Adjustment of the B&W Companion's Pivot Arms

Updated 03/30/2022 | Published 03/29/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Lippert 1621 5th Wheel Pin Box - 15,500 lbs

(77)

$617.13

B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5596)

$1099.00

Question:

I have a 2018 Chevy Silverado 3500HD long bed, stock tires and height, I have the BandW turnover ball and Companion fifth wheel hitch. The tailgate clearance to the front of the trailer, 2022 Palomino Puma 295bhss, is 2” when it is down making hooking up without getting in and out to lower and raise the tailgate. Meaning if you are not completely straight to the trailer, the tailgate will strike the front of the fifth wheel. With the trailer connected to the truck, I can not access the front storage compartment as it is too close to open the door. I moved the fifth wheel all the way back to attempt to gain some clearance and it still seems awful close. Are there specific pin boxes for long bed trucks vs standard and short bed trucks? Is this something that my dealership should have taken care of? I do not know what pin box I currently have, just that it is a Lippert pin box and frame. Am I better off just removing the tailgate when we will be pulling the fifth wheel?

asked by: Randy H

Expert Reply:

If you have already adjusted the pivot arms of the B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, # BWRVK3500-5W in a way to provide you max clearance and are not satisfied with the result, I would remove the tailgate.

expert reply by: Michael R