For you folks that have this hitch.I just installed one on my new to me TV. The operating instructions where not much help in lubrication of this hitch. It has 1 (one) zerk fitting on the side to side pivot and I understand that. And I know that I need to put lube on the part of the jaws that contact the pin on the 5er. Is there anything else that I need to lube? Thanks in advance for your advise.

I have one of those plastic disks on my king pin, and make sure the zirk is greased. Thats all ive done for several thousand miles of towing... Ive had no problems myself. but perhaps i will learn something newGreat hitch though. you will love it

Spray penetrating oil in the grooves of the 3 pins in the top of the head. These pins are for the jaws and opening mechanism.

As was indicated, lube the pivot pins for the jaws, lithium grease on the jaws and kingpin, the Zerk fitting and the Teflon plate. Otherwise nothing else is required.

Just where do I put the penetrating oil? Do I just put it around the top of these pins or do I need to spray it on the pins under the hitch plate? And if you don't mind give me the name of a good brand of penetrating oil.Thanks again for your help.

lubethe teflon bushings that the head sits on.thrre is a video on youtube that explains the installation and vcare instructions

B&W Companion | Good Sam Community

nremtp143
Explorer
Aug 02, 2014
Here is the one that I took off. See the bolt where it sheared off?

The hole that the bolt goes through is already oval shaped, which may be partially to blame for these failures.

And the new one. Just like the old one. Let's hope this one last for more that three trips.
nremtp143
Explorer
Jul 31, 2014
fj12ryder wrote:
It's the little shock absorber type thing on the side of the head that acts when the head tilts side-to-side.

Yep, on the right side underneath the head. It keeps the head level inf side-to-side motion.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Jul 31, 2014
It's the little shock absorber type thing on the side of the head that acts when the head tilts side-to-side.
car2900
Explorer
Jul 31, 2014
nremtp143 wrote:
I have loved my Companion hitch for years now. I've only had a problem in the last 3 trips. The threaded shaft on the head dampener has sheared off twice now. It's been replaced by B&W with no questions asked, but I just can't figure out what is causing it. I still will not have any other hitch. Love the rugged, yet simplicity of this hitch.

Where or what is the threaded shaft on the head "damper"? I currently have a B&W Patriot but have a Turnover Ball & Companion ordered for a new truck. What are you referring to as the "head damper". Thanks.
mguay
Explorer
Jul 30, 2014
d-mac1 wrote:

What are 'the top of the jaw pin heads'? I am envisioning something the jaws pivot on? To date, I've just sprayed dry graphite lube on the jaws, but sounds like I need to do more.
laknox
Nomad
Jul 30, 2014
nremtp143 wrote:
laknox wrote:
nremtp143 wrote:
I have loved my Companion hitch for years now. I've only had a problem in the last 3 trips. The threaded shaft on the head dampener has sheared off twice now. It's been replaced by B&W with no questions asked, but I just can't figure out what is causing it. I still will not have any other hitch. Love the rugged, yet simplicity of this hitch.

Did B&W replace the entire damper or just the piston? I'm wondering if the cylinder could be out of round and it's jamming the piston somehow.

Lyle

The entire 'shock' comes as a unit. It has a T on the top with new bolts and a threaded end of the piston with a a new rubber bushing and nut. I believe the hole the piston goes through may be getting out of round and that's what is causing it. When the new one gets here, I will look at it again.

Monty

Thanks, Monty. Feel free to PM me if you tear the old one apart...assuming B&W doesn't want it back. Mines been weeping oil for years and I'll probably pull it off after this trip, and get a new one.

Lyle
d-mac1
Explorer
Jul 30, 2014
mguay wrote:

I agree with you about penetrating oil...however after a 2000 mile trip to Florida in March, I couldn't get the jaws on mine to open and had to lift the head off the base with the 5er landing gear to unhitch. A call to B&W and I was asked if I ever sprayed the top of the jaw pin heads with penetrating oil. "Nope, I hate the stuff!" I hit the local HD and bought a can of PB blaster and the rest of the trip it unhooked flawlessly. When I got home I removed the pins and cleaned any lubed them good with Dry Graphite Lube.

What are 'the top of the jaw pin heads'? I am envisioning something the jaws pivot on? To date, I've just sprayed dry graphite lube on the jaws, but sounds like I need to do more.
nremtp143
Explorer
Jul 30, 2014
laknox wrote:
nremtp143 wrote:
I have loved my Companion hitch for years now. I've only had a problem in the last 3 trips. The threaded shaft on the head dampener has sheared off twice now. It's been replaced by B&W with no questions asked, but I just can't figure out what is causing it. I still will not have any other hitch. Love the rugged, yet simplicity of this hitch.

Did B&W replace the entire damper or just the piston? I'm wondering if the cylinder could be out of round and it's jamming the piston somehow.

Lyle

The entire 'shock' comes as a unit. It has a T on the top with new bolts and a threaded end of the piston with a a new rubber bushing and nut. I believe the hole the piston goes through may be getting out of round and that's what is causing it. When the new one gets here, I will look at it again.

Monty
mguay
Explorer
Jul 30, 2014
kroghville wrote:
I just grease the zerk, apply a light coat on the jaws and the poly bushings. I sort of cringe whenever I hear someone say to lubricate something with penetrating oil as nearly all penetrating oils only lubricate while they are wet. Instead try a silicone spray or a very light oil such as 3in1 oil, sewing machine oil etc.

I agree with you about penetrating oil...however after a 2000 mile trip to Florida in March, I couldn't get the jaws on mine to open and had to lift the head off the base with the 5er landing gear to unhitch. A call to B&W and I was asked if I ever sprayed the top of the jaw pin heads with penetrating oil. "Nope, I hate the stuff!" I hit the local HD and bought a can of PB blaster and the rest of the trip it unhooked flawlessly. When I got home I removed the pins and cleaned any lubed them good with Dry Graphite Lube.
slides
Explorer
Jul 30, 2014
Thanks for all the replies. Hitch all lubed up and ready to go. It's amazing how much information I get off of these forums.