B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Hitch Not Sitting Level in Bed of Truck

Published 11/18/2016

Question:

I Just purchased BWGNRK1016, and had them install it. I then purchased BWRVK3500 from etrailer. Nice setup. But I notice that with the hitch installed the rails do not contact the truck bed at the rear. The rails and truck bed are both clean and there is about a 1/4inch gap between the rails and the truck bed. My question is could they have installed the BWGNRK1016 wrong or used the wrong part for this truck. Is this safe? Or should it be shimmed up.

asked by: Joe W

Expert Reply:

The newer GM trucks have been designed with a rise in the front of the bed. Therefore, the bed is not completely level the whole length. I contacted a tech specialist at B&W on this iissue. He recommended that at the front (closest to the truck cab) of the gooseneck hitch # BWGNRK1016 to loosen (do not remove) the 4 bolts on the side bracket. You will need to allow the front section to drop a little then re-tighten and re-torque the bolts.

B&W said by allowing the front part of gooseneck hitch to drop a little will help compensate for the bed and level out the 5th wheel hitch when sitting in the bed.

If you do not feel like you could do this yourself I suggest taking it back to the place you had the gooseneck installed. I am sure they would be happy to help you.

expert reply by: Jared P