Determining Where To Install The Pivot Arms On A B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch In A 2020 Ford F-350

Updated 07/22/2024 | Published 07/12/2024

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Companion Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Turnoverball for Ford Super Duty - Dual Jaw - 20K

(5115)

$2198.00

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K

(5115)

$1699.00

Question:

I have a 2020 F-350 short bed crew cab SRW with a BandW Companion slider hitch BWRVK3370 for my 2024 Grand Design Influence 3704BH. I’m curious what is the best location for the pivot arms? What measurements should I consider? Thanks!

asked by: Brady M

Expert Reply:

Hi Brady,

When installing the pivot arms on your B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider # BWRVK3370 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
(click to enlarge)

B&W Pivot Arm Chart
(click to enlarge)

Brady

7/19/2024

Thanks Kevin! Would a particular position be better for weight distribution? The pin weight of our trailer is 2728 lbs and we are having a tough time getting to that number.

Kevin C.

7/22/2024

@Brady Over the axle or in front of it is the best for distributing the weight between the front and rear axle. Anything behind the rear axle is going to be leveraging on the rear axle and won't be distributed to the front axle.