B&W Patriot 18K 5th Wheel Hitch I Fixed Base I ISR Mount

The B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Hitch is a lighter-weight, less expensive, rail-mounted alternative to the B&W Companion. It's designed to give you the smoothest ride on the road. It features an effortless handle operation, thanks to the use of a cam. When the handle is open, the cam moves out of the way allowing the jaws to open when you pull away and uncouple. When the handle is closed, the cam prevents the jaws from opening, preventing accidental release.

The Patriot jaws are machined to precisely fit your coupler so there isn't room for sloppiness. A spring allows side-to-side movement without slamming. The whole coupler rides on polyurethane bushings that absorb roughness from the road.

The Patriot is available with a fixed base or as a slider to help you navigate tight corners with a short bed truck. Flip the lever and the Patriot slides back 12" so you can maneuver without hitting your trailer on your cab. When you're ready to tow, flip the lever again and the slider locks into place as you back up.

• Easy no-drill installation with industry-standard mounting rails
• Cam action handle helps release jaws even on uneven terrain
• Polyurethane bushings absorb road shock
• Adjustable pivot arms allow for level towing
• Easy to use slide mechanism for cab clearance (with optional slider base)

Specifications
Finish: UV-Resistant Powder Coat
Gross Trailer Weight: 18,000 Lbs.
Vertical Load Capacity: 4,500 Lbs.
Base: Fixed
Weight: 137 Lbs.
Warranty: Limited Lifetime

(5th Wheel Hitch Buying Guide)

Need help selecting the correct hitch for your truck? No problem! Follow along below as we show you exactly how to make the correct choice for your next adventure.

How to Choose the Correct Weight Capacity

Before selecting a 5th wheel hitch for your truck, it is important to know your towing capacity and gross trailer weight. Towing capacity is the maximum weight your truck is rated to tow. Gross trailer weight is the total weight of your trailer when it is loaded and ready to be towed. Towing capacity is always limited by the lowest-rated towing component. For this reason, we recommend purchasing a 5th wheel hitch that meets or exceeds your truck's towing capacity.

How to Choose the Correct Mount Type: ISR or OEM Puck

ISR which stands for “Industry Standard Rails” are above-bed rails used to mount a 5th wheel hitch. They are built with industry-standard mounting points, accepting a broad range of 5th wheel hitches from various manufacturers as long as they conform to the ISR pattern. The rails are secured directly to the bed and frame with vehicle-specific brackets.

OEM Pucks come straight from the vehicle manufacturer. These pucks consist of a series of holes in the bed, making for easy, drill-free installation of a 5th wheel hitch. The puck systems are specific to the vehicle manufacturer. For example, Ford, GM, Ram, and Nissan each offer their own OEM puck system, which differ in size and spacing. Therefore, you’ll need to ensure the 5th wheel hitch you choose is designed for your specific year, make, and model.

How to Choose the Right Base: Fixed vs. Slider

Choosing the correct base for your truck is important; a fixed base positions the hitch directly above the rear axle. A slider base allows for the hitch to slide back when making tight maneuvers for additional turning clearance, so contact between the truck and trailer does not occur. The correct base choice takes into consideration both the truck and trailer, particularly the bed length.

As a general rule, trucks with a bed shorter than 8' should use a slider base to ensure adequate turning clearance between the truck and trailer when making tight maneuvers. A fixed base should be reserved for trucks with an 8' bed. Please note that there are exceptions to the rule, such as trailers with a rotating pin box or tapered nose. When in doubt, measuring is always the best way to determine the correct choice.

B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Hitch # RVK3255