Adjusting B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch to Gain Tailgate Clearance with Trailer

Question:

My tailgate will not open all the way when trailer is attached to truck. I believe I am on the forward most setting on my companion hitch. would moving back help to give me enough room to open and close tailgate? I have a 2017 F350 dually.

asked by: Steven C

Expert Reply:

The pivot arms on your B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch # BWRVK3500 can definitely be adjusted to hopefully give you the needed clearance for your tailgate with the trailer hooked up.

If the arms on your hitch are currently in the forward most position, moving them to the rearmost position would push the trailer back from the rear of your truck by around 4 inches. I'm not sure how much more clearance you need to drop the tailgate all the way down but if it's 4 or less inches this will do the trick.

If you tow often another option is to just replace the factory tailgate with the Stromberg Carlson 4000 Series 5th Wheel Tailgate # VG-15-4000. This is confirmed to fit your truck and features a cutout that allows you to hookup with the trailer without having to lower the tailgate.

I have attached a short video demonstration that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R