B&W companion, Slider or no slider?

[Vader]

I wouldn't suggest either. Do a 5th wheel to gooseneck pin box swap (not an adapter). You'll spend the same money, never have to mess with that heavy ass Companion (212lbs), and have room in your truck bed.

Gooseneck adapters do put more stress on the pinbox mounting location as the gooseneck adapter is using it's increased length as a lever to add increased pressure up and forward on the 5th wheel frame.

 

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[TrevorH]

Gooseneck adapters do put more stress on the pinbox mounting location as the gooseneck adapter is using it's increased length as a lever to add increased pressure up and forward on the 5th wheel frame.

Gonna add just a little to this, you might check before you do the gooseneck swap/adaptor as it may negate the warranty on the frame of the camper. I know all the Lipert frames at least used to refuse any warranty due to this extra stress. Not 100% sure that is still the case.

On my 2015, I have the companion with no slider, and have no issues with getting the cab into the rv. Many newer 5th wheels have noses built for this. My '24 is still on order so don't know on that one yet.

 

[pigpen23]

Some manufactures sell their 5ers with true pinboxes now. I checked with my manufacturer before I bought my Gen-Y gooseneck pinbox and they said no issue.

My 5er pulls the nicest of any camper I’ve pulled and when not hooked up, there is nothing in my box. Never needed a slider with the longer 6’-9” box.

 

[bookemdanno]

My previous truck was a Ram 3500 dually mega-cab. I had the B&W slider in the bed with an aux fuel tank pulling a 43' Jayco 5th wheel that I towed for 8 years. Just giving you my experience...I only used the slider 1 time, and I don't think I really needed it. It was just a precaution that I felt I needed to get out of a tight spot. Now I couldn't do a 90 degree turn, but I could get to about 80 degrees without hitting the cab. That B&W was HEAVY and ate up a lot of bed space!!

If I get back into RVing, I'm getting a gooseneck hitch...probably the Skyjacker from what I've seen. Mainly from what everyone else above has stated and from my past experience.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

 

[michealwhelan]

Does anyone haul with a fifth wheel hitch? Undecided if I need a slider with the standard bed config...Looking at the B&W companion. Any advise welcome

Running a B&W Companion on a standard bed non non-slider with no problems. Looked into a goose neck, but the RV manufacturer said that would void the warranty on my Fiver.

 

[gemarsh]

Running a B&W Companion on a standard bed non non-slider with no problems. Looked into a goose neck, but the RV manufacturer said that would void the warranty on my Fiver.

Welcome.

 

[fcaramadre]

620lbs payload and 2800lbs hauling increase isn’t any different than previous SRW 3500s. Compared to the DRW increase of 2k lbs payload and 13k lbs towing.

Until 2024 the 11.5” 14 bolt was in every GM 3/4 and 1ton truck. Yea, there now is a 12” for some reason- let’s hope they didn’t screw up something that worked for 20years.

The 3500 SRW automatically requires you to have a CDL with any trailer. The 2500 can still get away with being rated below CDL class vehicles. So the 3500 SRW is a bad choice to gain a tiny capacity, more responsibility, more expense, and way more dangerous pushing into those weights.

I have never heard abut the cdl requirement for a 3500 srw before. Is that just for the state you live in? where would i find that information?

 

[gemarsh]

I have never heard abut the cdl requirement for a 3500 srw before. Is that just for the state you live in? where would i find that information?

It must be a State thing. Don't need a cdl in Nebraska even for a drw. Hell, don't even need a cdl for an 18wheeler, if your hauling your own produce within 150 miles of home base.

 

[fcodxdart]

Does anyone haul with a fifth wheel hitch? Undecided if I need a slider with the standard bed config...Looking at the B&W companion. Any advise welcome

I have the standard bed with a low profile toolbox in the bed and the bw companion without a slider. I have not had any issues at all.

 

[michealwhelan]

I have never heard abut the cdl requirement for a 3500 srw before. Is that just for the state you live in? where would i find that information?

The requirement for a CDL is dependent on the state of domicile. No state requires a CDL if the GVWR or GCVWR is under 26,000. Wisconsin does have an additional requirement for the length of the unit under 45 feet. Some states do require a special license for double towing (a trailer behind a fifth wheel), such as Michigan, which requires an RR endorsement. Other states also have a requirement for double towing. In the D.O.T. federal regulations, I find no reference to the size of the vehicle that is doing the towing.

 

[michealwhelan]

Here is a good website for the information, state by state
https://www.rvezy.com/blog/rv-drivers-license-requirements-usa

 

[skw774]

i pull a 42' montana high country 2018 year. i use the B & W slider and yes it is a PITA to remove but like other things in my truck it's better to have and not need then need and not have.

 

[michealwhelan]

Our 2024 with a 35-foot Fiver. Standard bed B&W Companion will do 90 90-degree turn without touching a thing.