Help with Companion Pivot Arm position Please

[CurtisFamily]

Installing our new B & W Companion today. In the instructions I get 9 options for where to mount the Pivot arm for different vertical and horizontal positions. I can figure out the vertical placement so that we end up with a level trailer when towing and adequate clearance above the bed. However, do I want my Kingpin 3" behind the post, 5" behind the post, or 7" behind the post. We have an 8 foot bed, so I'm not concerned about clearing the cab, but do I want the kingpin closer to the cab or closer to the tailgate? What is the difference? Ride? Thanks in advance for the opinions.

[jamway]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

jamway wrote:
When I set ours up the first time I put it all the way back and the trailer took 50lbs off the front wheels. I then moved it all the way forward and have not weight it.

You will be surprised how little weight it will add to your front tires full forward. Taking weight off the front is not a good idea.

I will get it weighted some day and find out how much. I have been going to do that for about nine years. Maybe this year.

[Cummins12V98]

jamway wrote:
When I set ours up the first time I put it all the way back and the trailer took 50lbs off the front wheels. I then moved it all the way forward and have not weight it.

You will be surprised how little weight it will add to your front tires full forward. Taking weight off the front is not a good idea.

[Halmfamily]

Ours is set all the forward and all the way down. No clearance issue.

[jamway]

When I set ours up the first time I put it all the way back and the trailer took 50lbs off the front wheels. I then moved it all the way forward and have not weight it.

[Cummins12V98]

Set the hitch full forward. With 4,500# pin weight with mine full forward I only add 200# to the front axle.

Measure from the bottom of your FW overhang to the bottom of the Kingpin plate. Adjust the B&W so you have about 6" of clearance from top of bed to bottom of RV overhang. See how the RV sits then adjust as needed. Nose high a couple inches on a 5er is not a problem.

BTW good choice on the hitch. You will be very satisfied.

[CurtisFamily]

Tango, AE7UI wrote:
My B&W center line (pivot) is about 1" behind the axle center line and in the lowest set of holes.
I am still slightly nose high but it tows just fine.

I believe my post is 2" in front of the center line, so 3" behind the post would put me 1" behind center line, same as you.

Im guessing that is ideal, and they allow for further back in case there is an issue with clearing the cab. But again, I'm guessing.

[Old-Biscuit]

The king pin should be over the rear axle or slightly forward.

Truck 'carries' the trailer pin weight. That weight is carried by rear axle/suspension/tires (very little weight will be transferred to front axle)

Farther that weight is behind rear axle the more unloaded front axle will be.

[Tango__AE7UI]

My B&W center line (pivot) is about 1" behind the axle center line and in the lowest set of holes.
I am still slightly nose high but it tows just fine.

My truck has a service body so mine is kind of a unique situation.
We have towed the fifth many mils so I don't think any changes are required.