B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Jaws Bind on King Pin When Unhitching

Question:

When I return from a trip and off load my fifth wheel, my BandW Companion hitch binds up that is, the hitch has pulled up against the locking pin, thereby not releasing the hitch for easy removal. This requires hitch disassembly in the truck to get the pin to release. Towing with 06 Ram3500 long bed 4w., hitch weight in bed of truck is about 2000#. Suggestions please?

asked by: Bob N

Helpful Expert Reply:

I spoke with my B&W representative, and what you're experiencing is fairly common. When unhitching, you want to use the landing gear to raise up far enough to remove the pin weight from the hitch, but not so far that it's pulling up slightly on the hitch, causing the hitch to bind. Try raising or lowering the landing gear slightly to remove the tension on the hitch jaws.

If this doesn't solve your problem, please get back with me and we'll look into some other possibilities.

expert reply by: Mike L