
My B&W turnover ball/companion setup has been rock solid, with no movement or damage to the truck bed. The base is tightened down to the hitch pin, transferring loads directly to the frame rail crossmember, not the truck bed
^^ This^^^ Everything is transferred to the truck's frame, not the bed.
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Old 05-23-2017, 08:40 PM   #10
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Same exact thing I'm deciding on too. I've been putting it off now way too long because we don't need it right this second. I'm going tomorrow after way too much reading up on it and hopefully pull the trigger and be done.
Hopefully I can get myself to get a tonneau cover I've been putting off too since I bought the truck. I think I've made a decision on that also.... we will see
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Old 05-24-2017, 06:26 AM   #11
fatcatzzz
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Javi View Post
If.... I were doing it, I'd install the factory puck system....




Oh WAIT.... I did exactly that and couldn't be happier...

As a note... back in the 80's I installed hitches for a living (well as a second income).. and the puck system is better than any I've ever used or installed..
What Javi said. I love my B&W hitch with the puck system.
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Old 05-24-2017, 08:09 AM   #12
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I installed the B & W Turnover Ball in my 2007 Ram 3500 DRW LB and I have been very pleased with it. The installation requires you to cut a four inch diameter hole in your truck bed (measure carefully three or four times, cut once) and the actual hitch components are installed underneath utilizing existing holes in the frame. No drilling of the frame is required. Once the Companion is installed and torqued down properly it does not move around at all.

Here are some photos:
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Old 05-24-2017, 10:49 AM   #13
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Well I for one never liked the turnover ball concept be it B&W or Andersen, as it uses the truck bed to support the hitch (or a great deal of it). While the B&W is a very good hitch that would keep me away.
If and/or when we get a new TV, it will have a puck system either factory installed or i would install after the fact.
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Old 05-25-2017, 04:25 PM   #14
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I have had the turnover ball in 2 different trucks and the original companion migrated from the old truck to new. Great setup, rock solid, and their customer service and warranty are A+ number one (Old design Companion had U bolts to tighten and over time they stretched, I could not find that size locally so called B & W and they were more then happy to send me a new set.....FREE OF CHARGE), plus all American made by American workers.
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