Well, I got my new Companion slider hitch installed yesterday and brought home a new 5th wheel. All things considered the day could have been worse. The good news is I love the hitch and the 5th wheel, it fits next to my house (albeit with lot more effort than my smaller TT) and I didn't bash the 5th into anything learning the new back-in.But, I did notice today that I took a chunk out of the bed liner at the top/center of my gate and damaged the actual body of the truck enough to push the handle/lock/camera out very slightly. With my old slider I ran with the gate down when slid back. This setup fits with a few inches to spare and when the gate is down it sure looks close to the 5th wheel. I was worried about turning and having it hit. So, you folks with sliders, do you run with the gate down when in the rear position? I'll play around with it some more next time I'm out and check the clearance as I turn but am just sitting here wondering.

I banged my tailgate up pretty good trying to slide my slider back too. It won't go into the slid position without the kingpin mount hitting the tailgate with my setup. No major damage but I did ding things a bit and I wasn't too happy with myself. My slider was a used Curt so I don't have much in it. The problem with dropping the tailgate is you can't turn tight without hitting it into the trailer so it negates the whole reason for the slider. Or at least I assume the tailgate would hit the trailer. I guess I didn't test it. I'm selling the slider and keeping my Andersen. It's a lot smoother hitch anyway, not to mention better built. I just wish I wouldn't have fooled around with the slider to begin with.

Congrats on getting the new rig home!!Sorry to hear about the damage to your, and IdaD's trucks!I've been fortunate to get by without a slider for many years, but ya never know, accidents happen.You may give B&W a call. They do a lot of hitch installs, and may have some advice.Jerry

Check the arms that support the hitch head and see what position they are in. If they are installed to locate the hitch head the farthest back from the cab, then you will need to re-position them closer to the cab to get the clearance needed to not hit the tailgate with the pinbox when in the slid back position. Here is the instructions for locating the support arms.Rich

CumminsDriver wrote:Check the arms that support the hitch head and see what position they are in. If they are installed to locate the hitch head the farthest back from the cab, then you will need to re-position them closer to the cab to get the clearance needed to not hit the tailgate with the pinbox when in the slid back position. Here is the instructions for locating the support arms.RichCan you raise the hitch head on the B&W, then raise the pin box the same amount, keeps the distance to the bed rails, but moves up the back of the pin box.

One thought, have you considered a fifth wheel tailgate? It doesn't take away making sure you don't hit the side rails in a tight turn. Congrats on getting your new rig home safely. It sounds like the problem didn't ruin your day.

Damaged tailgate w/hitch back | Good Sam Community

IdaD
Explorer
Jan 31, 2016
Old-Biscuit wrote:
'wings' on pin box mount (lower portion of mount that sticks down below pin box) are probably the culprit

With slider in rearward position during maneuverings the 'wings' can make contact with tailgate and/or bed rail.

Cut them off follow same angle as pin box

I would not run with tailgate down.........making turns the corners of tailgate could make contact with front storage area of 5th wheel
I know it would on mine

That's what did me in. I considered trimming them but haven't done it yet.

I can't do a fifth wheel tailgate - when I'm not towing I sometimes use a Softopper for covered cargo space so I need a full tailgate for weather protection.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Jan 31, 2016
minnow wrote:
What's the purpose of those "wings" on the hitch anyways ? Why would the manufacturer add those if they were not needed ?

They have the lower pin box mounting holes, however with trucks getting taller and taller, flew would ever need the pin box mounted that low in on the trailer. Chris
minnow
Explorer
Jan 31, 2016
What's the purpose of those "wings" on the hitch anyways ? Why would the manufacturer add those if they were not needed ?
Me_Again
Explorer III
Jan 31, 2016
Old-Biscuit wrote:
'wings' on pin box mount (lower portion of mount that sticks down below pin box) are probably the culprit

With slider in rearward position during maneuverings the 'wings' can make contact with tailgate and/or bed rail.

Cut them off follow same angle as pin box

I would not run with tailgate down.........making turns the corners of tailgate could make contact with front storage area of 5th wheel
I know it would on mine

The picture looks very familiar. I cut it off be prevent pin box mounts hitting on the sides of the bed years ago.

Talking to B&W about the RVK3270 they warned me about hitting the tailgate, stating tailgate should be down when you slide back. That is not an issue for my new setup. Note the cable going into the V-Box and the little black dot in the center. That is a replacement backup camera. So running a V Gate will take away the backup camera in the tailgate latch. I cost around 200 bucks for the two cables and camera, along with a few hours to mount, shorten cables and test the replacement camera. Chris
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jan 31, 2016
'wings' on pin box mount (lower portion of mount that sticks down below pin box) are probably the culprit

With slider in rearward position during maneuverings the 'wings' can make contact with tailgate and/or bed rail.

Cut them off follow same angle as pin box

I would not run with tailgate down.........making turns the corners of tailgate could make contact with front storage area of 5th wheel
I know it would on mine
Rich1961
Explorer
Jan 31, 2016
rhagfo wrote:
CumminsDriver wrote:
Check the arms that support the hitch head and see what position they are in. If they are installed to locate the hitch head the farthest back from the cab, then you will need to re-position them closer to the cab to get the clearance needed to not hit the tailgate with the pinbox when in the slid back position. Here is the instructions for locating the support arms.

Rich

Can you raise the hitch head on the B&W, then raise the pin box the same amount, keeps the distance to the bed rails, but moves up the back of the pin box.

The B&W will adjust up or down in 1" increments. I don't know what pinbox the OP has but the one on my Arctic Fox adjusts in 2" increments. I don't believe that doing this will give the OP the clearance he is looking for. Moving the hitch head forward slightly will give him more clearance to the tailgate and not affect the distance to the bed rails.
RollandB
Explorer
Jan 31, 2016
One thought, have you considered a fifth wheel tailgate? It doesn't take away making sure you don't hit the side rails in a tight turn.

Congrats on getting your new rig home safely. It sounds like the problem didn't ruin your day.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jan 31, 2016
CumminsDriver wrote:
Check the arms that support the hitch head and see what position they are in. If they are installed to locate the hitch head the farthest back from the cab, then you will need to re-position them closer to the cab to get the clearance needed to not hit the tailgate with the pinbox when in the slid back position. Here is the instructions for locating the support arms.

Rich

Can you raise the hitch head on the B&W, then raise the pin box the same amount, keeps the distance to the bed rails, but moves up the back of the pin box.
Rich1961
Explorer
Jan 31, 2016
Check the arms that support the hitch head and see what position they are in. If they are installed to locate the hitch head the farthest back from the cab, then you will need to re-position them closer to the cab to get the clearance needed to not hit the tailgate with the pinbox when in the slid back position. Here is the instructions for locating the support arms.

Rich
MFL
Nomad II
Jan 31, 2016
Congrats on getting the new rig home!!

Sorry to hear about the damage to your, and IdaD's trucks!

I've been fortunate to get by without a slider for many years, but ya never know, accidents happen.

You may give B&W a call. They do a lot of hitch installs, and may have some advice.

Jerry