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Old 03-19-2018, 02:05 PM   #1
Mosnowman
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Which B&W Hitch?

I am buying and installing a B&W Hitch next week at the B&W Factory in Kansas. I am wanting a clean bed with no rails.

I was wanting advice from you guys on which hitch to go with? I have a new 2018 Ford F350 short bed and a new 2018 3721RL Montana. I am selling my Pullrite Superglide after having a lot of problems with it and the distaste for having to be almost dead on straight when hooking up. I am a horrible back up driver. My brother in law has the B&W Companion Slider and I love it! I have gotten several opinions that I may not neccessarily need the slider. Can one of you B&W experts help me with this? I also have heard with the new Montanas you would probably never need the slider. I’m a newbie at this so would really appreciate your advice! Thanks!!

Companion Slider or Non Slider?
 
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Old 03-19-2018, 03:15 PM   #2
AlphaFez
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[QUOTE=Mosnowman;1092046]I am buying and installing a B&W Hitch next week at the B&W Factory in Kansas. I am wanting a clean bed

After watching several YouTube videos on new Super Duty F350, with the Short Box (6'-9"),
The B&W Companion that fits the OEM Ford puck prep package and works great for us. I did a backing up test to reveal how sharp I can turn; I call my max turn is 80°+ max. After years of 5th wheel trailer pulling, I can't imagine needing to actually turning that sharp.
I created a photo album, it show these pictures.
The Montana front radius and front cap shape allowed this to work for me. The B&W Companion upright pivot arms need to be switched around to move the hitch point back (closer to above the rear axle).

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Old 03-19-2018, 03:16 PM   #3
Skw774
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The folks at etrailer can help with suggestions. I have a slider on rails and love it for towing but it takes away your truck bed for sure
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Old 03-19-2018, 03:23 PM   #4
AlphaFez
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I bought my B&W Companion from etrailer. They suggested the slider and I respect that, but my research found examples of F350 Super Duty trucks with the Crew Cab Short Bed. I have submitted photos to them regarding this combination.
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Old 03-19-2018, 05:50 PM   #5
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My personal opinion is.....Its better to have the SLIDER and NOT need it, than to NEED the slider and NOT have it!!

I drive semi for a living(30 plus yrs) and I bought the slider for our truck for exact reason as I just stated.
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Old 03-19-2018, 06:09 PM   #6
AlphaFez
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I respect your opinion, Darwin.
etrailer also said the same thing.
After 10+ years of pulling a 5th wheeler, I feel good with my decision; and will always be careful.
Thanks for your comment.


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Old 03-19-2018, 06:35 PM   #7
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Let me also add, I know some that have NEVER used a slider hitch, and thats all personal choice. I respect the choice of those who opt not to get the slider, but they must be careful, as stated by AlphaFez.
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Old 03-19-2018, 06:54 PM   #8
CaptnJohn
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Have had a slider in all my short bed trucks. Only needed 3 times in all these years. Used it twice, the other time the 5er kissed the cab and it was an $800 smooch. The B&W Patriot slider is in the bed and is so easy and smooth. My neighbor bought the B&W 16K ~~ he could have bought 3 18K sliders for the damage he caused.
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Old 03-19-2018, 08:17 PM   #9
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I admire your decision to scrap the SuperGlide ! Biggest pain for me after owning two B&W hitches. I’ve always had standard sized beds. If and when I can trade hitches, I will go with the B&W Slider. It’s like having an onboard insurance policy, just only need it a time or two.
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Old 03-20-2018, 06:53 AM   #10
The Bone
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There is enough adjustment in the Companion hitch so you won't need a slider. I had a problem on a off camber tight turn and it didnt end well so I just moved the hitch back one hole from the front and no more problem. I am still super careful but no real need for a slider with the rounded fronts on the newer 5th wheels IMO
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Old 03-20-2018, 08:00 AM   #11
Dave W
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I used the standard B&W Turn Over hitch, no slider, with our last 5er in a short bed F350, While the last 5er was a Glendale Titanium with a cut back nose, it still had the Atwood '72 degree' pin box tucked under that nose. With the arms facing back, I could do the almost 90* back in to our driveway.

Of course, the REAL 'fix' is a long bed truck
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