Do I Need the Companion Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch or the Standard Companion for my 2021 Chevy 2500?

Updated 08/04/2022 | Published 08/01/2022

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Rubber Hitch Cover for 2" Trailer Hitches - Qty 1

(3314)

$11.60

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

(5394)

$1199.00

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

(5394)

$1699.00

B&W 5th Wheel Lifting Device for Companion and Patriot Hitches

(407)

$38.00

Question:

Hello, I have a 2021 Chevy 2500hd pickup truck and I’m buying a fifth wheel camper, is it required to have the bandw slider hitch or can I just have a regular bandw hitch?

asked by: Andrew

Expert Reply:

Yes and no and I will be happy to explain why and give you options for both. The answer depends on the length of your 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500's truck bed and the type of king pin your 5th wheel camper has.

If your truck has the full size 8' bed then you would just need a standard 5th wheel hitch like the B&W Companion item # BWRVK3710 for the GM OEM towing package.

If you have a rotating pin box like a Reese Sidewinder item # RP77FR you won't need a sliding 5th wheel hitch because the king pin itself rotates to give you extra clearance.

If your truck has the 6-3/4 Foot Bed with OEM towing package you will need the B&W Companion Slider item # BWRVK3775. The slider will provide you with 12" of travel to allow you to back into tight spaces.

The B&W Companion weighs over 150 lbs the slider weighs nearly 250 lbs. If that's not something you're interested in moving by yourself and don't want to have to rely on someone to help you then I recommend purchasing the B&W 5th Wheel Lifting Device for Companion and Patriot Hitches item # BWRVXA3130. This heavy duty steel tool lets you lift your B&W 5th-wheel hitch from your truck bed with a hoist. The 5th-Wheel jaws clamp around the device for a secure grip.