How To Lower Nose Of 5th Wheel Trailer While Using B&W Companion OEM Ford Super Duty

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Question:

I just installed newly delivered BandW hitch at lowest 16.3/4 inch setting, upon lining up to tow my RV, I determined that hitch is 3 inches too high for a good level hook-upinch and tow configuration. I suspect that issue may result from Ford-optioned 20 inch wheels and also possibly that truck has option for the heavy spring package. I see that CURT 20K hitch would sit at 3 inches lower at its highest config. Is this a possible solution, given that BandW has no offer for a low enough hitch? I would very much like to use a BandW hitch on my truck, so have even considered a King Pin box change, but the box currently installed seems already to offer the optimized config to accommodate my truck.

asked by: Mark S

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Expert Reply:

Yes, it is possible to change out the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch part # BWRVK3305 for the Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # C16034 as this would then lower the hitch head height up to 3-3/4". However, you will still need to maintain at least 4-6" from the top of the bed sides to the loft of the trailer so you may not just be able to lower the hitch head all the way down. I will say the issue you have is a pretty common one nowadays since trucks are getting taller than they have ever been.

The solution I have for you will be to raise the trailer because this will allow you to tow level and not have to worry about bed side clearance. If your leaf springs are under the axle tube then you can flip them using the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit part # K71-385-00 for 5,200 lb - 7,000 lb axles or part # K71-384-00 for 3,500 lb axles. These kits will raise the trailer equal to the diameter of the axle tube plus the height of the leaf spring pack. If your leaf springs are already over your axle tube then you will need to use the Tandem Axle Lift Kit part # RR23QX but this will only lift the trailer 2-1/4" so you might need to adjust your pin box as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Answer 1

I would stick with a roll-up tonneau cover. A tri-fold option may not be able to access your 5th wheel hitch without folding it completely. A roll-up tonneau cover, or retractable, is preferable because you can still access the B&W 5th…

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Answer 2

On your 2018 Ford F-250 4x4 look in the bed. If you see the 4 pucks in the bed like in the picture I have included then you do have the factory 5th wheel prep package. If you just see the indentations where the pucks would be then you do not have…

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Answer 3

Your truck is actually only rated for towing up to 18,000 lbs so even if we could get you a rail kit with a higher capacity you still would need to stay under 18,000 lbs to be safe. The B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty Prep…

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Answer 4

The weight of the Pace Edwards Switchblade #PE66QJ is 68 pounds. As far as as your question about the height of the cover installed on the side rails, it sits just shy of 1/8 of an inch. With this measurement, it truly depends on the height of your…

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Answer 5

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 6

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 7

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 9

The head alone for the B&W Companion hitch #BWRVK3500 weighs about 70 pounds. Everything else weighs about 130 pounds. So the total weight of the hitch is approximately 200 pounds.

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Answer 10

If you take a look at the linked diagram you can see the minimum recommended clearance distances between truck and trailer for 5th wheel towing. It is recommended to have at least 5-inches from the top of the bed rails to the bottom of the trailer…

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Answer 11

Yes, I have listed for your below the roof rack systems from Rhino-Rack, Thule, and Yakima that will fit the RetraxPRO XR Hard Tonneau Covers like part #RTT-80243 for your 2019 Ram 1500. Rhino-Rack Vortex Crossbar System part #RRVA180B-RRRLT600…

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Answer 12

Hey Jay. It sounds like you are on the right track here because a sidewinder pin box will be your only option for pulling your 5th wheel since you have a short bed truck with the Rambox. That said, you are right that the Reese Sidewinder cannot be…

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How To Lower Nose Of 5th Wheel Trailer While Using B&W Companion OEM Ford Super Duty

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