When towing a large fifth wheel trailer with a short bed truck, maneuverability becomes just as important as towing capacity. The B&W Companion OEM 20K Slider 5th Wheel Hitch for Ford Factory Puck Systems is engineered specifically to provide the strength, ride quality, and turning clearance required for safe and confident towing. Designed for Ford Super Duty trucks equipped with the factory-installed towing prep package, this premium fifth wheel hitch combines B&W's industry-leading Companion coupler technology with an integrated sliding base that helps prevent trailer-to-cab contact during tight turns and backing maneuvers.
Built from heavy-duty American steel and finished with a durable medium-gray powder coat, the Companion Slider offers the rugged construction serious RV owners demand. Its precision-machined 1" thick dual jaws fully surround the trailer king pin for a secure, rattle-free connection, while the fully articulating hitch head and polyurethane bushings work together to reduce road shock, vibration, and trailer chucking. The integrated 12" slider provides valuable additional clearance for short bed trucks, helping you navigate campgrounds, fuel stations, and tight parking situations with greater confidence.
Whether you're towing a luxury fifth wheel RV, toy hauler, horse trailer, or large camper, the B&W Companion Slider delivers premium towing performance, exceptional durability, and the peace of mind that comes from owning one of the most respected towing systems in the industry.
Key Features
- Integrated 12" Slider Travel – Provides additional cab-to-trailer clearance for safer maneuvering with short bed trucks
- 1" Thick Dual-Jaw Coupler System – Fully wraps the king pin to eliminate rattling, reduce chucking, and create a secure towing connection
- 20,000 lb Gross Trailer Weight Capacity – Built to confidently handle large fifth wheel RVs, toy haulers, and heavy-duty trailers
- Ford OEM Puck System Compatibility – Drops directly into the factory Ford towing prep package without requiring rails or adapters
Features & Benefits
Designed Specifically for Ford Factory Puck Systems
Unlike universal fifth wheel hitches that require adapter rails or additional mounting hardware, the B&W Companion OEM Slider is engineered specifically for Ford Super Duty trucks equipped with the factory towing prep package.
Compatible with:
- 2011-Present Ford Super Duty Trucks
- Factory-Installed OEM Puck System
- Ford Factory Towing Prep Package
The hitch base locks directly into the factory-installed puck mounts, creating a secure attachment while maintaining a clean bed appearance when the hitch is removed.
Benefits include:
- Direct OEM fitment
- No adapter rails required
- Faster installation
- Improved bed appearance
- Simplified removal
Built-In Slider for Short Bed Truck Clearance
One of the biggest challenges when towing a fifth wheel with a short bed truck is maintaining sufficient clearance between the trailer and the cab during sharp turns.
The Companion Slider solves this issue with an integrated manual slider system that provides:
- 12" of Fore-and-Aft Travel
Benefits include:
- Improved turning clearance
- Reduced risk of cab contact
- Easier campground maneuvering
- Safer backing situations
- Greater confidence in tight spaces
When traveling on the highway, the hitch can be locked into its normal towing position. When additional clearance is needed, simply slide the hitch rearward to gain valuable turning room.
Precision 1" Thick Dual-Jaw Locking System
At the heart of every Companion hitch is B&W's industry-renowned dual-jaw coupler system.
The precision-machined 1" thick steel jaws completely wrap around the trailer's king pin, providing full 360-degree contact.
Advantages include:
- Tight king pin engagement
- Reduced trailer movement
- Elimination of rattling
- Reduced chucking
- Improved towing stability
Unlike slide-bar style hitches that allow play between the king pin and hitch, the Companion's dual-jaw design creates a secure connection that feels solid and controlled.
Smooth, Quiet Ride with Polyurethane Bushings
Long towing trips become much more enjoyable when road vibration and trailer movement are minimized.
The Companion incorporates heavy-duty polyurethane bushings between the hitch head and pivot arms.
Benefits include:
- Reduced road shock
- Less vibration transfer
- Decreased chucking
- Elimination of metal-on-metal contact
- Quieter towing experience
These bushings help create the smooth, controlled ride quality that B&W hitches are known for.
Fully Articulating Hitch Head
The Companion hitch head pivots:
- Front-to-back
- Side-to-side
This articulation allows the hitch to move naturally with the trailer during:
- Uneven terrain
- Driveway transitions
- Campground setups
- Off-camber surfaces
The result is easier hitching, smoother towing, and reduced stress on both truck and trailer.
Easy Release Cam-Action Handle
Unhitching on uneven terrain can be frustrating with some hitch designs.
B&W's cam-action latching handle is specifically engineered to reduce binding and simplify trailer disconnection.
Benefits include:
- Easier release under load
- Reduced jaw binding
- Simple operation on uneven ground
- Improved campsite convenience
If pressure exists between the king pin and hitch jaws, simply move the handle to the open position and pull forward. The cam mechanism releases tension, allowing the jaws to open naturally.
For added security, the handle can be secured with:
- Included retaining pin and clip
- Optional 5/16" padlock (sold separately)
Adjustable Height and Positioning
Every truck and trailer combination is unique, which is why the Companion offers multiple adjustment options.
Height Adjustment
Three available height settings:
Fore/Aft Adjustment
- 2" of front-to-back adjustment
- Four coupler positioning options
These adjustments help:
- Level the trailer
- Improve towing stability
- Maintain bed rail clearance
- Optimize king pin placement
Proper setup contributes significantly to both safety and towing performance.
Rail-Free Design for Full Bed Access
When towing season is over, the Companion removes easily from the truck bed.
Unlike traditional rail-mounted hitches, the OEM puck design leaves no permanent rails behind.
Benefits include:
- Full bed usability
- Cleaner appearance
- Easier cargo loading
- Improved truck versatility
The hitch head separates from the base, allowing removal in smaller, more manageable pieces.
Heavy-Duty American Steel Construction
The Companion OEM Slider is manufactured using high-strength American steel and built to handle years of demanding towing use.
The hitch is rated for:
Capacity Ratings
- Gross Trailer Weight: 20,000 lbs
- Vertical Load Capacity: 5,000 lbs
This capacity makes it ideal for:
- Large fifth wheel RVs
- Toy haulers
- Horse trailers
- Race trailers
- Heavy recreational trailers
Durable Powder-Coated Finish
The Companion features B&W's signature medium-gray powder coat finish.
Benefits include:
- Corrosion resistance
- UV protection
- Scratch resistance
- Long-term durability
This premium finish helps protect the hitch from harsh weather, road salt, and daily wear while maintaining its appearance.
Proudly Made in the USA
Every Companion hitch is manufactured in the United States using premium materials and rigorous quality standards.
Benefits include:
- American craftsmanship
- Consistent quality control
- Precision manufacturing
- Long-term reliability
For many truck owners, American-made construction remains an important factor when selecting towing equipment.
Installation Information
The Companion OEM Slider is designed specifically for Ford trucks equipped with the factory puck system.
Installation Overview
- Remove factory puck covers.
- Position the hitch base into the four factory puck locations.
- Engage the locking handles.
- Install the coupler head onto the pivot arms.
- Adjust hitch height and positioning as needed.
- Verify all pins and locking mechanisms are properly secured.
Tools Required
- Basic hand tools
- Torque wrench (recommended)
Installation Notes
- Fits Ford OEM puck systems
- No drilling required
- No cutting required
- No bed modifications required
- Rail-free installation
Estimated Installation Time - Most installations can be completed within approximately 30–60 minutes.
What's Included
- (1) B&W Companion OEM Slider Base
- (1) Companion Coupler Head Assembly
- (2) Adjustable Pivot Arms
- OEM Puck System Mounting Components
- Safety Pins and Retaining Clips
- Installation Instructions
Specifications
Application
- 2011-Present Ford Super Duty Trucks
- Factory Towing Prep Package Required
Capacity
- Gross Trailer Weight: 20,000 lbs
- Vertical Load Capacity: 5,000 lbs
Dimensions
- Hitch Height: 17"–19"
- Slider Travel: 12"
- Footprint: 36" Wide x 32.375" Deep
- Puck Hole Spacing: 30" Wide x 13" Deep
Weight
- Base Weight: 192 lbs
- Coupler Weight: 75 lbs
Care & Maintenance
Cleaning
- Wash periodically using mild soap and water.
- Remove road salt and debris after winter travel.
- Avoid harsh chemicals.
Inspection
- Inspect jaws and king pin contact surfaces regularly.
- Verify puck handles remain secure.
- Check bushings and pivot points for wear.
Lubrication
- Lubricate moving components according to B&W recommendations.
- Keep hitch head contact surfaces properly maintained.
Storage
- Remove the hitch when not towing.
- Store indoors whenever possible.
Terms to Know
- OEM Puck System - A factory-installed mounting system integrated into the truck frame that allows direct installation of fifth wheel hitches without traditional bed rails.
- Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) - The maximum allowable total weight of the fully loaded trailer.
- Vertical Load Capacity - The maximum downward force the hitch can safely support from the trailer king pin.
- Dual-Jaw Coupler - A hitch mechanism that completely surrounds the king pin for a tighter, quieter, and more secure connection.
- Slider Hitch - A fifth wheel hitch designed to move rearward when needed to provide additional cab clearance during sharp turns.
- Cam-Action Release - A jaw release mechanism designed to reduce binding and simplify unhitching, even on uneven terrain.
- Polyurethane Bushings - Shock-absorbing components that reduce vibration, road shock, and noise between hitch components.
For Ford Super Duty owners towing large fifth wheel trailers with a short bed truck, the B&W Companion OEM 20K Slider 5th Wheel Hitch delivers an exceptional combination of towing strength, turning clearance, ride quality, and American-made durability. With its integrated 12" slider, precision dual-jaw coupler system, rail-free OEM puck installation, and legendary B&W craftsmanship, it is one of the most trusted and capable fifth wheel hitches available for Ford trucks today.