Solution for Older B and W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch that Has Developed Noise When Start/Stopping

Question:

I’ve been towing my fifth wheel with a BandW companion fifth wheel hitch for the past nine years. Recently, I noticed a noise coming from the head of the hitch where the pin connects to the jaws. The noise is only heard when stopping and taking off. I feel like the jaws are not clamping down all the way, leaving a small gap for the pin to move. I am able to close the handle all the way like I always have and the safety pin. When I’m fully connected and visually inspect, everything looks the same as it did before I started hearing the noise.

asked by: Craig

Expert Reply:

What you are experiencing is not ideal but it is normal. Over time from years of use some of the tolerances in your B and W Companion hitch head have become looser due to wear. So that creates a little bit of slop which you end up hearing and feeling as "chucking" like you described. It would be awesome if there was a way to adjust the jaws or something similar to get rid of it but the only solution is to replace the head with part # BWRVC3006. This will have the factory spec tolerances and will get rid of the chucking.

It's a good idea to keep the hitch greased and maintained (not saying you haven't been) as this will prevent premature failure/wearing out.

expert reply by: Jameson C