B/W Companion Slider Sticking in Truck Bed

[mtofell1]

The hitch is a single attachment point type and is less than a year old. It has only been used a few times. Today when I got home and went to release the hitch from the handle in the wheel well it was stuck. I tightened/loosened the bolt that holds the hitch and re-tried a few times but no luck. Finally I wrapped a strap around the handle and really put all my weight into it and it released.

With the hitch out a greased everything I could reach but it's just not working right. It will generally pull out pretty easy but is VERY difficult to get it to slide back. I finally figured out if I wiggle it up/down along with moving it to the side it eventually close (this is all without the hitch in the truck). In the past it was totally effortless and would just open and close very easily. I will likely call support tomorrow and can take it back to the place that installed it but was just curious if anyone had any ideas.

I didn't crawl up under the truck very far but from trying to look it sure looks like mechanism is buried under a bunch of stuff. Thanks for any advice.

[mtofell1]

Talked to B/W today. Mine doesn't rotate - it just slides back and forth. He said the one for my single attachment point on my 2014 Ram is a bit of a unique setup and a bit different from the others.

He said from what I'm describing it sound like the linkage is binding on my truck's frame and it could be slightly bent out of the way. I'll likely take it to the shop that installed it.

[SoCalDesertRid1]

They have you rotate it because one of the little clamp brackets is supposed to catch on the hitch frame and hold the bolt open. Otherwise, the spring will close the bolt, if you don't have a helper to pull the lever and hold it there.

Possibly the clamp bracket fell off, or got loose and moved, such that it can't hold the lever in place to keep the bolt open?

[mtofell1]

Thanks everyone.... I'll give them a call tomorrow. After revisiting the instructions I'm confused as it talks about rotating the handle clockwise and counter-clockwise. Mine doesn't rotate - it just moves to one side and latches when open. I'm just doing what the dealer/installer showed my when they installed it. I honestly don't think I ever read the directions until now. I just went off what they showed me when I bought the trailer and hitch.

[Dr_Holiday]

I've seen it before where the retaining rod does not pass all the way through and people torque the bolt down to 80ft/lbs and bend the retaining rod causing it to bind.

B&W is super easy to work with. I somehow bent the base of my slider and they shipped out a whole new base

[SoCalDesertRid1]

The linkage of the pin for my Turnoverball sometimes binds up. I think I will some day replace the rod and clamps with a cable instead.

[SlickWillie]

I had the same issue. I ended up getting under the truck and using a hammer to release it. Found the rod had rusted. (on the coast...everything rusts) Lubed it good with Heavy Duty Corrosion X, and it worked great.

[Timay]

What? A B&W is having a problem? How could that be... LOL!

[Cummins12V98]

Are you saying you have a B&W Turn over Ball that is not releasing? Has your hitch been in the bed for a while?

When you torque down the hitch you place tension on the slide bolt on the TOB. Was the handle twisted to ensure it was locked and you did not twist the handle to release it?

Does your hitch have the two "U" bolts holding it to the post?

Bottom line if you can't figure out the problem B&W will help you out.