How To Determine The Correct Position For B&W Pivot Arms

Published 10/28/2021

Question:

What portion of the 5th wheel faces the cab? Is it the side with the warning label or the side that has the B&W logo? The instructions are not clear on that point.

asked by: Danny G

Expert Reply:

When installing the pivot arms on your B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Ram Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 25,000lbs Item # BWRVK3600 you'll want to ensure that you have 6" of clearance between the bed rails and the nose of your 5th wheel and 16"-24" between the bumper of your truck and the body of your camper.

To determine the height you'll measure the height from the ground to the floor of your truck bed and subtract it from the height from the ground to the king pin plate while the camper is level. The difference between those numbers is what your hitch height needs to be to ride level but you'll also want to ensure you have that 6" clearance between the truck and trailer.

To determine the horizontal position of the pivot arms you can measure the distance between the center axle and the bumper and the king pin to the body of the 5th wheel and if the difference is 16"- 24" you can place the pivot arms in the "over axle" position. If less than 16" you can place the arms behind the axle and if more than 24" you can place them in front of the axle.

expert reply by: Kevin C

5th Wheel Clearance
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B&W Pivot Arm Chart
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B&W OEM 5th Wheel Hitch Direction
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Dan G.

10/28/2021

What portion of the 5th wheel faces the cab? Is it the side with the warning label or the side that has the B&W logo? The instructions are not clear on that point.

Kevin C.

10/28/2021

If I'm understanding you correctly you're wanting to know which way the jaws of the hitch will be facing. The side of the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Ram Towing Prep Package # BWRVK3600 that has the orange warning label will face the cab of your 2021 Ram 3500 and the side with the Companion sticker will face the tailgate of your truck/the trailer.