How To Lower Nose Of 5th Wheel Trailer While Using B&W Companion OEM Ford Super Duty

Question

Question:

I just installed newly delivered BandW hitch at lowest 16.3/4 inch setting, upon lining up to tow my RV, I determined that hitch is 3 inches too high for a good level hook-upinch and tow configuration. I suspect that issue may result from Ford-optioned 20 inch wheels and also possibly that truck has option for the heavy spring package. I see that CURT 20K hitch would sit at 3 inches lower at its highest config. Is this a possible solution, given that BandW has no offer for a low enough hitch? I would very much like to use a BandW hitch on my truck, so have even considered a King Pin box change, but the box currently installed seems already to offer the optimized config to accommodate my truck.

asked by: Mark S

0

Expert Reply:

Yes, it is possible to change out the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch part # BWRVK3305 for the Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # C16034 as this would then lower the hitch head height up to 3-3/4". However, you will still need to maintain at least 4-6" from the top of the bed sides to the loft of the trailer so you may not just be able to lower the hitch head all the way down. I will say the issue you have is a pretty common one nowadays since trucks are getting taller than they have ever been.

The solution I have for you will be to raise the trailer because this will allow you to tow level and not have to worry about bed side clearance. If your leaf springs are under the axle tube then you can flip them using the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit part # K71-385-00 for 5,200 lb - 7,000 lb axles or part # K71-384-00 for 3,500 lb axles. These kits will raise the trailer equal to the diameter of the axle tube plus the height of the leaf spring pack. If your leaf springs are already over your axle tube then you will need to use the Tandem Axle Lift Kit part # RR23QX but this will only lift the trailer 2-1/4" so you might need to adjust your pin box as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

0

Answer 1

I can confirm for you that there is a difference between the #BWRVK3300 and the #BWRVK3305 with the construction of the base of the hitch, which is where you get the difference in capacities between the two hitches. The 3300 is only rated for…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Hey Satran. The tallest 5th wheel hitch we have with a 30,000 lbs capacity is the Reese M5 item #RP68FR. This fits the Ford factory puck system and has three adjustable heights of 14", 16", and 18". The B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel…

view full answer...

Answer 3

The Curt PowerRide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ford Towing Prep Package #C48BR weighs 169 lbs total.

view full answer...

Answer 4

Hey Mark, welcome to the fifth wheel community! I'd be more than happy to help you. So a fifth wheel hitch will sit lower than the top of the truck bed rails so you wouldn't have to remove the head of the hitch to close the cover BUT the…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Hey Thomas, congrats on your new trailer. You might have to play around with the different positioning of the pivot arms once you get the trailer home. There's no of knowing exactly what position you'll need without knowing the pin box…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Hey Ben, thanks for reaching out! The PullRite OEX SuperLite #PUL89ZR is what I recommend over the B&W Companion #BWRVK3305. The Companion has been a staple in the towing industry for a long time, but the OEX has a few key advantages that make it…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Personally I prefer the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch #BWRVK3305 over the Curt PowerRide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch #C48BR. With that said the Curt is rated for 30,000lbs while the B&W is only rated up to 25,000lbs so if you need to tow a…

view full answer...

How To Lower Nose Of 5th Wheel Trailer While Using B&W Companion OEM Ford Super Duty

Products Featured in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Continue Researching