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Lazy_D's avatar
Lazy_D
Explorer
Sep 22, 2015

B&W companion slide won't slide

I've got the B&W turn over ball and the Companion slider 5th wheel hitch. I installed it for the first time to go pick up a 5th Wheel trailer I bought. I torqued the center bolt to the 80 ft/lbs it states on the center bolt. I was going to back the trailer into an tight spot and attempted to move the slider to the rear for backing. I released the lever, chalked the tires and applied the trailer brakes with the controller. I attempted to pull forward which I thought would slide the hitch to the rear, but it wouldn't move. Anyone else had this issue? Did I miss something?
Thanks for any help.
D

9 Replies

  • Lazy_D's avatar
    Lazy_D
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2015
    sljkansas wrote:
    Call B&W, they have great customer service.


    Agreed. I talked to them a couple times now. I've determined that 45 ft/lbs was he max I could get mine and it still move freely by hand. Checked it with both my Snap-on and Craftsman torque wrenches. Both were consistent at 45. After informing the tech guy of the 45 # max he said get hooked up to my trailer and see if the draw down bolt is loose with weight on it. My was still snug as a bug. He seemed to think my Line-X bed liner had something to do with it. I guess it getting loose under load can allow the hit to tilt some. Drove an hour to the lake and all went just fine.
  • Lazy_D's avatar
    Lazy_D
    Explorer
    Sep 23, 2015
    Yup. Talked to them today. Was told 65 ft lbs. I loosened and torqued to 65. Still too tight. Backed it down to where it would slide and called it good.
  • glazier's avatar
    glazier
    Explorer II
    Sep 23, 2015
    I called them about the same issue, that is to much on the draw down bolt. One of their guys told me to use 60 Ftlbs on that bolt.
  • Lazy_D's avatar
    Lazy_D
    Explorer
    Sep 23, 2015
    eHoefler wrote:
    Do you have to remove the weight or un hitch before it will slide???


    I sure hope not.
  • eHoefler's avatar
    eHoefler
    Explorer II
    Sep 23, 2015
    Do you have to remove the weight or un hitch before it will slide???
  • Lazy_D's avatar
    Lazy_D
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2015
    It's 80 ft/lbs. They actually stamp it on the flange of the draw down bolt and it's in the manual.
    It's got me baffled.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Sep 22, 2015
    Not a B&W user, but thought the center bolt was 40# and the U bolts were 80#.

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