Offset of Stationary B&W Companion for Tailgate Clearance on 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 6-3/4' Bed

Question:

Hello, I currently have the BandW Turnover Ball on my 2020 GM crew cab, standard bed 6’9”. I also have the BandW Companion Slider from my 2015 6’6” bed truck. Per BandW installation documents the 2015 has the ball socket located ~44 inches from the truck bed edge while the 2020 is about 37” from the truck bed edge. I realized today that I cannot utilize the slide feature ~12" without the pin box of my trailer significantly impacting the tailgate on the 2020 truck. It looks like the behind the ball space has been reduced by about 7 inches between the two trucks. My question is how much much can I move the kingpin back off of the hitch centerline if I switch to the Fixed BandW Companion base vs the slider. It looks like the 2020 GM configuration for the kingpin / ball is nearly behind the axle already. My trailer is 8’ wide and my king pin is theoretically even with the front of the trailer. The goal is manageable towing and tightest turning ability.

asked by: Bryan P

Expert Reply:

You can adjust the B&W Companion # BWRVK3500 so that your king pin will sit 7" behind the center of the receiver on the Underbed Installation Kit # BWGNRK1020-5W for your 2020 GMC Sierra 2500. You will need to take some measurements to ensure that your 8' wide trailer doesn't contact your truck cab. We have a clearance formula which can help you determine this:

(A + B) - C = Clearance

A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab
B = Length of offset (slider clearance or Companion offset)
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)

You need at least 4" of clearance to be able to make a 90 degree turn. From the numbers you gave me you'll be cutting it close but you may be able to make a 90 degree turn still.

expert reply by: Jon G