For Ram truck owners towing large fifth wheel trailers with a short bed pickup, achieving proper turning clearance is just as important as towing capacity. The B&W Companion Slider 20K 5th Wheel Hitch Kit for Ram Factory Puck Systems is engineered specifically to provide exceptional towing performance, enhanced maneuverability, and industry-leading ride quality for demanding towing applications.
Designed for Ram trucks equipped with the factory-installed towing prep package, this premium fifth wheel hitch mounts directly into the OEM puck system without requiring adapter rails or permanent modifications. Built from heavy-duty American steel and finished in B&W's signature medium-gray powder coat, the Companion Slider combines impressive towing capacity with innovative features that help eliminate trailer chucking, reduce noise, and improve overall towing comfort.
Its integrated 12"sliding mechanism provides additional cab-to-trailer clearance during tight turns and backing maneuvers, making it an ideal solution for short bed trucks. Combined with B&W's precision-machined 1" thick dual-jaw coupler system, fully articulating hitch head, and vibration-dampening polyurethane bushings, the Companion Slider delivers a towing experience that feels stable, secure, and remarkably smooth.
Whether you're towing a large fifth wheel RV, toy hauler, horse trailer, or luxury camper, the B&W Companion Slider offers the confidence, durability, and towing performance that serious truck owners demand.
Key Features
- Integrated 12" Slider Travel – Provides additional turning clearance for short bed trucks, helping prevent trailer-to-cab contact during tight maneuvers
- 1" Thick Dual-Jaw Coupler System – Fully wraps the king pin for a secure, rattle-free connection and improved towing stability
- 20,000 lb Towing Capacity – Designed to confidently handle heavy fifth wheel RVs, toy haulers, and recreational trailers
- Direct-Fit Ram OEM Puck Installation – Mounts directly into the factory towing prep package without rails, drilling, or modifications
Features & Benefits
Built Specifically for Ram Factory Puck Systems
The Companion Slider is engineered exclusively for Ram trucks equipped with the factory towing prep package.
Compatible applications include:
- 2013-Present Ram 3500 with OEM Prep Package
- 2014-Present Ram 2500 with OEM Prep Package
- Factory-installed Ram puck system
Unlike universal rail-mounted hitches, this Companion model installs directly into the truck's factory receiver pucks for a cleaner appearance and easier installation.
Benefits include:
- No adapter rails required
- Direct OEM fitment
- Fast installation
- Cleaner truck bed appearance
- Full bed access after removal
12" of Built-In Slider Travel
Short bed trucks often require additional clearance when maneuvering a fifth wheel trailer.
The Companion Slider features an integrated manual sliding mechanism that provides:
12" of Front-to-Back Travel
This added movement helps:
- Reduce the risk of trailer-to-cab contact
- Improve turning clearance
- Simplify campground maneuvering
- Increase confidence when backing
- Improve low-speed handling
When maximum clearance is needed, simply slide the hitch rearward. Once maneuvering is complete, return the hitch to its towing position for normal travel.
This built-in solution eliminates the need for separate adapters or complicated clearance systems.
Precision 1" Thick Dual-Jaw Coupler System
At the heart of every Companion hitch is B&W's industry-respected dual-jaw locking system.
The precision-machined 1" thick steel jaws fully surround the trailer king pin, providing complete 360-degree contact.
Benefits include:
- Elimination of rattling
- Reduced king pin movement
- Improved towing stability
- Reduced trailer chucking
- Quieter towing performance
Unlike traditional slide-bar hitches that allow excessive movement, the Companion's dual-jaw design creates a tight, secure connection that remains stable throughout the towing experience.
Smooth Ride with Polyurethane Bushings
Road imperfections, trailer movement, and uneven surfaces can transfer vibration directly into the truck.
The Companion Slider incorporates heavy-duty polyurethane bushings between the hitch head and pivot arms to help absorb these forces.
Advantages include:
- Reduced road shock
- Less vibration transfer
- Improved ride quality
- Reduced metal-on-metal contact
- Quieter towing experience
These bushings contribute significantly to the smooth, controlled feel that B&W hitches are known for.
Fully Articulating Pivot Head
The Companion's hitch head pivots:
- Front-to-back
- Side-to-side
This articulation allows the hitch to follow the trailer naturally over uneven terrain and during tight maneuvers.
Benefits include:
- Easier coupling and uncoupling
- Improved trailer tracking
- Reduced stress on truck and trailer components
- Enhanced towing comfort
The dual-pivot design helps maintain proper contact between truck and trailer, even on uneven campsites and rough roads.
Cam-Action Release Handle
Disconnecting a fifth wheel trailer can be challenging when tension exists between the truck and trailer.
B&W's cam-action latching handle is designed to reduce binding and simplify uncoupling.
Benefits include:
- Easier release on uneven ground
- Reduced jaw binding
- Smooth operation under load
- Simplified campsite setup
If tension exists, simply move the handle to the open position. As the truck pulls forward, the jaws release naturally without excessive force.
For added security, the handle can be secured using:
- Included retaining pin and clip
- Optional padlock with a 5/16" shackle
Adjustable Height and Trailer Positioning
Every towing combination is different, and proper trailer leveling is essential for stability and performance.
The Companion Slider offers:
3 Height Adjustment
Fore/Aft Positioning
Adjustable pivot arm positions allow owners to optimize:
- Trailer level
- Bed rail clearance
- Weight distribution
- Cab clearance
Proper adjustment helps improve towing comfort and overall safety.
Heavy-Duty American Steel Construction
The Companion Slider is built from thick steel components designed to withstand years of heavy-duty towing.
Capacity ratings include:
Weight Ratings
- Gross Trailer Weight: 20,000 lbs
- Vertical Load Capacity: 5,000 lbs
This makes it ideal for:
- Large fifth wheel campers
- Toy haulers
- Horse trailers
- Race trailers
- Luxury RVs
The robust construction creates a stable foundation for towing confidence.
Rail-Free Design for Maximum Bed Space
When towing season ends, truck bed usability becomes important.
The Companion Slider features a modular two-piece design that separates into:
- Hitch head assembly
- Slider base assembly
Benefits include:
- Easier removal
- Full bed access
- Cleaner truck bed appearance
- Improved truck versatility
Once removed, the OEM puck system leaves no permanent rails or obstructions behind.
Durable Powder-Coated Finish
The Companion Slider features B&W's medium-gray powder coat finish.
Benefits include:
- Corrosion resistance
- UV protection
- Scratch resistance
- Long-term durability
This finish helps protect the hitch from road salt, weather exposure, and everyday wear.
Proudly Made in the USA
Every B&W Companion hitch is manufactured in the United States using premium American steel and strict quality standards.
Benefits include:
- American craftsmanship
- Precision manufacturing
- Consistent quality control
- Long-term reliability
This commitment to quality has helped make B&W one of the most respected names in towing equipment.
Installation Information
The Companion Slider is designed specifically for Ram trucks equipped with the OEM towing prep package.
Installation Overview
- Remove factory puck covers.
- Position the slider base into the OEM puck locations.
- Engage and lock the puck handles.
- Install the hitch head onto the pivot arms.
- Adjust height and positioning as required.
- Verify all locking mechanisms are secure.
Tools Required
- Basic hand tools
- Torque wrench (recommended)
Installation Notes
- Fits Ram OEM puck systems
- No drilling required
- No cutting required
- No bed modifications required
- Rail-free installation
Estimated Installation Time - Most installations can typically be completed in approximately 30–60 minutes.
Important Compatibility Notice
This hitch is NOT compatible with:
- Sidewinder king pins
- Revolution king pins
- Any device that changes the trailer king pin pivot point
Always verify trailer compatibility before installation.
What's Included
- (1) Companion Slider Base Assembly
- (1) Companion Coupler Head Assembly
- (2) Adjustable Pivot Arms
- OEM Puck Mounting Hardware
- Safety Pins and Retaining Clips
- Installation Instructions
Contents may vary slightly by production revision.
Specifications
Application - 2013-Present Ram Trucks with OEM Towing Prep Package
Capacity
- Gross Trailer Weight: 20,000 lbs
- Vertical Load Capacity: 5,000 lbs
Dimensions
- Hitch Height: 17"–19"
- Slider Travel: 12"
- Slider Footprint: 43" x 37"
Finish - Medium Gray Powder Coat
Care & Maintenance
Cleaning
- Wash periodically using mild soap and water.
- Remove road salt and dirt after towing.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners.
Inspection
- Inspect jaws before each trip.
- Verify puck handles remain secure.
- Check bushings, pins, and pivot points regularly.
Lubrication
- Lubricate moving components according to B&W recommendations.
- Maintain proper king pin lubrication.
Storage
- Remove hitch when maximum bed access is desired.
- Store indoors when 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.
- Slider Hitch - A fifth wheel hitch that can move rearward to provide additional cab clearance during tight turns and backing maneuvers.
- Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) - The maximum allowable 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 improved security, stability, and reduced noise.
- Polyurethane Bushings - Shock-absorbing components that reduce vibration, road shock, and trailer chucking.
- Cam-Action Release Handle - A release mechanism designed to minimize binding and simplify unhitching on uneven terrain.
- Sidewinder / Revolution Pin Box - A specialized king pin system that changes the trailer pivot point and is not compatible with this hitch design.
For Ram truck owners towing large fifth wheel trailers with a short bed pickup, the B&W Companion Slider 20K 5th Wheel Hitch Kit delivers exceptional towing confidence, superior maneuverability, and legendary American-made durability. With its integrated 12" slider, precision dual-jaw coupler system, OEM puck compatibility, and premium ride-quality features, it remains one of the most trusted and capable fifth wheel hitches available for serious towing applications.