The GNRC909 is the center section replacement component for B&W's Companion fifth wheel-to-gooseneck hitch system -- purpose-built for truck owners who tow gooseneck trailers and need a rugged, precision-machined anchor point in the bed. If your existing Companion center section is worn, damaged, or you are building out a complete Companion assembly for a new truck application, this is the part you need. Sold as the center section only; no ball or complete kit included.
B&W's Companion line is widely regarded as one of the most robust fifth wheel-to-gooseneck solutions on the market for serious haulers. The system allows pickup truck owners to tow both conventional gooseneck trailers and -- with the appropriate Companion head -- fifth wheel trailers using a single, bed-mounted hitch. The GNRC909 center section is the structural core of that system, providing the mounting anchor and alignment foundation that the upper receiver or ball assembly locks into.
At 39 lbs and measuring 30.5 inches long by 9 inches wide by 5 inches tall, this is a solid, full-size component built from high-strength steel with B&W's characteristic tight tolerances. It is not a lightweight or budget substitute -- it is the real B&W Companion center section, carrying the same load ratings as the rest of the Companion family.
Gross Trailer Weight capacity matches full B&W Companion system ratings for heavy gooseneck and fifth wheel loads.
Precision-welded and machined steel with B&W's high-strength finish -- built to handle constant load cycles without flex or fatigue.
Designed specifically for the B&W Companion fifth wheel-to-gooseneck system; integrates directly with Companion upper receiver and ball assemblies.
Use as a direct replacement for a worn center section, or as the foundation for a new Companion installation where the center section is sourced separately.
The B&W Companion is a modular fifth wheel-to-gooseneck hitch platform. Unlike traditional fifth wheel hitches that sit permanently in the truck bed, the Companion mounts via a low-profile center section that is either bolted directly to the truck bed rails or integrated with a B&W Under-Bed rail kit. The upper receiver -- which accepts either a gooseneck ball or a fifth wheel head -- drops in and locks securely, then can be removed to restore a fully usable bed when not towing.
The GNRC909 center section is the bottom half of this system. It establishes the load path from the trailer tongue down through the truck frame. Because it interfaces directly with B&W's proprietary receiver socket, it must be a genuine B&W Companion component -- aftermarket substitutes will not achieve the rated lock-up or load capacity.
There are two common scenarios: (1) You are replacing a damaged or worn GNRC909 from an existing Companion installation, and the upper ball or receiver assembly is still in good shape. (2) You are purchasing a Companion upper kit that does not include the center section -- some B&W kits are sold as upper-only assemblies intended to pair with a pre-owned or previously purchased center section. Either way, the GNRC909 is the correct standalone center section part number for the Companion gooseneck application.
The GNRC909 installs into the truck bed using B&W's standard Companion mounting hardware. Depending on your truck make and model year, installation may use B&W's Under-Bed mounting system with frame-mounted brackets, or a direct bolt-in kit specific to your truck. The center section itself does not include truck-specific mounting hardware -- verify that your existing rails and mounting brackets are intact and in serviceable condition before ordering a center-section-only replacement.
The GNRC909 is a component of the B&W Companion system, not a complete ready-to-tow hitch by itself. You will need the appropriate upper receiver or gooseneck ball assembly, plus truck-specific mounting hardware if not already installed. If you are starting from scratch, B&W offers complete Companion kits that bundle all required components.
Periodically inspect the center section receiver socket for wear, scoring, or deformation -- especially after heavy towing seasons. Clean and lubricate the receiver bore with a quality hitch lubricant to prevent galling and ensure smooth upper assembly insertion and removal. Inspect all mounting hardware torque annually.
Pair the GNRC909 with a B&W Companion gooseneck ball assembly or fifth wheel head (sold separately) and the appropriate truck-specific mounting kit for a complete Companion installation. B&W part numbers for upper assemblies and mounting kits vary by truck application -- reference B&W's fitment guide by year, make, and model to confirm the correct companion components.