I have a Companion from B&W, purchased back in 2012. Is it just me, or does anyone else with this hitch, have to replace the U-bolts/hardware and/or the draw down bolt/aluminum block? I have to replace one or all pieces at least once a season. It is quite a pain in the a$$, due to having to cut the bolts to remove. I love the hitch because of the ability to remove it and have my entire bed when not pulling. I now see there are other brands of hitches that have the same abilities (ie Andersen). B&W has offered to sell me the new and improved base for the Companion that does not have this common problem(s), even at their cost of $300, seems like I should just look into a new hitch like the Andersen (big benefit is the weight of the hitch).

I've pulled my Companion out a few times and never had any issues with the bolts/nuts galling up. Stainless nuts/bolts do tend to gall up if not lubricated. Next time you take it apart, before you put it back together use some anti-seize on the U-bolts. Be sure to lower the torque settings about 10-15%.

I’ve never had any problems removing and re installing my companion. Are you over torquing the bolts? Depending on model, Old style draw down bolt 40 ftlbs, newer style 60 ftlbs. Old style u bolts are 80 ftlbs. I’ve read some users have ditched the nylock nuts and gone to conventional lock washers.

I have had mine since 2007 and I believe I have replaced the u bolts twice. I call them up and they send me a set for free

I think you will like the new B&W base, and $300 is a good price.

fj12ryder wrote:I've pulled my Companion out a few times and never had any issues with the bolts/nuts galling up. Stainless nuts/bolts do tend to gall up if not lubricated. Next time you take it apart, before you put it back together use some anti-seize on the U-bolts. Be sure to lower the torque settings about 10-15%.There are different type of stainless steel for example 304 and 316. Also magnetic and non-magnetic. To prevent galling make sure the bolts and nuts are different types of S/S.

B&W Companion | Good Sam Community

fj12ryder
Explorer III
Oct 05, 2020
I've pulled my Companion out a few times and never had any issues with the bolts/nuts galling up. Stainless nuts/bolts do tend to gall up if not lubricated. Next time you take it apart, before you put it back together use some anti-seize on the U-bolts. Be sure to lower the torque settings about 10-15%.
Retired_JSO
Explorer
Oct 05, 2020
I’ve never had any problems removing and re installing my companion. Are you over torquing the bolts? Depending on model, Old style draw down bolt 40 ftlbs, newer style 60 ftlbs. Old style u bolts are 80 ftlbs. I’ve read some users have ditched the nylock nuts and gone to conventional lock washers.
pinesman
Explorer
Oct 06, 2020
I have had mine since 2007 and I believe I have replaced the u bolts twice. I call them up and they send me a set for free
garyp4951
Explorer III
Oct 06, 2020
I think you will like the new B&W base, and $300 is a good price.
TenOC
Nomad
Oct 06, 2020
fj12ryder wrote:
I've pulled my Companion out a few times and never had any issues with the bolts/nuts galling up. Stainless nuts/bolts do tend to gall up if not lubricated. Next time you take it apart, before you put it back together use some anti-seize on the U-bolts. Be sure to lower the torque settings about 10-15%.

There are different type of stainless steel for example 304 and 316. Also magnetic and non-magnetic. To prevent galling make sure the bolts and nuts are different types of S/S.
cummins2014
Explorer
Oct 06, 2020
guinness1 wrote:
I have a Companion from B&W, purchased back in 2012. Is it just me, or does anyone else with this hitch, have to replace the U-bolts/hardware and/or the draw down bolt/aluminum block? I have to replace one or all pieces at least once a season. It is quite a pain in the a$$, due to having to cut the bolts to remove. I love the hitch because of the ability to remove it and have my entire bed when not pulling. I now see there are other brands of hitches that have the same abilities (ie Andersen). B&W has offered to sell me the new and improved base for the Companion that does not have this common problem(s), even at their cost of $300, seems like I should just look into a new hitch like the Andersen (big benefit is the weight of the hitch).

Sounds like it’s time for the rail mount Andersen :) No parts to keep replacing .
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Oct 06, 2020
"To prevent galling make sure the bolts and nuts are different types of S/S."

Very interesting, I didn't know that. Learn something new every day.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Oct 06, 2020
I am willing to bet B&W did not charge you for the bolts. I bet they will keep sending them to you if they go bad at no cost.

I would take them up on their offer!!! Bottom line you already have the best hitch on the market. Get the new base and carry on.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Oct 06, 2020
fj12ryder wrote:
I've pulled my Companion out a few times and never had any issues with the bolts/nuts galling up. Stainless nuts/bolts do tend to gall up if not lubricated. Next time you take it apart, before you put it back together use some anti-seize on the U-bolts. Be sure to lower the torque settings about 10-15%.

Quite sure they are not SS.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Oct 06, 2020
Could be, but I would think either plated or stainless. Mine show no rust, so I was leaning toward stainless. But I don't know for sure. Either way, anti-seize should solve the problem