Simple question for B&W 5th wheel hitch owners

[4x4ord]

I was cleaning up my garage and I came across a little spring which is part of my B&W head. The idea of this spring is to keep the hitch tilted while hooking up the fiver. Either I am misunderstanding something or this spring is of negative value and I might as well turf it. I like having the head sitting level as I am backing up and I adjust the trailer jacks so the "king pin shoe" just clears the hitch face. Do you other B&W owners see any value to this little spring.

[MFL]

When my new truck arrived, my Ford dealer, also B&W dealer/installer, just installed the hitch, before I picked up the truck. When looking at hitch/reading hitch instructions, I noticed this spring was missing. Called Ford dealer service manager. He told me installer said there was no spring in box, maybe not needed. I called B&W, girl said "we'll send one right out". This was afternoon, and spring came in the morning mail. That was some quick service!!

Jerry

[fj12ryder]

4x4ord wrote:

transamz9 wrote:
My head leans towards the front of the truck without it.

I actually don't mind that at all. If the head leans toward the front of the truck the kingpin gets guided into the jaws by the tapered slot on the hitch. When the B&W hitch is level the tapered part of the hitch misses the kingpin.

I generally have the king pin lower than the hitch so there's a slight force against the hitch when sliding onto it. It's harder for me to gauge the height when the hitch is angled forward instead of toward the tailgate.

[Cummins12V98]

Install per the directions and it does it's job just fine!

Mine with spring installed.

[4x4ord]

transamz9 wrote:
My head leans towards the front of the truck without it.

I actually don't mind that at all. If the head leans toward the front of the truck the kingpin gets guided into the jaws by the tapered slot on the hitch. When the B&W hitch is level the tapered part of the hitch misses the kingpin.

[camperfamily]

Added it to mine. It does help keep the head in a better position for hitching. I'll keep it.

[greende]

transamz9 wrote:
My head leans towards the front of the truck without it.

This is what happens with mine as well.....

[transamz9]

My head leans towards the front of the truck without it.

[fj12ryder]

Yep, got one and installed it, and it keeps the head tilted slightly back. The head tended to tilt forward without the spring installed. Not a big deal but it's nice to have.

[Vette_Racer]

I would use it, helps keep the head level so hooking up is easier, also limits the bouncing of the head when trailer not attached, always keep mine in place.

[agesilaus]

dmck413 wrote:
I must not have one. my head sits level

Ditto, have never seen one of those springs until today

[goducks10]

Never installed it on mine. Pretty easy to get the pin at the right height with out it.

[newman_fulltime]

its used to keep the head level and from bouncing when using empty in the truck

[KMLsquared]

I have one and it keeps the head level. From the instructions it seems the head may tilt forward without it. I have always had the trailer lower than the hitch so it rides up the ramps.

[4x4ord]

dmck413 wrote:
I must not have one. my head sits level

Are you trying to tell us you're level headed.

[dmck413]

I must not have one. my head sits level