Troubleshooting Ford Vibration When Accelerating from a Stop in a 2006 F350  

Have Companion 18,000# hitch, not slider no rails In 06 Ford F350 crew cab, 8’ bed, dually, came from ford with heavy duty suspension, towing kit with BandW receiver already installed, but I also added rubber axel blocks, which when loaded with camper only squats about 1” – 1 ½”, essentially truck is almost level with camper hooked up. I have a split driveshaft truck has low miles, in excellent shape, solid, has Michelin tires. Truck came with I’m pulling 2014 Jayco Pinnacle, 5th wheel hitch 2,230 - 2,685 5th wheel, trailer weighs 10k -12k. Problem: only when pulling away from stop, I get driveline vibration until I get up to 10mph or so, unless on a hill. Initially wasn’t a problem, after 4-6,000 miles pulling camper vibration got worse. What I’ve done: - replaced all 3 u joints and carrier bearing - looked at Ford service bulletin which suggested shimming carrier bearing, I did, that made it worse, shim axel in front between axel and leave springs to change driveline angel a little haven’t done, lift kit which I have done and last but not least …. move the fifth wheel 2” in front of center of axel that’s where I need your help. The pocket in the bed is dead center in bed directly over the axel, but the fifth wheel coupler head is behind the axel a little, and the Ford bulletin suggest moving fifth wheel in front of axel 2”. How can I go about that? Has BandW dealt with this issue before? I have moved pivot arms all the way forward on my 18,000# hitch, making sure I used they lesser angle to go as far forward as possible. I noticed the newer 20,000# BandW companions have a replaceable base, with a different mounting post/adjustable pin that evidently allows for some adjustment forward/aft. Was the intent for only cab clearance or was it also recognized to solve the issue that I have wanting to move the head assembly forward a couple inches? Thanks

asked by: Ed D