I'm looking for a new 5th wheel hitch and I would like a "clean" bed when the hitch is removed. I'm thinking about the B & W hitch with the 5th wheel "Champion". I hear there are U-bolts that are kind of hard to deal with when installing and removing the 5th wheel hitch. If anyone could give me their experiences with this hitch I'd like to hear them. Suggestions for other hitches would be appreciated too. The hitch is for a new F350 Tow Boss, the trailer has a gvw of 16000#. Thanks
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2006 F350 Lariat CC, 6.0, 4x4, TowBoss, all the goodies EXCEPT; chrome package and dual alternators (HD instead). UPGRADES: B & W hitch with Companion for 5th wheel, Firestone Ride-Rite 2400 air bags, Clear roof marker light lens
It is actually called the "Companion" hitch.
I have that setup in my Tow Boss truck.
I love this hitch.
Not sure what you are referring to about removing it.
You pull the lever on the driver side wheel well, lift the hitch head off and then lift the main body out.
Takes about 3min.
Bed is 100% open after you do this.
I didn't have the U bolts installed since my 5er doesn't have safety chains.
The hitch is rated at 18,000lbs and 4500lbs of pin weight.
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2006 F350 4X4 Dually, Tow Boss, Crew Cab, Lariat... Inyati Spray In Bedliner, Autometer Z Series Gauges towing a 2006 LE3905 Weekend Warrior
On order: 2012 F350 4X4 Dually, Oxford White, Black Leather, Ultimate Lariat Package
I think he is talking about the u-bolts that are used to tighten the shaft that go down from the fiver hitch into the B & W reciever. Isn't there a nut that has to be torqued and then you tighten a couple of u-bolts from the front of the hitch.
I don't have the companion but this is how I understand it.
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I think he is talking about the u-bolts that are used to tighten the shaft that go down from the fiver hitch into the B & W reciever. Isn't there a nut that has to be torqued and then you tighten a couple of u-bolts from the front of the hitch.
I don't have the companion but this is how I understand it.
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Yes, but you don't have to torque them everytime you take the hitch in and out of the bed.
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2006 F350 4X4 Dually, Tow Boss, Crew Cab, Lariat... Inyati Spray In Bedliner, Autometer Z Series Gauges towing a 2006 LE3905 Weekend Warrior
On order: 2012 F350 4X4 Dually, Oxford White, Black Leather, Ultimate Lariat Package
Ag--Teacher is correct. I have the B&W setup and really like it. It is not a problem to install or remove. The U bolts help stabilize the hitch to the pin that goes into the reversible ball hole. Well designed and built.
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2012 F250 6.7 CC Lariat 4x4 SB SRW, Upfitter sw.,Brake Control, Power rear window,Linex,Access cover, BW turnover ball, Companion 5th wheel,Transfer Flow, Air Bags
Lincster,
I was under the impression that the u-bolts on the shaft that go into the receiver had to be adjusted everytime the hitch was removed. This hitch is going in my new F350 Tow Boss to tow my new WW LE3505. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
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2006 F350 Lariat CC, 6.0, 4x4, TowBoss, all the goodies EXCEPT; chrome package and dual alternators (HD instead). UPGRADES: B & W hitch with Companion for 5th wheel, Firestone Ride-Rite 2400 air bags, Clear roof marker light lens
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Lincster,
I was under the impression that the u-bolts on the shaft that go into the receiver had to be adjusted everytime the hitch was removed. This hitch is going in my new F350 Tow Boss to tow my new WW LE3505. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
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like lincster, i do not torque the U bolts every time i hook up... hope you like your new LE - we love ours...
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2003 Ford F350 Crew Cab Long Bed 4x4, 6" Edge all spring lift with Adjustable Panrod Bar and Dual Steering Stabilizers, 37" BFG Mud Terrains, 4.56 Richmond Gears, DPPI Turbo Back Dual Exhaust, Autometer C2 Gauges on A Pillar, aFe Proguard 7 Intake, Reese Titan V Hitch, B&W Turnover Hitch, BrakeSmart controller, ORU Air Overload System My truck pictures
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Lincster,
I was under the impression that the u-bolts on the shaft that go into the receiver had to be adjusted everytime the hitch was removed. This hitch is going in my new F350 Tow Boss to tow my new WW LE3505. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
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No, you don't have to, at least not according to the instructions.
I checked mine for the first 3 trips and they never got loose, so now I don't worry about it.
That hitch will work good with that trailer. I have the LE3505 plus 4' longer.
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2006 F350 4X4 Dually, Tow Boss, Crew Cab, Lariat... Inyati Spray In Bedliner, Autometer Z Series Gauges towing a 2006 LE3905 Weekend Warrior
On order: 2012 F350 4X4 Dually, Oxford White, Black Leather, Ultimate Lariat Package
Yes, per instructions, U-bolts are loosed up, 40 ft lbs of torque is applied to pull hitch down on pickup bed. Then the u-bolts are tighted up. I find this procedure a pain. I have used the hitch following the factory procedure and just adjusting it to pin in and out with no torqueing down. I haven't experenced any difference in performance.
I love my hitch.As far as torqueing the hitch down.....it really ain't no big deal.Takes all of 10 seconds and yer done.Then just tighten up the ubolts around the hitch post and yer outta there.The whole procedure i've completed in 15 minutes.
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