Can I Set B&W Fifth Wheel Hitch Two Inches Behind Axle
Question:
I have a 2014 Ram 3500 SWB and the BandW fifth wheel companion hitch. This hitch has adjustments that allow for 2 to 4 inches of hitch head adjustment behind the rear axle for trailer to cab clearance. The instructions actually suggest making such adjustment for clearance. However, I read some of your advice that suggests using other components to achieve this clearance. What is the problem with setting the hitch head back of the axle centerline 2 inches for clearance? Thanks
asked by: Mike
Helpful Expert Reply:
In general you want your fifth wheel king pin to sit directly over your truck's axle or slightly forward of your axle and not two inches behind the axle. But the B&W Companion fifth wheel hitch allows this. It has brackets that allow for more adjustments than other hitches. So yes, you can use the adjustments to gain 2 to 4 more inches. However, that is not going to give you enough clearance for your 6 foot bed. For a shortbed you will want a slider hitch like # BWRVK3600. This slider will give you an additional 12 inches of travel.
I have included links to the installation instructions and an install video for you to check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Ram Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ram
- 6500 lbs Vertical Load
- 25000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17 - 19 Inch Tall
- B and W
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese 5th Wheel Rail Adapter for Ram OEM 5th Wheel Towing Prep Package - 25,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Adapters
- Rail Adapter
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K
- Video: Customer Review - B and W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Video: Choosing the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Video: Review of Flair-It RV Fresh Water - 1/2" FSWV x 1/2" Barb PEX Adapter Fitting - FL65VR
- Video: Review of Curt Fifth Wheel Hitch - Fixed Fifth Wheel - C57FR
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Video: B and W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch Installation - 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 BWRVK3710
- Q&A: How to Pick Hitch Height Setting for B and W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: Curt Q20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Q&A: Should B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch be Above Rear Axle or Forward of It
- Shop: Flair-It PEX Female Adapter Fitting - Swivel - 1/2" FPT x 1/2" Barb
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: flair~it
- Article: Big Truck Big RV
- Video: B and W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch Installation - 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 BWRVK3710
- Video: Review of B and W Fifth Wheel - Fixed Fifth Wheel For GM Prep Package - BWRVK3710
- Q&A: Adjusting B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch to Gain Tailgate Clearance with Trailer
- Q&A: Can Hitch Head of B and W Companion Hitch be Adjusted Back without Issue
- Q&A: How To Choose the Correct 5TH Wheel Hitch To Clear Bed Rails On a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Q&A: Why is a 5th Wheel Hitch is Installed Over or Forward of the Tow Vehicles Rear Axle
- Search Results: chock block
- Search Results: locking hitch pin
- Search Results: hitch pins and clips
- Search Results: hitch anti rattle
- Search Results: air bag suspension