Plastic Foot Pads Of B & W Companion Not Allowing The Post Pin To Engage

Updated 05/28/2024 | Published 08/27/2019

Question:

Is there a difference in the thickness of shims for the companion hitch based on difference of manufacturers? I had my companion hitch professionally installed and they neglected to put the shims in, they sent me shims but they seem to be too thick as I can’t get the pin to engage with them installed. I have a 2016 Ford F3 50 4 x 4 . Thanks!

asked by: Peter P

Expert Reply:

I believe you are asking about the plastic foot pads that come with the B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # BWRVK3500-5W that fit into the corrugated lines of the bed to give you a better fit. These foot pads are only manufactured by B&W for the BWRVK3500-5W hitch that fits any truck with the turnover ball. If this is what you are referring to then the biggest reason that the pin will not engage with the use of the foot pads is because the truck has a bed liner. If you have anything other then a spray in bed liner, then the bed liner does need to be cut out the whole circumference of the fifth wheel hitch.

If you do not have a plastic bed liner and are still having issues with the foot pads then you want to make sure they are in the correct orientation. Each pad attaches to the base through the slot at the end of the base leg. Check the width of your bed rib by setting the wide face of the plastic foot in the bed rib. If the plastic foot does not reach the bottom of the bed rib, then you need to flip it over.

Lastly, if your foot pads are in the correct orientation make sure the socket adjuster is not in the way of the pin engaging in the post. If you have checked that and still do not have enough space for the pin to engage, then you can trim the foot pads down a bit to make them thinner according to B&W but it sounds like to me either the installation shop didn't cut out your bed liner or the pads or in the wrong orientation.

expert reply by: Heather A

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Dillon

5/4/2024

Hello Heather, I’m in need of a set of these plastic feet pads that go on the B&W Companion Hitch RVK3500-5W. Where can I get theses at? Thank you.

Heather A.

5/28/2024

@Dillon Hey Dillon, sorry for the late reply I don't answer questions anymore so It took a while for this comment to get to me. We have talked to B&W in the past about these plastic feet pads and they said they are not available for purchase but they may be able to send you some. I would reach out to them at 1-800-248-6564, they are super easy to work with.