Best Way to Upgrade From a B&W Patriot 18k Hitch to a 25k 5th Wheel Hitch in a 2018 Chevy w/o Prep

Updated 04/18/2022 | Published 04/17/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Head Assembly for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 25,000 lbs

(284)

$499.00

Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(35)

$599.00

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

(5322)

$1099.00

Curt A25 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs

(426)

$1063.95

Question:

I have a 18k head would like to up grade to 25k do I have to change my base

asked by: Warren K

Expert Reply:

Yes, you would need to replace both the head and the base. The Replacement Head Assembly for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # BWRVC3006 fits the B&W Companion base. The 18k from B&W is the Patriot not a Companion, therefore the # BWRVC3006 would not fit on the Patriot base.

The best and easiest way to increase your 5th wheel hitch to 25k would be to use the Curt A25 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # C16180 which will attach directly to your industry standard base rails.

There honestly is no way to get a B&W hitch rated at 25k without having the factory prep package. The only way to get an increased capacity from B&W would be to change the rails in your truck to the # BWGNRK1016-5W and the entire 5th wheel hitch to the # BWRVK3500-5W. The head of the # BWRVK3500-5W is already rated at 25k, but the base limits it to 20k and that is the only base available without the prep package.