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This hitch is rated for 18,000 lbs gross towing weight and 4,500 lbs vertical load, giving you the strength to handle large campers and trailers with confidence. The solid steel construction and gray powder coated finish mean you can count on it for long hauls and rough roads without worrying about flex or corrosion. It’s a heavy-duty setup that feels tight and secure every time you back in and lock on.
The 3/4" thick dual jaws wrap completely around the king pin for full 360-degree contact, keeping movement to a minimum. That design cuts down on rattle and chucking you might feel with simpler slide-bar setups. Polyurethane bushings under the head soak up vibration so the connection stays quiet and smooth mile after mile. The result is a stable, comfortable tow that feels solid from hookup to highway.
The cam-action latching handle makes hitching and releasing simple, even when you’re parked on rough or uneven terrain. If there’s any binding between the truck and trailer, the handle still moves freely to the open position, and just rolling forward releases the jaws. A pin and clip lock it closed for travel, or you can add your own padlock with a 5/16" shackle diameter for extra security.
With 12" of fore and aft travel built into the base, this slider design gives you the space you need for slow-speed turns without worrying about cab contact. The movement is smooth and controlled, letting you position the hitch rearward when maneuvering in tight spots. It’s a smart way to keep short-bed setups practical while maintaining a strong towing connection when locked in place for the road.
Three height settings between 17" and 19" make it easy to match your trailer height for level towing. Adjustments are quick to dial in bed rail clearance or fine-tune your load balance. Once set, the fully articulating head pivots front-to-back and side-to-side as you travel, keeping stress off both the hitch and your trailer during turns and uneven ground transitions.
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Hello, neighbors, this is Brad here at "etrailer," and today, we're taking a look at the BMW Patriot replacement head assembly for the Patriot fifth wheel. Now whether you're replacing a damaged head that you had on your Patriot, or you just wanna refresh what you currently have, or even if you have a bunch of trucks in the fleet, and don't wanna buy the whole assembly, you can simply swap this head back and forth to each vehicle, and having that replacement head is a great option. That way you're not having to buy the full fifth wheel kit. Now it's gonna have all the same functions as the previous Patriot head that you had. So you still have that locking jaw, you still have that nice handles to drop it in place. It goes around those urethane bushings, and overall, just a great head.
If you've ever used a Patriot before, you know right away that it's really great to use. It's super easy and it articulates enough. So even on unlevel ground hooking up or unhooking is no problem. And just as you did before to drop your new head on, it's gonna go on just like you had your previous fifth wheel. (metal clanking) Just right there.
Drop in place, pull your handle back, hook up to your kingpin, and you're ready to go. Now this is gonna be a perfect replacement for the 18K that we have here, as well as your sliding 18K and also the 16K. Now as you've probably seen before, BMW has that nice gray powder coat finish, and it feels durable and feels great. All the touchpoints are really nice on here. And your cam-actuating handle here is really nice for that jaw.
It's gonna cut down on rattling around as like your slide pin normally would. And it also has that nice security, the fact that it goes all the way around that kingpin. Now this is rated at 18,000 pounds, so again, it's a direct replacement for this one here. But if you have a 16,000 base, just because this is rated at 18,000, you're gonna want to go with that lower number just to stay safe. You also have that vertical limit or load of 4,500 pounds.
And that was a look at the BMW replacement head assembly for the Patriot fifth wheel.
Ratings & Reviews
Arrived on time, not damaged, well built, easy install. Very happy with this hitch and etrailer! Will definatly do business again!
Thought it would hook right up didn't realize i need rails to mount it on but great product.
Fantastic customer service from an incredible company. The B&W Components are of uncompromising quality. Perfect fit and finish. Local installers told me 6 to 8 weeks and it was all received within 4 days. Looking forward to a lifetime of memories secure in the knowledge that this hitch will always be a dependable part of it.
Seems built well, but the slide release doesn't work at all. I literally have to hold it open and have someone else drive the truck to get it to slide. This is by no means safe, but the only way it works. I contacted B&W and they had me adjust the spring, then sent me a new spring, nothing worked and they had no other advice. Works fine as a non-sliding hitch, but I could have saved a lot of weight buying something else if that is what I wanted!
Installed on a 2015 GMC Sierra, fit gre at!
This hitch is great! Works flawlessly and is easy to install. Directions for mounting hardware sucks . I I’m on of those who like to just hold it up and see how it works. I recommend reading the crappy instructions and then hold the brackets up. Front bar directions good rear bar is bad .
From the start,the folks at etrailer were very courteous and helpful. I called many times during the decision making process and everyone was always right there to help. When I finally decided to purchase the B&W 18K Patriot w/slider Bailey was there to help with the order. She explained the free freight shipping and it was a done deal. It arrived 1 day earlier than stated, as soon as I opened the cartons it was in fact the good ol' American made quality I was accustomed to growing up. I proceeded to install on the B&W rails I purchased and installed locally on my 2022 F250 Lariat/ Tremor.I had a small hick- up with the install and etrailer gave me B&W's # as they like to handle issues themselves. Stephanie at B&W was just as courteous. Overall a very pleasant experience. The Patriot was basically plug and play. I then connected my 2021 Grand Design 303RLS Reflection and rolled down yhe road. What a smooth and quiet ride, loved it! I would definitely recommend etrailer and their products. Thank you all that helped.
The B&W 327018K 5th wheel hitch is an excellent product and a really good value. After my 22 year old Reese 14K hitch broke (compromised the locking jaws) I was unsure what my options were so I called E-trailer. Fortunately I got Alex on the phone. He was extremely helpful and insightful. He told me about the B&W products and that is how I ended up with the 3270. I was concerned about the weight. As a 68 year old retiree, I was able to lift the Reese in/out of my truck but afraid the B&W would be too heavy. Alex told me they offered a product that clamped into 5th wheel jaws of the B&W. If I had a pulley system, a lift, or a tractor it was a piece of cake. I have the latter two. After I received the new hitch I assembled and installed in a couple of minutes. Taking the hitch in/out is easy. Thank you Alex
Fred did a great job of helping with my purchase and the shipping was master than he said. Thanks soo much.
Very nice and solid 5th wheel hitch. Very quiet when towing. One important comment: I have a 2019 Chevrolet Crew Cab with 6ft 6 in bed. I am towing a 2019 Grand Design Reflection 5th wheel. Dealership installed the hitch. I seem to have clearance between the cab and 5th wheel when 90 degrees from one another. The 5th wheel hitch overhang will hit the tailgate of the truck when sliding back to locking position. I think its about a 3 inch interference, Make sure you check this by lowering your tailgate before sliding into parking position.
Great hitch in my 2015 Ram 2500 Short Bed. I had to contact B&W due to a concern with tightening the mounting bolts. The threads in the holes are painted, B&W said to run a tap through the threads. Also I was missing a few bolts on previously installed mounting kit. B&W sent me the whole bolt kit overnight for free. Awesome American company proudly supporting their products. I highly recommend their products. Also etrailer sent this hitch to me in a timely manner at a great price. I would use etrailer again. Thank you!
I like how heavy the side plates for the frame are, but the way they are designed is kind of a pain to get the flat washer lock washer and then the nut on them, not much room to get your hand up in there, and there is no way to get a torque wrench in that tight spot to get the proper torque on the nuts, unless there is a adaptor to reach in that very limited area to work
Ordered this B&W slider to replace my Reese 16k slider. I will say that the Reese kingpin jaws fit a bit loose which made a bunch of noise and any bumps in the road made it scary at times. I switched to this B&W and it makes towing our 5th wheel a dream. Very solidly built and the ride is amazing. For the money it's well worth it. B&W will be the only brand hitch I'll be buying from now on. Shipping time with etrailer was very fast and on top of getting things shipped.
Product seems to be made of good quality and wasn't to difficult to install. Only issue we had was it was missing some hardware.
Excellent quality. Kit intructions were pretty easy to follow too.
Tech assistance with questions and ordering process was great. I will use etrailer again and will recommend them to others.
Unit is solid and well built, just as advertised. Assembly and installation was straightforward but prepare for lifting help as the base unit is quite heavy.
This is a replacement upgrade and I can't wait for weather to get better and go camping.
I love B&W products always well made . This is the second time I’ve purchased from etrailer and couldn’t be happier. This is the first time I’ve ever had anything shipped via Estes Freight and they are top notch, they definitely make UPS,FedEx USPS look bad . Tracking from day one when it was shipped notified when it was out for delivery and again when it was less than an hour from delivery.
5 star satisfaction once again ! I've been pleased with every purchase that I have ever made with Etrailer , great place to shop .
This kit is awesome. Everything lines up wonderfully for my Chevrolet 3500HD long bed. The guide that holds the bolts in place when feeding it through the frame of the truck is genius.......BUT.....please made the guide slightly longer for the rear bolts, (see photo) because mine fell in the frame while pushing it into position, and it took me 2 hours with a magnetic to fish it out of the truck's frame. Until the manufacturer makes them slightly longer, installers drill a hole in the end of the guide and insert a wire, in case it falls into the frame when feeding it into the frame. The two nuts and bolts over the gas truck will drive you nuts (long bed) if you are not a contortionist, lol, but this has nothing to due to this manufacture of this great kit. I also like the grey powder coat that goes with the B&M Patriot 5th wheel hitch.
High quality part and pretty easy install using etrailer videos.
Brooke M.
5/1/2025
Looks great, Adam! [Nice choices in wheels too!]
This setup does what it says it's going to do. Easy hook up and tows my 36 ft. 5th wheel as if it was not there.
The B&W hitch is extremely high quality
The fit and finish and how easy it works Is well worth the few extra bucks.
And it made in America. Go B&W
etrailer made it so easy thank you etrailer
Brooke M.
3/19/2025
Yes! I love that B&W is American made AND they are top tier, high quality hitches. :) Thanks for sending in the photos, too!
The install was not too difficult. I installed with the bed liner in but cut out slots for the rails at first. I had to go back and cut out the portion under the base in order for it to set flush on the rails. Thanks for the YouTube videos.
Can't wait to use, lot heavier than the one I had. Only problem I had was figuring out how to get it into the bed of my truck due to the weight. Ready for camping.
Brooke M.
6/18/2025
Looks fantastic! What did you end up doing to get it up in the truck? You got the wood loaded and everything - when is the trip?
Bryan
6/18/2026
Hitch works great, its much better than the previous one I had. I would definitely recommend this hitch. Only issue I have had is the slider sticking which I fixed with silicone spray.
Great customer service from Amyl. I changed out a pull rite to a patriot 5th wheel hitch. Using my pull rite bed rails. Amy knew they would swap straight over. No problem easy easy. Cheers
Brooke M.
2/3/2025
Thats great, Steve! Ill be sure to let Amy know about your review, too. Thanks for the photo - the install looks great!
Steve
2/3/2026
Still using it. I feel B and W is the best in the industry. I just recommended a friend to purchase a B and w turn over ball for her horse trailer.
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Sean
3/3/2021
After a full year I am very satisfied with this B&W 5th wheel hitch, solid latching and quiet, no slop operation.