Can B&W Patriot 18K 5thWheel Hitch Be Made Compatible with Puck System on 2021 Chevy Silverado 3500

Updated 04/08/2021 | Published 04/07/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(476)

$1254.95

Replacement Slider Base for B&W Patriot Slider 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 18,000 lbs

(18)

$524.00

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K

(4656)

$1699.00

Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 10' Long

(219)

$137.95

Adapter Rails for Curt 5th Wheel Hitch - Ford and Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package

(593)

$476.95

Demco 5th Wheel Rail Adapter for Chevy/GMC OEM 5th Wheel Towing Prep Package - 21K

(283)

$649.00

Question:

Got a new truck 2021 Chevy 3500hd 66inch bed. Need to go to a puck system and a slide. Can the current unit I have be modify or do I have to buy a whole new system?

asked by: Matt C

Expert Reply:

B&W offers a replacement slider unit for the Patriot 5th wheel hitch, part # BWRVB3270. You'd simply remove the hitch head from the current stationary model and install it on the slider.

This being said, the problem comes in when you try to find something to adapt the slider to the GM puck system. Demco states that their # DM6333 adapter isn't compatible with the B&W Patriot Slider. Curt offers a puck adapter, part # C88KR but neither Curt nor B&W will confirm fit, because the haven't tested it. Because we can't guarantee compatibility, I couldn't recommend going this route.

Your best bet would be to go with a sliding hitch/adapter that's known to be compatible. Curt offers some options that are fairly reasonably priced, compared to B&W and Demco. The Curt A-Series, part # C16521 for a 16K capacity or # C16541 for a 20K capacity along with the # C88KR adapter would be an excellent choice.

The Curt A-Series uses a unique interlocking jaw system that provides 360º contact with the king pin and a torsion articulating head that both help isolate the tow vehicle from much of the road shock experienced by the 5th wheel for a smoother ride.

If you're sold on the high quality provided with B&W products, you can't go wrong with their sliding model Companion, part # BWRVK3775 which will drop right into the OEM pucks without the need for an adapter.

If you'd like to install a 7-way connector into your truck bed so you don't need to run the trailer connector cable up over the tailgate, you can install a connector using part # C56000.