B and W Companion Hitch with Loose Assembly Bolts

Updated 04/26/2021 | Published 04/22/2021

Question:

During maintenance of my two year old BW 5 th wheel hitch BWK3500-5W noted 15 bolts of 17 were under torqued. Two bolts of the four on one of the height adjustment arms were loose backed off. Torqued the height adjustment arms to 110 ft lbs. Torqued center supports x 8 to 80 ft-lbs. Torqued king pin bolt to 60 ftl-lbs. I had this hitch installed for me . Not sure I blame installer blame myself for not checking the torques more often. Luckily no damage was done. How often should you check the torques? Is this a common problem?

asked by: Dennis T

Expert Reply:

It's not a common problem that we've seen with any of the hitches we carry where the bolt torque is way too low, especially the Companion hitches. I'd say it was a fluke situation but I would keep an eye on it closer now. Maybe check the torque spec after the next couple times you tow just to make sure everything stays where it needs to be and then if it appears stable maybe check a couple times per year.

expert reply by: Jameson C