Pucks and B&W hitch issue

[EZeis]

Hello,
I have a 2018 Ram 3500 with factory goose/5th wheel package. I bought a B&W 5th wheel to fit the Ram pucks. Either the B&W base is tweaked or there is an issue with the pucks. The hitch base doesn't touch the right front puck. This causes it and its opposite to teeter back and forth. I called etrailer and the tech said the pucks on the truck need adjusted. I looked but there is no slots in the puck mounting bolts. I put the hitch base on two different concrete pads is different locations and the base teeters a little bit but on different latches than in the truck. But doesn't teeter near as bad as in the truck. So I don't know if I have a truck puck issue or a hitch base issue. The right front puck is visually lower then the other 3 from the bed surface.

Anyone have this issue before? I tried to upload a video but even at 11.1mb it's too large.


Thanks,
Earl

 

[TFucili]

Here is an adjustment video. If that doesn't solve it I would call B&W directly. I always found them to be very helpful.

 

[EZeis]

Thanks, seen that video. It doesn't address the issue I have. Tried calling B&W, they are closed on weekends.


Earl

 

[Learjet]

So you have adjusted the four puck handles per the B&W instructions and the hitch is moving while installed? I don't see how that is possible.

 

[EZeis]

Can't close the one, the hitch doesn't even touch the truck puck. I can close 3. The front right I can't. Like I said the hitch doesn't touch the puck. So either the hitch base is tweaked or the truck's puck has an issue.

Earl

 

[Hoefler]

Drop you trailer on the hitch, with the weight on the hitch, can you get it to latch? If so, latch it and go for a nice long trip, it will settle in. After a few trips, it won't be an issue.

 

[Cummins2014]

Can't close the one, the hitch doesn't even touch the truck puck. I can close 3. The front right I can't. Like I said the hitch doesn't touch the puck. So either the hitch base is tweaked or the truck's puck has an issue.

Earl

To me its the hitch base, if it doesn't reach the truck bed it can't be the puck. If it was reaching the truck bed, and you couldn't latch it then possibly the puck could of been too low, but the handles on the B&W should be able to raise or lower the adjustment .

I had to adjust a couple of the handles on my reese picture frame adapter, they were too tight could not close the handles. Had to adjust the lugs on the handles so they went further into the pucks. I didn't pay much attention to the pucks as far the positioning up ,and down, but probably the reason I had to adjust, the pucks were not all the same level. They certainly were not in the center of the holes in the bed . As said its looks to be a hitch problem for you, the base was not built square .

 

[Cummins12V98]

Well it's Monday, what did B&W tell you?

I'm betting they will be sending you a new base if what you are saying is correct.

 

[Learjet]

so you have removed the cotter key and have the nut on the handle all the way loose and it will not latch?

Also, have you loosen the two bolts per the instructions to align the latch in the puck?

The above two question are two separate steps...have you done this?

 

[EZeis]

Talked to the tech at B&W this morning. He said the truck pucks can't be adjusted, which I figured. He said they put the base on a perfectly flat plate of steel to verify it's square after it is welded by the robot. I emailed him a video at the Tech's request. 3 hours has passed with no email reply or call yet.

Earl

 

[EZeis]

so you have removed the cotter key and have the nut on the handle all the way loose and it will not latch?

Also, have you loosen the two bolts per the instructions to align the latch in the puck?

The above two question are two separate steps...have you done this?

Yes and yes.


Earl

 

[Cummins2014]

Yes and yes.


Earl

Thats the same adjustment I think all those style hitches have, and the same as the Reese picture frame.

I would be nice if you had nice flat surface to sit it on ,and send them a picture of it out of square .Unless you have done this .

 

[EZeis]

The video I sent has the hitch in the pucks with it teetering between the right front and the left rear pucks. The other two pucks the base sits on with no issues. Makes contact and latches close nicely. The left rear closes nicely then the right front can't be closed unless you back the castle nut clear off and then can't get the cotter pin in anymore.


Earl

 

[EZeis]

After 4.75 hours of emailing the video to B&W, I called and left a voicemail to see if they received and reviewed my video.


Earl

 

[EZeis]

B&W is planning to ship me another base to try.

Earl

 

[EZeis]

Update, a local trailer dealer is a B&W dealer. They have a base in stock and are willing to try it in my truck to see if the base I have has an issue or if it's the truck. Damn nice of them seeing as I didn't buy my hitch from them. Should be able to try their base late tomorrow.
I informed B&W to hold off on sending a replacement till we see how their base fits.


Earl

 

[Cummins12V98]

B&W is planning to ship me another base to try.

Earl

What did I win?????????????

 

[kthaxton]

What did I win?????????????

Here, I'll post a random full size image for you, yes, FULL size!
You're welcome.

 

[Cummins12V98]

WOOHOO!!!

 

[Cummins2014]

Here, I'll post a random full size image for you, yes, FULL size!
You're welcome.
View attachment 110129

Nice, you should post a picture of the SL valley from up there, show the blanket thats covering us .