Can Hitch Head of B and W Companion Hitch be Adjusted Back without Issue

Updated 04/26/2018 | Published 04/25/2018

Question:

I recently submitted a question about clearance between truck bedrails and the underbelly of my 5th. wheel. I have a steep entrance off the highway into my driveway. Twice now when I have backed down my drive off the highway with my camper and damaged the fiberglass on the 5th. wheel. I have my companion hitch set just ahead of the rear axle. I have room to move it forward one set of holes or back two sets of holes. It was recommended that moving it back would make it less likely to hit possibly ?? If I set the height of the hitch to make the trailer level I have 5inch of clearance. If I raise the hitch up one set of holes it gives me a little over 6 at the back and 7 toward the front of trailer. 1. Is the nose riding higher on the camper going to hurt the towing of the camper ? 2. I know it is better to tow ahead of the rear axle , but moving it back will give me a longer wheel base from truck to camper and maybe some more clearance when backing down my drive ? How far back do you suggest I can move my hitch without causing any issues ? 2014 GMC 1ton dually / campanion hitch // 2017 Jayco Designer 5th. wheel , 15000 # 40.2 long

asked by: Steve G

Expert Reply:

May as well use the rear most holes of the hitch head to gain all the clearance you can. The weight of the hitch will still come down on the same place in the truck bed which is where the hitch attaches to the truck frame and is right above the axle.

Hopefully the additional clearance helps. Raising the nose of your trailer would only be a good solution if doing so your trailer was still sitting level as you are towing. If you raise the nose so that the trailer is not sitting nose high you'll have more weight on your rear axle and will potentially have ride issues as well as tire wear issues.

expert reply by: Jameson C