Removing and Re-Installing B&W Companion Hitch

[Gordon_R]

I've been pouring over the written instructions, looked online - and searched this site. I need to hear from folks who have had this hitch for a while as I am a new user of this hitch.

Recently, I had to take the base and saddle out of the truck bed. Followed the instructions and pulled the pin in the wheel well and rotated the handle to the left. Removed the saddle - no problem.

Instructions said to loosen the bolt on the top of the base unit to withdraw the pin and base. Done No problem.

Now. I have to put it back in. Reverse process. Wheel well pin slid back into the pin that goes through the truck bed. Tightened the center bolt on the top of the base unit to 60 pounds using a torque wrench (per the label next to the bolt).

I noted that when it was initially installed, no grease was placed on the center pin base plate where the pin comes in contact with it. I did that. Also, they didn't use any lithium grease on the nylon caps. Will be picking some up today.

Anything else I need to do? Looks and feels right, but, I want experienced input before I go and hitch the trailer to it.

Thanks.

[laknox]

Gordon_R wrote:

noteven wrote:
I live in a area where thieving isn’t too bad cause we shoot them.

Anyhoo I hang my whole Companion back on the king pin of the trailer by reassembling it and getting up close to the trailer with the companion on the tailgate and clicking it back on the pin.

Rather than lifting the heavy bits in and out of the truck.

I was able to lift the base off the tailgate. I had to think long and hard about how to get it back into the bed of the truck. No way i could lift it up on the tailgate. Soooo. I used two wood ramps, my Costco dolly with the base on it and a come-along. Easy to get it back into the bed. Then just wrestle the darn thing back into the hole!

A couple solutions for you.

MY solution was a cheap engine hoist. I did have to extend the boom to reach the hitch, but that wasn't a big deal. Found an eyebolt with a 4" plate welded on it in my dad's scrap pile and it fit perfectly on the hook. Snatched the whole thing out of the bed then lowered it on to a $10 Harbor Freight furniture dolly. As the hoist also came with an engine stand, I sold the stand for $50, so my total cost was $100, including having the extension added.

Others get a cheap manual or electric hoist, again from Harbor Freight, and simply hang it from a rafter. Some guys are lucky enough to have a loader or forklift they can use.

Lyle

[4x4ord]

The non slider is relatively easy for 1 person to carry and install. I store mine in the garage after each trip as the truck is constantly being used for other tasks.

[Toolguy5]

I have a companion slider. The base is to heavy for me to handle by myself. I made an A-Frame out of 2x4s i put in bed of truck aligned with hitch center. A chain and a come along I lift it out. I then put it on a furniture cart I bought from Harbor Frieght. I roll it to end of truck and use a cherry picker to lift off truck to floor back on furniture dolly. Then roll it to where ever I need to put it.

I reverse the process when reinstalling it.

By the way the bolt on mine says to torque to 80 Foot pounds.

[Gordon_R]

noteven wrote:
I live in a area where thieving isn’t too bad cause we shoot them.

Anyhoo I hang my whole Companion back on the king pin of the trailer by reassembling it and getting up close to the trailer with the companion on the tailgate and clicking it back on the pin.

Rather than lifting the heavy bits in and out of the truck.

I was able to lift the base off the tailgate. I had to think long and hard about how to get it back into the bed of the truck. No way i could lift it up on the tailgate. Soooo. I used two wood ramps, my Costco dolly with the base on it and a come-along. Easy to get it back into the bed. Then just wrestle the darn thing back into the hole!

[noteven]

I live in a area where thieving isn’t too bad cause we shoot them.

Anyhoo I hang my whole Companion back on the king pin of the trailer by reassembling it and getting up close to the trailer with the companion on the tailgate and clicking it back on the pin.

Rather than lifting the heavy bits in and out of the truck.

[2naEagle]

You are now a bona fide professional.:D

[Halmfamily]

Sounds perfect. Congrats you've got a great hitch.