Companion hitch hard to latch

[jmorton]

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?

[mkohler30]

If you are using a Teflon lube plate it may have gotten caught in the jaws on the hitch when you back under it.

[kennethwooster]

If your cleaning and lub did not help, call B&W. I agree they are a great company. Maybe they will have an upgrade for your hitch. good luck. They are great hitches.

[shadoow]

laknox wrote:

After thinking about it, mine can be a bit tough if I back in, but roll forward just a bit. The jaws are then having to pull the truck and trailer together a bit. If I'm backed tight into the hitch, though, I have no issues.

Lyle

I've had the same experience also if i didn't back into the pin hard enough. After backing into the pin look at the jaws. They should be fully closed around the pin. If not, you didn't back into the pin hard enough and the handle will be hard to close all the way. If the jaws are completely closed the handle should easily close to the locking position.
Also, you can lube the jaw pins by applying penetrating oil to them at the top of the hitch plate.
Does the handle and jaws operate smoothly when you're not hooked up? If so, it's likely the issue you're having is because you're not backing in hard enough. Make sure when backing in that the trailer pin box is a little lower than the hitch plate.

[laknox]

jmorton wrote:
Disassembled it tonight at work. Cleaned and lubed everything. The jaw pins were a little rusty but other than that everything looks fine. I'll hook up tomorrow and see if it made any difference, can't really see how it would but you never know.

After thinking about it, mine can be a bit tough if I back in, but roll forward just a bit. The jaws are then having to pull the truck and trailer together a bit. If I'm backed tight into the hitch, though, I have no issues.

Lyle

[jmorton]

Disassembled it tonight at work. Cleaned and lubed everything. The jaw pins were a little rusty but other than that everything looks fine. I'll hook up tomorrow and see if it made any difference, can't really see how it would but you never know.

[laknox]

I'm with the others; call B&W ASAP! They're great to deal with. If you give them your s/n, they can tell you exactly how old it is and if there are any issues with that vintage hitch.

Lyle

[jerem0621]

Do not use the hitch until this is resolved!

Call B&W ASAP they have great customer service.

[Cummins12V98]

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]

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]

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]

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.