B&W hitch - Page 2

TURBS · 03-04-2014, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoodyMccloud

OK folks, it looks like I need to tell you that I was wrong (or better yet, misinformed). I had my hitch installed by a 3rd party as part of my new truck purchase. Therefore I was instructed on how to use the hitch by the Chevy dealer. After reading your posts and doing more research and then calling the B&W folks, it turns out that MillerTime is 100% CORRECT. I'm glad that I never hooked up the 5er after putting the hitch back in my way. There is the requirement to re-torque the bolts, because there is a requirement to loosen them when you remove the hitch and go to the gooseneck. Thanks for the catch MillerTime. I am torqueing tonight, so I am ready to pull this weekend. I LOVE THIS FORUM!!!! Lots of smart folks here.

Better send pics of the outing or it never happened.....

TURBS
Sabre owners united!

**ependydad** · 03-04-2014, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoodyMccloud

OK folks, it looks like I need to tell you that I was wrong (or better yet, misinformed). I had my hitch installed by a 3rd party as part of my new truck purchase. Therefore I was instructed on how to use the hitch by the Chevy dealer. After reading your posts and doing more research and then calling the B&W folks, it turns out that MillerTime is 100% CORRECT. I'm glad that I never hooked up the 5er after putting the hitch back in my way. There is the requirement to re-torque the bolts, because there is a requirement to loosen them when you remove the hitch and go to the gooseneck. Thanks for the catch MillerTime. I am torqueing tonight, so I am ready to pull this weekend. I LOVE THIS FORUM!!!! Lots of smart folks here.

You wouldn't be the first to have done it wrong. I'm betting that most of the time, not torquing the draw down bolt is fine - it's that fringe case where all heck happens that it's not.

I quite literally have had my daughter help me install and remove the hitch.

Helmsey · 03-04-2014, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ependydad

You wouldn't be the first to have done it wrong. I'm betting that most of the time, not torquing the draw down bolt is fine - it's that fringe case where all heck happens that it's not.

On the new RVK3500 you would know fast if you didn't torque the draw down bolt. In the pics MillerTime posted you can see the new bar has an elongated hole and tightening the draw down will lock it in and take up any slack. When I first dropped mine in I was able to pick it back up away from the bed with the latch pin handle closed. This of course was before I tightened down the draw down bolt. After tightening it down it was locked in. I do like that fact that loosen that one bolt and everything is ready to come out.
On the older RVK3000 the post just had a regular round hole for the latch pin to go through so even if it wasn't tightened down it wouldn't move much.

Taranwanderer · 03-04-2014, 09:05 PM

So, who has found the best place to purchase a B&W Companion? It looks like I want to be sure to order the 3500. Planning on removing my plastic bedliner and replacing it with a spray in, then installing this hitch. Any other advice is welcome, especially where to buy. Thanks.

MillerTime · 03-04-2014, 09:17 PM

U might look on ebay.
I have gotten some hitches from Tweety's, you could also look on craigs list. I know there is someone local here that sells them from a little hole in the wall pretty cheap.

MillerTime- Future Sabre Handler!!

**ependydad** · 03-04-2014, 09:20 PM

I ended up ordering mine through the guy who installed my whole setup. His pricing was as good as Tweetys and I didn't have to manhandle large boxes.

But, Tweets seemed to be the best price, otherwise.

MillerTime · 03-04-2014, 09:22 PM

Just looked, tweetys has the 3500 for $879 +free shipping.

There is also a slider available if one so desires, not sure on if the post is the old or new design

MillerTime- Future Sabre Handler!!

fast murray · 03-04-2014, 09:34 PM

I didn't see anyone online that was less than $879 shipped. I just ordered one from etrailer and used coupon code 98XL3 in the referral code box at the checkout and got 5% off. I don't think you'll see the RVK3500 on Craigslist for a while yet as it's too new.

MillerTime · 03-04-2014, 09:52 PM

I just meant that aa local dealer may advertise an excellent price on a new hitch on CL

MillerTime- Future Sabre Handler!!

fast murray · 03-04-2014, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MillerTime

I just meant that aa local dealer may advertise an excellent price on a new hitch on CL

MillerTime- Future Sabre Handler!!

Sure, I did see some dealers but no deals. Amazingly there are very few used units on craigslist. I read somewhere where they protect their pricing which must be why $879 is the magic number pretty much everywhere.

MillerTime · 03-04-2014, 10:45 PM

Ahh. Makes sense.
Yes I've noticed that a used companion on CL doesn't stay on there very long

MillerTime- Future Sabre Handler!!

Helmsey · 03-05-2014, 02:07 PM

For anyone looking, I purchased mine from gooseneckhitchshop.com and would recommend them. It was cheaper than etrailer with the 5% off

I ordered mine on a Monday morning and I had it Tuesday afternoon.

Ultraboy · 04-02-2014, 08:06 AM

I got the B&W turnover ball and the new 3500 companion hitch from SD Truck Springs. Free shipping, fast service and further Facebook discount. Easy install, looks great, easy to remove to have a flat floor.

Taranwanderer · 04-12-2014, 11:22 PM

So I'm installing the Companion today, and everything was going well until I got to the part where you drop the hitch post down into the hole in the bed. I have the 3500 and it came with the hitch post shown in posts #12 and #15 of this thread. The problem is the post is square and the hole that my turnover ball came out of is round. It doesn't fit in there, no way. Anyone have any ideas what's going on? Do I have the wrong post for my turnover ball setup? Suggestions, please! Thanks.

MillerTime · 04-12-2014, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taranwanderer

So I'm installing the Companion today, and everything was going well until I got to the part where you drop the hitch post down into the hole in the bed. I have the 3500 and it came with the hitch post shown in posts #12 and #15 of this thread. The problem is the post is square and the hole that my turnover ball came out of is round. It doesn't fit in there, no way. Anyone have any ideas what's going on? Do I have the wrong post for my turnover ball setup? Suggestions, please! Thanks.

You dont have a b&w base.
There is another company that has a lookalike that is round. I'll look it up in a minute

MillerTime- Future Sabre Handler!!

MillerTime · 04-12-2014, 11:28 PM

Looks like blue ox has a "inverta ball". I think there is another one though

MillerTime- Future Sabre Handler!!

MillerTime · 04-12-2014, 11:36 PM

"Pop up" hitch has a round flip over ball as well.
This is the knock off one I was thinking of.

MillerTime- Future Sabre Handler!!

Taranwanderer · 04-13-2014, 12:01 AM

That's great. So I just bought a $900 hitch that I can't use. Should I get one of these?:

FLC Adapter to use B&W Companion with PopUp Industries FlipOver Ball Hitch

MillerTime · 04-13-2014, 12:21 AM

Nope. That one is for the 3000.
Too bad your so far from me. I'd give you my slightly used 3000 and buy you the adapter and some $ to trade ya.
Honestly I dont know what else you could do with out getting a b&w base or a 3000 companion. That sux that yours wasn't a real "turnover ball".
Too bad we're 1500 miles apart, but I bet someone closer would swap you out- I bet eppendydad would!

MillerTime- Future Sabre Handler!!

Taranwanderer · 04-13-2014, 06:34 AM

Yep, that's what I figured after looking at that adapter--it looks like it'll only work with the u-bolt style Companion. So it looks like I'll be yanking the knock-off ball out and having a real B&W turnover installed. They really look alike. Like, a lot alike. Fooled me.

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