Is B&W Slider Necessary for Clearance in 2011 F-250 Short Bed Towing 2005 Forest River Cardinal L30

Updated 05/29/2025 | Published 05/15/2025

Products Featured in This Question

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

(580)

$1099.00

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

(5032)

$1599.00

Question:

I have a 2011 Ford F-250 with 6 3/4 bed with BandW gooseneck hitch. Camper is 2005 Forest River Cardinal L30 . Looking at the BandW companion hitch, would I need the slider?

asked by: Mitch M

2005 Forest River Cardinal L30
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Mitch! I can't tell from that picture if you'll have enough clearance or not with the fixed Companion # BWRVK3500. To determine your clearance you will need to measure and use the following formula:

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from the fifth wheel jaw center to the truck cab (you can use the center of your B&W Turnoverball)
B = Length of pin box arm
C = Width of the nose of the trailer divided by 2

If you have less than 4" you need the Companion Slider # BWRVK3400-5W.

expert reply by: Robin H

Mitch

5/26/2025

Robin H.

5/29/2025

@Mitch sometimes our system converts emojis to ?? so I'm not sure if you have an additional question or if you responded with an emoji on your phone.