Can I Upgrade to a Higher Capacity 5th Wheel Hitch without Upgrading the Installation Rails

Question:

Have a18000lbs by BandW fifth wheel hitch in my truck with rail type install will a 24000lbs BandW fit on same rails for 20000lb fifth wheel

asked by: Lee K

Expert Reply:

Assuming that you've got industry standard rails like the Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # RP30035 you won't have a problem adding another 5th wheel hitch with a higher capacity. The base rails will be able to handle any weight that you throw at them within the capacities of your tow vehicle, so upgrading to a larger 5th wheel hitch won't be an issue assuming it is designed to fit in the same industry standard base rails.

With that said, the issue I'm seeing here is that the B&W Patriot, which mounts on industry standard base rails, only comes in 16k # BWRVK3200 and 18k # BWRVK3255 versions- but they will fit on industry standard rails like the # RP30035. I'm not aware of a B&W Companion hitch, which does come in a 25k capacity, that will fit in industry standard base rails; the Companion hitch will only fit in a B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch.

If you need a hitch with a higher capacity hitch that will fit in your existing industry standard rails you could use something like the Curt Q24 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 24,000 lbs # C16245.

If you can tell me more about the tow vehicle and which B&W hitch you'd like to use I can help you come up with a solution to use it.