Community Forums

**Camp CA** · 05-12-2024, 04:09 PM

Anyone install a B&W Companion 25K BWRVK3305 hitch fifth wheel hitch in the bed of a newer Ford F350 4x4 DRW long bed? If so, would appreciate feedback on: 1) what position did you adjust the pivot arm (king pin 1" or 3" in front of axle?), 2) what at height (lowest, middle, highest?), 3) is the trailer level?

My concern is will the B&W hitch with 2 inch height adjustment will not have adequate adjustment and the trailer will ride high.

MFL · 05-13-2024, 07:11 AM

Since no answers/help yet, I will give my thoughts.

First my B&W is not the 3305 model, and my TV is a mid teens 4x4 SRW standard bed 6.75' Super Duty. My hitch is 1" ahead of axle center, and I have 6"s bed rail clearance, using the middle arm setting (still 1" nose high).

I don't think a 24 DRW 4x4 will have a clearance issue with the 3305, as it has a max height of 18.75"s. With a long bed, carrying a heavy FW, I'd put the hitch pin 3"s ahead, and start with the hitch at highest vertical setting. It is not hard to change arm setting, if needed.

A friend with Ram DRW long bed, and FW about 23K, puts his B&W 3600 full forward, which he claims, tows best, and adds about 200 lbs to front axle.

So...not advising from personal experience, but hope info helps.

**Camp CA** · 05-13-2024, 07:19 AM

Good summary and recommendation!! I put the same question to B&W and waiting on their response also. Will also inspect my friend's B&W installation on his long bed RAM and speak with a local B&W dealer.

MFL · 05-13-2024, 07:31 AM

B&W has great customer service, so they should respond in a timely manner.

If you actually call them, a REAL person will answer, usually a quite knowledgeable girl. In my experience, calling talking to them, if the lady does not know answer, she will immediately transfer to the person that can answer.

They do hitch installs at the plant, in many vehicles, so first hand info, usually available right over phone, for various makes models.

MtCamper · 05-13-2024, 07:52 AM

All those are options but you don't know the answer until you hook the trailer up. I always start in the furthest forward position and the lowest. Hook up and see where your clearances are. With a long bed furthest forward should be golden. If you have 6-7" of bedrail clearance you are finished. Raise as needed to get the clearance you need. As far as trailer being level, it is what it is. Nose high isn't the best, but it's better (and cheaper) than a box or tailgate dent repair.

**Camp CA** · 05-13-2024, 08:29 AM

Called B&W and the customer service recommended installing the pivot arm so the king pin is 1" in front of the axle initially and adust the height to achieve 6" clearance. Since it will be installed on a 4x4 will install it at the medium postion, check clearance with trailer connected, then adjust up or down from there, finally torque the bolts, which is what I have done on the last 2 trucks and 3 fifth wheel hitches. Hopefully, the trailer will not ride nose high with the B&W hitch.

Rhagfo · 05-14-2024, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camp CA

Called B&W and the customer service recommended installing the pivot arm so the king pin is 1" in front of the axle initially and adust the height to achieve 6" clearance. Since it will be installed on a 4x4 will install it at the medium postion, check clearance with trailer connected, then adjust up or down from there, finally torque the bolts, which is what I have done on the last 2 trucks and 3 fifth wheel hitches. Hopefully, the trailer will not ride nose high with the B&W hitch.

Don’t forget you can also move the pin box up or down also.