I see that the BW companion goes for about $1300. My question is, is that just for the 5th wheel part that drops in or is the gooseneck part of the hitch included? Meaning do I need to buy one "part" or two "parts"


Thanks

 

I can tell you that I bought the 20k companion for just under $900 on either Amazon or ebay. It shipped in two containers and was brand new. The gooseneck would have been extra.

 

I should have been more clear. The slider companion was $1300.

Did you get the base plate and the turnover ball under bed mount with the companion?

 

No, it was the Companion for the factory prep fifth wheel package.

 

It looks like etrailer.com sells the complete package for ~$1800 with the installation kit for the Companion hitch (turnover ball gooseneck underbed rails) and the Companion slider hitch, so I would think that the $1300 would be just for the in-bed hitch and would not include the underbed rails, which provide mounting for the gooseneck turnover ball and the Companion hitch. Unless the place specifically states that it contains both pieces, I suspect that it only includes the in-bed hitch and the underbed rails would have to be purchased additionally/separately.

 

Ok thanks. That's what I was thinking.

That's one expensive hitch.

 

I found my Companion top half, which is what I consider all of the part that goes in the bed, on Craig's List. Only used a couple of times for $400 two years ago. New was around $800 for that part! The underbed mount was new and rand around $400 installed.
Good luck.

 

Shop Craigslist. That pops up somewhat commonly.

 

I will. The RV plans got put on hold for a while but I'd still like a 5th wheel so if a deal on a hitch comes along maybe I'll jump on it!!

 

Also, keep doing your on-line searches for new. There was a huge difference in pricing when I bought my Companion though I luckily had the Turnover hitch in my '06 F350. UPS shipping - the vendor made a big error and that was virtually free also but other sellers occasionally have free shipping. The '11 truck has the Ford 5er option and I was able to move the head unit to a B&W puck base relatively inexpensively.

 

Do you have a short bed truck? I assume that is why you want the slidder. All slider type 5th wheel hitches are a LOT more expensive than the fixed type. Also note that all slidder are not the same. Some slide back automatically as you turn and others need to be manually slid back. A lot of what you NEED depends on the truck AND the trailer. Some newer 5th wheel trailers have more radius in the front cap and will clear the cab on most short bed trucks. This might be fine for normal driving but you might have clearance issues when backing tint a tight spot. I know there are a LOT of people pulling 5th wheels with short beds, but a long bed makes it a lot simpler and less expensive