Adjusting B and W Companion Hitch Head Height and Pin Box Height to Tow 5th Wheel Level

Question:

Hi. Ive been RV-ing for 30+ years, but always with TT or class A. Need more living space, so were getting a 5th wheel trailer. Got a good deal on a new Silverado 2500 with 6-3/4 foot bed and factory 5th wheel pucks. Looking at a 20k BandW Companion slider BWRVK3775. RV dealer wants $3k to sell and install the hitch. The trailer GVWR is about 14k. According to specs, the truck can pull up to an 18.4k fifth wheel/gooseneck. Thinking I can save a few bucks buying the hitch at eTrailer.com $1700. The BandW is 251 lbs. Im hoping I can remove the head and then be able to lift the base into the truck with a helper. Is that realistic? Worst case, I guess I can put a winch on my garage ceiling! My question is about hitch height. Specs say hitch can be set to a height of 17inch - 19. The pin box of the trailer when set level is 51-1/2inch from the ground. The truck bed is 37-1/2inch off the ground. I think this leaves the pin box 14inch above the truck bed. Does that mean that the BandW is no good for my truck? Not sure how much play there is in these hitches. What am I missing? Maybe the pin box height can be adjusted too? Lastly, I see 10inch lube plates from Curt, Reese and Blue Ox. Im thinking that any of these be used on the BandW hitch, is that right? Id appreciate any guidance offered. Thanks!

asked by: Mark B

Helpful Expert Reply:

The B and W Companion Slider part # BWRVK3775 would be a great choice for you and with it's height adjustability and the height adjustability of the pin box in the trailer frame you'd be able to tow your trailer level. You'd want to first try the lowest hitch head setting and see how far off it is from level and then based on that adjust the pin box height as needed. You might find that with the pin weight of the trailer on your truck suspension that it's close enough to being level without adjusting height of pin box.

You are correct than any 10 inch lube plate like the Reese # RP83002 would work with this hitch.

You are also correct that this hitch can come apart pretty easily to make it a little bit easier to remove the hitch from the truck by spreading out the weight into a few trips instead of all at once.

expert reply by: Jameson C