I have an older B&W companion hitch and it is really difficult to latch the last inch or so. Up to that point everything feels normal but that last inch to get the handle where I can drop the pin through I have to put my back against the bed and push with my feet to get it there while my wife drops the pin through. I've been searching the internet for disassembly instructions, exploded diagrams, etc and can't find anything. Only lube point is in the bottom and it doesn't lube the jaws. B&W told me to just slather the jaws with grease but I don't find that an acceptable way to lube them. Anyone else ever have this issue and if so, what was the fix?

How old is "older"? My Companion is nearly 10 years old and it operates nothing like yours. The jaws close when the pin enters and the handle snaps closed, and requires only a little push to align the holes. If I had to do what you're talking about I sure wouldn't be using that hitch because there is a serious problem. IMO anyway.However it may be old enough that it is a different design that was changed by the time mine came out. That's why I asked how old it was.

Not sure on the age, I bought it used last year. When the fifth wheel pin engages the jaws it does snap closed like it should, it's just that last inch to align the holes in the handle that is a bear.

I would call B&W. I have found their customer service to be outstanding.I also agree that I would not use the hitch until I find the cause of the described problem.

Put your TV in reverse and see if it makes it close any easier.Bottom line contact B&W. The hitch is a simple design I really doubt there is a problem.

Do not use the hitch until this is resolved! Call B&W ASAP they have great customer service.

Companion hitch hard to latch | Good Sam Community

25 Replies

jerem0621
Explorer II
Mar 27, 2015
Do not use the hitch until this is resolved!

Call B&W ASAP they have great customer service.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Mar 27, 2015
Put your TV in reverse and see if it makes it close any easier.

Bottom line contact B&W. The hitch is a simple design I really doubt there is a problem.
camperfamily
Explorer
Mar 27, 2015
I would call B&W. I have found their customer service to be outstanding.

I also agree that I would not use the hitch until I find the cause of the described problem.
jmorton
Explorer
Mar 27, 2015
Not sure on the age, I bought it used last year. When the fifth wheel pin engages the jaws it does snap closed like it should, it's just that last inch to align the holes in the handle that is a bear.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Mar 27, 2015
How old is "older"?

My Companion is nearly 10 years old and it operates nothing like yours. The jaws close when the pin enters and the handle snaps closed, and requires only a little push to align the holes. If I had to do what you're talking about I sure wouldn't be using that hitch because there is a serious problem. IMO anyway.

However it may be old enough that it is a different design that was changed by the time mine came out. That's why I asked how old it was.

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Companion hitch hard to latch

25 Replies

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