I've spent a lot of years hauling heavy trailers across state lines, and honestly, picking up a b & w fifth wheel hitch was probably the single best upgrade I ever made for my dually. If you've ever felt that nervous twitch in your steering wheel while a crosswind hits your rig, you know exactly why the connection between your truck and your trailer is the one thing you should never go cheap on. There's a specific kind of peace of mind that comes from hearing that solid "clack" when the jaws lock into place, knowing that thing isn't going anywhere until you want it to.
Most folks who get into fifth-wheel towing eventually run into the same problem: they want a heavy-duty setup that doesn't permanently ruin their truck bed. That's where the B&W system really changed the game for me. It's not just a chunk of steel sitting in your bed; it's a thoughtfully designed piece of engineering that actually considers the person who has to use it every weekend.
Why the Companion System Is a Game Changer
If we're talking about the b & w fifth wheel hitch, we have to talk about the Companion. This is the model that most people gravitate toward, and for good reason. It's designed to work with their Turnoverball gooseneck system. Now, if you aren't familiar with that, it basically means you have a single hole in your truck bed rather than those annoying permanent rails that look like a ladder lying in your cargo area.
The beauty of this setup is the "clean bed" concept. When I'm not towing the camper, I can pull the hitch out, flip the ball over, and I have a completely flat truck bed again. I can haul plywood, mulch, or furniture without tripping over mounting rails. For anyone who uses their truck as a daily driver or a work horse, that's a massive win. You don't have to choose between having a towing rig and having a functional pickup.
That No-Slop Feeling on the Highway
One thing that really grinds my gears—literally—is a hitch that has "slop." You know the feeling. You're driving down the highway, you hit a small bump or you tap the brakes, and you feel that thump-chunk from the back of the truck. That's "chucking," and it's caused by the kingpin moving around inside the hitch jaws because the fit isn't tight enough.
The b & w fifth wheel hitch uses one-inch thick, wrap-around jaws. These aren't those flimsy little slider bars you see on budget hitches. Because the jaws are machined to such a tight tolerance, they grip the kingpin like a literal vice. The first time I towed with one, I kept looking in my mirrors because it felt too quiet. I was used to the constant rattling and jarring of my old setup. When the hitch is solid, the whole driving experience feels more controlled. You aren't fighting the trailer; you're just driving the truck.
The Cam-Action Handle: A Back-Saver
Let's talk about unhitching for a second. We've all been there: you get to the campsite after a six-hour drive, you're tired, the ground is a little uneven, and you can't get the hitch to release. You're yanking on the handle, putting your back into it, and the trailer is basically holding the hitch hostage because of the tension.
B&W solved this with their cam-action handle. It sounds like a small detail, but man, it makes a world of difference. Even if you're parked on an incline or the truck and trailer aren't perfectly aligned, the handle still releases easily. It's designed to provide enough leverage to pop the jaws open even when there's pressure on them. No more jumping on the bumper or backing up and slamming the brakes just to get the kingpin to let go. It's one of those "thank you" features that makes you realize the people who build these hitches actually spend time at campgrounds themselves.
It's a Heavy Beast, but That's the Point
Now, I won't lie to you—a b & w fifth wheel hitch is heavy. We're talking about a serious piece of American steel. If you're trying to lift the whole unit out of the truck by yourself in one go, you're probably going to be visiting the chiropractor the next morning.
But here's the clever part: it's a two-piece design. You can pull a couple of pins and separate the head from the base. This makes it much more manageable. I can lift the head out first, set it aside, and then grab the base. It's still a workout, don't get me wrong, but it's doable for one person. And honestly? I want it to be heavy. I don't want a "lightweight" hitch when I'm pulling 16,000 pounds behind my head at 70 miles per hour. That weight is a symptom of durability.
Built in the Heart of the Country
I try not to be too much of a stickler for where things are made, but when it comes to towing safety, I like knowing that the b & w fifth wheel hitch is manufactured in Humboldt, Kansas. There's something about that Midwestern work ethic that shows up in the welds and the powder coating.
The finish on these things is incredibly tough. I've had mine for years, through rain, snow, and salt, and it still looks great. It doesn't flake off or rust out after one season. B&W is an employee-owned company, and you can kind of tell they take pride in what they're shipping out. It's not just some mass-produced part from an overseas factory that's been built down to a price point. It's built up to a standard.
What if You Don't Have the Turnoverball?
I realize not everyone wants to drill a four-inch hole in their truck bed for the Turnoverball system. If you already have industry-standard rails installed in your truck, you aren't left out. They make a version called the Patriot that fits right into those existing rails.
You still get the same wrap-around jaws and the same smooth towing experience, just in a package that fits the more traditional rail system. It's a bit more affordable too, which is nice if you're already over budget on your trailer purchase. But if you're starting from scratch with a brand-new truck, I'd still tell you to go with the Companion and the Turnoverball. The ability to have a flat bed is worth every extra penny.
A Few Tips for Keeping It Happy
While the b & w fifth wheel hitch is low-maintenance, it's not no-maintenance. If you want it to last forever (and it really can), you've got to show it a little love. I always keep a light coat of lithium grease on the jaws and the pivot points.
Also, use a lube plate on your trailer's kingpin. Some guys still swear by slathering a whole tub of grease on the hitch plate, but that just creates a sticky, black mess that gets on everything. A simple plastic lube plate makes the trailer swing smoothly and keeps the hitch plate from getting scratched up.
Every once in a while, check the torque on the bolts. Since it's a two-piece system, you just want to make sure everything is snug. I do a quick walk-around and "shake test" every time I hook up. If the hitch doesn't move, we're good to go.
Final Thoughts on the Investment
Is a b & w fifth wheel hitch the cheapest option out there? No, definitely not. You can go to a big-box store or a discount website and find a hitch for half the price. But you have to ask yourself what your safety and your comfort are worth.
When you're hauling a massive fifth-wheel down a 6% grade or trying to navigate a tight gas station in a rainstorm, you don't want to be worrying about your hitch. You want to be focused on the road. With B&W, you're buying confidence. You're buying a hitch that's going to probably outlast the truck you've got it mounted in.
I've seen plenty of guys swap trucks three times and keep the same B&W hitch. They just buy a new mounting kit and keep on rolling. It's one of those rare purchases where you actually get what you pay for. If you're serious about towing, just do yourself a favor and get the good one. Your truck (and your nerves) will thank you for it later.