B&W Trailer Hitches RVK3500 User Manual
<THESE INSTRUCTIONS MUST BE GIVEN TO THE END USER>
B&W Trailer Hitches
1216 Hawaii Rd / PO Box 186
Humboldt, KS 66748
P:620.473.3664
F:620.473.3766
Companion™ Hitch Installation Instructions
20,000 LBS. TRAILER WEIGHT
5,000 LBS. TRAILER TONGUE WEIGHT
Call or Email us for Installation Support
hitches@turnoverball.com www.turnoverball.com
Model 3500
PIVOT ARM
BASE ASSEMBLY
ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
REQUIRED TOOLS
Installation of the Companion hitch requires a large torque
wrench capable of measuring 80 ft−lbs, a 3/4" socket, and a
7/16" socket or wrench
PARTS LIST
1
1
" X 1
2
1
2
1
2
Pivot Arm A
Pivot Arm B
1
2
Socket Post
1
4
1
4
" Hex Cap Screws
2
" Split Lock Washers
" Threaded block
" X 3" Hex Cap Screw
1
" X 1
" Machine Screw
2
" Finish Nut
1
7
PARTS LIST
ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY
16
16
4
1
1
1
1
4
5
2
16
17
18
1
10
4
1
11
4
12
Plastic Foot Pads
3
13
8
3
14
8
15
Wire Torsion Spring
16
Mounting Clip
1
17
4
1
18
4
4
13
15
" Flat Washer
" Lock Washer
" Button Head Cap Screw
" Lock Nut
1
" X
" Cap Screw
2
" Nylon Lock Nut
3
6
14
4
4
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
12
5
8
10
11
9
Failure to comply with the safety information in these
WARNING
Read all installation and operating instructions along
with all labels before using this product.
Without proper knowledge, towing can be a
dangerous activity. Understand all the risks involved
with towing before proceeding. For information on
towing safety, see
to Understanding Trailer and Towing Safety"
the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers,
www.NATM.com.
Do not modify this product in any manner. Doing so
could alter its integrity and lead to a loss of attachment
between the trailer and the tow vehicle.
Regularly check that all bolted connections are at the
correct torque specification. A visual inspection should
be performed before each time you tow.
"The Trailer Handbook: A guide
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
from
Do not exceed tow or tongue rating of coupler, tow or
tongue rating of hitch, or tow or weight ratings of truck
or trailer. See vehicle and trailer manufacturer
information for ratings. Exceeding these ratings may
cause damage to towing components or loss of
attachment between the trailer and truck.
Adding components to the chassis of any vehicle can
be hazardous. There is potential for damage to
vehicle, injury from tool usage and many other
hazards. This installation must be completed by
someone who is aware of the hazards involved. This
person must be knowledgeable of proper safety
procedures for a vehicle installation of this nature, and
for usage of the equipment required to perform the
installation.
PREPARING TO INSTALL
WARNING: Components of the Companion hitch are
heavy and cumbersome to handle. Failure to use
proper lifting techniques when moving and handling
these parts could result in property damage or
serious injury.
Locate the two plastic foot pads. Each pad attaches
to the base through a slot at the end of the base leg.
Before attachment, check the width of your bed rib by
setting the wide face the plastic foot in a bed rib, see
figure A1. If the plastic foot does not reach to the
bottom of the bed rib trough, turn the plastic foot over,
see figure A2 & A3. Locate four 1/4" machine screws,
1/4" flat washers, 1/4" lock washers and 1/4" finish
nuts. Insert the machine screw up through the bottom
of the foot pad through the slot and attach it with a
1/4" flat washer, 1/4" lock washer and a 1/4" finish nut,
see figure A3. Do not tighten hardware at this time, so
that the plastic foot is able to move back and forth in
the slot.
PLASTIC FOOT PAD
CAB SIDE
OF TRUCK
POSITION 1
FIGURE B1: Cutaway view of Companion base with
2.
Once you have established in which orientation the
both socket post positions shown.
POSITION 2
socket post should be installed, locate the socket post
and eight 1/2" cap screws and 1/2" lock washers.
Slide the socket post into the bottom of the
Companion base and attach the socket post to the
base with the eight 1/2" cap screws and lock washers.
See figure B2. Do not fully tighten hardware at this
time.
1/2" CAP SCREW
1/2" LOCK WASHER
SOCKET
POST
FIGURE A1:
Wide rib orientation.
1/4" FINISH NUT
1/4" LOCK WASHER
1/4" FLAT WASHER
PLASTIC FOOT PAD
1/4" MACHINED SCREW
FIGURE A4, Plastic foot pad installation.
FIGURE A2
Incorrect
BASE LEG
orientation.
FIGURE A3
Narrow rib orientation.
NOTICE: Nissan Titan trucks:
Due to the configuration of the bed
ribs on Nisan Titan trucks, it will be
necessary for the foot pad to be
installed on top of a bed rib, see
figure A5.
FIGURE A5:
Titan rib configuration.
INSTALL SOCKET POST
NOTICE: If the Companion is to be used in conjunction
with a 1257 or 1309 model gooseneck hitch, call the
factory for a post that is compatible with these hitches.
1.
The socket post of the Companion hitch is designed to
have two mounting options. In most truck models, the
gooseneck socket will be forward of the axle and the
companion socket post will install towards the cab of
the truck (position 1). If your socket is located over the
axle due to the frame configuration of your truck, as it
is in the 2013 RAM 3500 trucks, install your socket
post so the post is towards the rear of the truck.
(position 2), see figure B1.
FOOT
SLOT
PLASTIC
FOOT PAD
LOCKING
BRACKET
FIGURE B2: View of base looking up at the bottom.
3.
Check that the spacer under the locking bracket is
turned so that the hole in the spacer is positioned over
the socket post. If adjustment is needed, use a tool,
such as a screwdriver, to pry up and rotate the spacer.
Install the 1/2" x 3" cap screw (draw down bolt) into
the top of the Companion base, as shown in figure B3.
Thread the cap screw into the socket adjuster and
hand tighten until the bottom of the slot in the socket
adjuster is even with the bottom of the slot in the post
as shown in figure B4.
SPACER
FIGURE B3: View of center of base
1/2" X 3" CAP SCREW
FIGURE B4: Cutaway
view of center of base.
SOCKET
ADJUSTER
SOCKET
POST
INSTALL COMPANION BASE
NOTICE
or mat, it should be removed or it must be cut to allow the
base to directly connect with the bed. It is acceptable to
install the RV base over a spray−in bed liner.
1.
Check that the bed of the truck is clean, and that all
debris is removed before beginning installation.
: If truck is equipped with a removable bed liner
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