Troubleshooting Installing Head of B&W Companion 5th Wheel

Updated 05/09/2026 | Published 05/01/2026

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Ram Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs

(5378)

$1399.00

Question:

Recently bought the 2017 Ram 35008 Foot Bed with OEM Prep Pkg 5th wheel hitch from you. I am having problems with the header seating on the mount. I got it on when it was brand new with a great deal of effort. When I took it off the bed I had to use a steel pipe to lift it off. Now I am trying to put it back on and it wont seat. Could I have the wrong header for the mount?

asked by: Glenn M

Expert Reply:

Hi Glenn,

I double checked and the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel for Ram Towing Prep Package part # BWRVK3600 is a confirmed fit for a 2017 Ram 3500 with an 8' truck bed. From what you're describing it sound like you're experiencing issues with due to something being misaligned. The pivot arms/saddle arms on the base have to be perfectly parallel and aligned, if one is slightly off the head won't drop in. The arms also need to be set at the same height holes on each side. The same goes for the bushings, if they're not lined up with the arms the pins won't slide through.

I recommend checking to make sure everything is aligned and set at the same height and that the base isn't twisted in the bed. If all of that is good, try rocking the head side-to-side while pushing down when installing it. A little dry lube on the bushings can help as well if they're dry.

What are you planning on towing with your Companion 5th Wheel?

expert reply by: Claire H

Glenn M.

5/7/2026

Thanks for the information. Checked the alignment by measuring the inside separation of the pivot arms and bushings, with someone at B&W. I did get it seated, but literally had to put my weight on it to slide all the way down. Hoping that time compresses things to where I can lift off and slide on easily.

Claire H.

5/7/2026

@GlennM I'm glad someone from B&W went through all the measurements with you. The hitches can be tight when they're brand new, so if B&W said all the measurements sound good it should loosen up with use and time.

Runningbird

5/8/2026

@GlennM I had the same problem. I loosened up the nuts at the four points to give a little more wiggle. then tightened when it was in place.

Claire H.

5/9/2026

@Runningbird I'm glad you got that squared away, it can be difficult to get everything even and aligned sometimes.

Paul S.

5/8/2026

Yeah this hitches are a tight fit and dry lubing the pins will help along with loosening the nuts on top so they move freely.

Claire H.

5/8/2026

@PaulS I appreciate you sharing your experience Paul! it helps us to learn more about what our customers are experiencing and how we can help :)

Scott

5/8/2026

Glen don't be shy with the white lithium grease lube, I smear it all over the rubber bushing sides as well as the rounded top every year atleast once or twice.