Comparing B&W Companion for OEM Puck vs B&W Gooseneck for 2020 Chevy Silverado 3500 Short Bed

Updated 04/18/2020 | Published 04/17/2020

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5120)

$1199.00

B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs

(4555)

$699.00

B&W Ball and Safety Chain Kit for Ford, GM, Chevy, and Nissan Titan XD Underbed Gooseneck Hitch

(1396)

$299.00

B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(591)

$1099.00

Question:

Im considering purchasing Package part # BWRVK3710 fixed hitch to pull a 5th wheel trailer since Im considering having the OEM pucks in the Chevy 3500. The 5th wheel trailer has a rounded nose and the RV dealer stated that a fixed hitch should work fine vs. a slider hitch. I would like your opinion on that. I also have a livestock gooseneck trailer I would like to pull. If I purchase the BW part above, what additional part do I need to pull a gooseneck? Lastly, should I just not buy a truck with the OEM pucks, but rather have the dealer install the BandW system aftermarket? Im guessing the hitch is quicker to install with pucks vs. with the turnover ball type mount?

asked by: Lance M

Expert Reply:

If you're looking for the easiest option to move around (since you plan on using your 2020 Chevy Silverado 3500 to gooseneck tow) then I recommend going with the OEM puck system and using the Companion # BWRVK3710 because it is roughly 50 lbs lighter than the Companion # BWRVK3500 that would be installed in the B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch # BWGNRK1020.

To tow a gooseneck trailer with the OEM puck system I recommend the B&W Ball and Safety Chain Kit # BWGNXA2061 as it is the nicest option in my opinion due to the carrying handle.

Since your 5th wheel trailer has a rounded nose you should be good to go with the stationary Companion. We typically recommend the slider since not every trailer has proper clearance, but if you check out the attached photo a customer sent in, he has the exact same truck as you with the 6-3/4' bed and he is able to get his pickup 90 degrees to his trailer without interference. You can use the following formula to see if you'll be able to turn safely with a fixed hitch:

(A + B) - C = Clearance

A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab
B = Length of offset (Sliding hitch, Sidewinder offset, or fixed hitch offfset)
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)

You need at least 4" of clearance to be able to make a 90 degree turn.