I have the B&W Companion Hitch on my 07 F350 Long Bed and the hitch currently has the coupler aligned with the centerline of the axel. Backing (maneuvering) has been a real hassle. I recognize that it’s only 2 inches but on my last trip I ran into a gentleman with the same B&W hitch except on a GMC long bed. He had his hitch moved forward 2 inches from the axel centerline and claimed it helped with backing. I know it’s only a couple of inches but my question is whether anyone else has had experience with moving the front to back hitch adjustment on the B&W hitch and having a change or better results with backing maneuvering?

Just guesstimating on my hitch, but I would say mine is an inch or two in front of the rear axle. It doesn't appear to be on the centerline of the axle. I can't say whether the backing is any easier since it has been that way since I bought it.If you came to the 5er from a TT then it may take a bit more getting used to. Just a thought.

Install full forward with the vertical part of the sides with the rubber bushings to the front. This will put you as far forward as possible.Industry STANDARD is 2" forward of centerline of rear axle. This allows a small amount of weight to be transferred to the front axle. I only add 100# to my front axle with a total of 4,500# pin weight.

Sorry to say I don't think that 2" is going to make any difference, only practice will make a difference.Backing is a skill that needs to be learned, also you don't state the size of your 5er the longer the easier it is to back up!I learned long ago the easiest for me is hand at the bottom of the wheel and push the direction you want the trailer to go, once is starts that direction start to straighten out. Most drivers have issues with over turning, then getting out of shape.Most of the time I do very well, but every once in a while I back up like a rookie. :S

For most people moving the hitch forward would make it harder to back. The more you move forward of axle the SLOWER the response will be to turn. The farther the hitch would be Rear of axle the quicker it would respond. This is why a bumper hitch trailer turns quicker and is easier to back than a fifth wheel.

I don't see how 2 or even 6 inches would make that much difference. I went from a short bed to an 8' bed and the hitch may have moved 10" or so further back and I can't tell much difference.The hitch has to fit in a certain position relative to he axle if properly installed. My B&W companion has 3 adjustments front to back and 3 up and down. I have mine in the forward holes and middle up and down which makes my rig slightly nose high.

B&W Companion Hitch Front to Back Adjustment | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
May 04, 2013
nremtp143 wrote:
I have my B&W Companion set all the way back and at the highest setting. And I have a long bed. I did not notice any difference in any of the setting I've had the hitch in as far as backing. I now keep it rearward so I can open my toolbox(to get to fire extinguisher) while carrying out bikes.

My set up looks very similar to yours but I am full forward and have a TrailAire extended air bag pinbox. My tool box is bed height and 30" front to back. I lucked out my tool box lid barely clears the bike rack!
Miles_Away
Explorer
May 04, 2013
I agree that moving the hitch 2" forward will not make much difference in your backing skills. I have a long bed GMC with the B & W and mine is set all the way forward.

One thing you have not been cautioned about is that on your truck, moving the hitch forward MAY create a clearance issue with the rear corners of your truck. Make sure they will not make contact with your trailer in tight turns. Also make sure you will still have enough room to lower your tail gate.
nremtp143
Explorer
May 04, 2013
I have my B&W Companion set all the way back and at the highest setting. And I have a long bed. I did not notice any difference in any of the setting I've had the hitch in as far as backing. I now keep it rearward so I can open my toolbox(to get to fire extinguisher) while carrying out bikes.
57_Panhead
Explorer
May 03, 2013
My B&W Companion is mounted all the way back and as high as it will go in my SHORT bed F250 and that places the pin about 2 inches behind the centerline of the rear axle. This works well for us, the weight is fine and it gives me plenty of room between cab and trailer.

Having driven for a living for a tad over 30 years I can tell you that it makes no difference where the pin is set, backing is backing. With a trailer that has a lot of rear overhang like these trailers have you have to remember that you steer a line based on where the trailers tires are, not the back of the trailer. If you try to back using the rear of the trailer you will over steer and over correct. Backing based on the line of the trailer tires you will have a much easier time placing the trailer as you want it. With this in mind you will still need to know where the rear of the trailer is, just be mindful of the "swing out" of the overhang behind the axle.

I hope I explained this in a way that can be understood. This is sort of one of those things that is hard to describe but you'll "know it when you see it".

Steve
jmconneely
Explorer
May 03, 2013
I have a Patriot and it is set dead center right now. That is how the installer set it. I hooked up and moved the 5ver around. Noticed it is nose high and seemed a little close to my truck cab. Thinking about dropping one hole and back one hole. I didn't measure but it looked a bit more than 6 inches from bed to nose.
laknox
Nomad
May 03, 2013
I have my Companion set up full forward and as high as it will go. I'm about 2-3" nose-high and have no problem with that. I need all the bed clearance I can get. That being said, 2" probably won't make a hill o' beans difference in backing agility; only practice will do that.

Lyle
stickdog
Explorer
May 03, 2013
Some days I'm very good at backing in, some days not so good! :o One thing I know is when I've used particular site on a previous stay it seems I back in smooth as can be. :)
Sturgeon-Phish
Explorer
May 03, 2013
It's not that hard to adjust the hitch front to back so make the adjustment and see how it does. The added benifit is in trying out the more forward position you'll be practicing backing so the improved handling may be due to a combination of the two factors, more forward and practice.
Jim
Texas_Two_Stepp
Explorer
May 03, 2013
I don't see how 2 or even 6 inches would make that much difference. I went from a short bed to an 8' bed and the hitch may have moved 10" or so further back and I can't tell much difference.
The hitch has to fit in a certain position relative to he axle if properly installed. My B&W companion has 3 adjustments front to back and 3 up and down. I have mine in the forward holes and middle up and down which makes my rig slightly nose high.
Farmer_David
Explorer
May 03, 2013
For most people moving the hitch forward would make it harder to back. The more you move forward of axle the SLOWER the response will be to turn. The farther the hitch would be Rear of axle the quicker it would respond. This is why a bumper hitch trailer turns quicker and is easier to back than a fifth wheel.