URGENT question, converta ball vs companion

[farmer24]

I just purchased my first fifth wheel, high country 333DB. Anyway stopped by the dealer to settle up on it the other day and they had put a converta ball hitch on it. I have a fifth wheel already in my truck as I am a farmer and pull gooseneck trailer such as flatbeds. I have the B&W flip over ball in my dodge truck. Anyway I kind of wanted the companion B&W hitch that just fits in to the one I already have permenant in the truck as I dont want slide rails as I need to use the truck on a daily basis. The dealer had installed a converta ball type hitch on the montana fifth wheel that basiscally is a just like a gooseneck. I hooks to my ball in my bed just like the flatbed trailers I have. (I figure this is a cheaper option for the dealer rather than giving me the companion hitch) Any way I want to know what I am sacrificing if any by hitching my montana to the ball in my truck just like a farm trailer rather than have the companion hitch? Also I am not planning on pulling long distances just within 200 miles from home to the area lakes ect. Thanks I hope this makes sense and I need help fast as I have to pick the camper up next week.

[racerjoe]

I would find out what is keystones view on this hitch set up. The B&W is an excellent hitch. My friend has one and pulls a 37ft 5th with it

[farmer24]

Dealer said they have used these many of times before and hooke them to the fifth wheel ball in the truck and work good. ( But of course they are going to say that, LOL)

[Crooktail]

I have the B&W hitch with fifth wheel plate. When I picked my fifth wheel up two weeks ago, the service manager made it clear that they do not recommend towing with a goose neck conversion. He further said that they had seen several units towed off of a goose neck that had structural damage. I have no personal experience to substantiate his statement but my theory is why take the risk. In my opinion if a manufacturer deemed it ok to tow with a goose neck, they would offer that as an option.

[Art-n-Marge]

There have been posts about this here in this forum and unless something has significantly changed, the manufacturer (don't ask the dealer) doesn't recommend this because of the stresses it puts on the pin area. The thing you could be sacrificing is the front cap integrity.

Again, check with Keystone for your model of rig. Consider that they'll probably tell you that you can't do that. While the dealers should know this, they should also know to tell if the rig is too heavy for your TV and they don't. Keystone will probably also tell you you can't double tow with their rigs even though others have done this with success (and some shored up hardware).

I recollect the High Country is a new helium lightweight technology and don't know if this improves things so you can use a gooseneck adapter.

The B&W companion is a great hitch but pricey and the best one for you TV's setup.

Good luck with what you find out.

[bncinwv]

You need to check with Keystone and Lippert (if they made the frame). Previous posts have said that a gooseneck will void the warranty with regards to the frame and structural components of the rig. Definitely do some questioning!!!
Bingo

[NCFischers]

Look at the structure on your farm trailers. They are built for goose neck hitches. Fifth wheels aren't built that stout. I wouldn't do it and I believe it may void your warranty.

[8e3k0]

Yes, that Lippert frame on a Montana is nowhere near the structure for strength and durability as a similar size gooseneck trailer that has 2 7000 lb axles or larger. Have seen many 5th wheel RVs with the conversion to the gooseneck hitch but do not know if the results over time are successful.

[nunya]

get the companion hitch and forget about the gooseneck setup, crash waitin to happen. as stated they are not built to stand the hard hitting of just a ball. I have the companion setup and it is great. great company also.

[Dui]

Went straight to Keystone with this question when I bought my 3580 this year. They replied that it would void my warranty . I went with the B&W Companion hitch and never looked back.

[8e3k0]

Dui, you'll like that hitch, one of the easiest to latch into and unlatch. I really like mine and especially with that capability of dismantalling the 5thwheel section into two pieces for ease of removing and handling. We run a farm with mainly hay and convert that hitch back amd forth many times a month.

[lasater]

farmer24,

In your case, the B&W is a great way to go. It is so good that Reese has recently put out a copy-cat of the B&W to try to get some of their business. I constantly brag to my friends about my capability to pull the fiver, a goose-neck, or a regular trailer.

Plus #1: the B&W TurnOver Ball will take a 30,000 lb GTW and the Companion will carry 18,000 GTW. In other words, the hitch is a lot stronger than your truck.

Minus #1: It is pricey.

Plus #2: It takes me less than 10 minutes to remove the Companion for either a clean bed or to use the TurnOver Ball and about 15 minutes (maybe 20) to put the Companion back in and torque all 5 nuts.

Minus #2: It is pricey.

I wouldn't go any other way.

[Weldon]

I would not do it. I would call Keystone.

[ole dude]

Get the B & W companion. Got one, like it.

[farmer24]

All the replies are great. I decided a week ago to purchase the companion hitch. I told the dealer to order the companion and take off the gooseneck hitch. I will be picking up my trailer at the end of the week, weather permitting, it is snowing here right now. We will see how this all works out with the dealer since the purchase included the hitch. i know the companion costs twice as much as that gooseneck adapter so we will see how much the dealer squeals to try to get out of picking up the tab on the companion