2017 Ford with B&W slider question

[2wiresadave]

We just picked up our 2018 Reflection 303 last week and had a B&W Companion slider installed using the factory 5th wheel pucks. Set up with the hitch in the rearward (1") in front of axle at the lowest height setting. Vertical clearance to rails is almost 7" and trailer initially appears to be close enough to level for my eyes. My issue is that when engaging the slider, the pin box gets scarily close to the tailgate...instead of fiddling continuously with the hitch set up which in the normal mode seems excellent and when backing into my storage garage at what I would estimate 70 plus degrees I was no closer than 1 1/2 feet from the cab without using the slider. I contacted a few others before getting the set up and everything I was told seems accurate even, the fact that a standard Companion non-slider would probably work just fine.

My wife came up with an ingenious idea to somehow drop the tailgate a few inches to give the room needed if/when we use the slider - has anyone ever done this or heard of this? Maybe just a short section of rope or chain to hold it in position? Seems like a simple solution to an otherwise complex issue.

[Barbara & Dave]

We always lower the tailgate completely when hitching. Another solution is to get one of those tailgates with a dip in the middle.

Dave


Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

[Bamaman]

Good to pay close attention to your tailgate.

I can tell you that a new SuperDuty tailgate is $1,200 painted. Don't ask how I know.

[FT4NOW]

I think 2wiresadave was talking about leaving the tailgate open when the slider is engaged, not for hitching.

http://www.discountramps.com/tailgat...TE-10-SUPPORT/

Here is an example of what you might be looking for. I have no input on how well it works, ive never used it.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[2wiresadave]

I think 2wiresadave was talking about leaving the tailgate open when the slider is engaged, not for hitching.

http://www.discountramps.com/tailgat...TE-10-SUPPORT/

Here is an example of what you might be looking for. I have no input on how well it works, ive never used it.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Thanks! That's exactly what I was trying to get at! The tailgate is not getting replaced as it has my step for getting into the bed and my back up camera.

[FT4NOW]

Youre welcome, good luck, make sure you check all angles for clearance before making any extreme angle turns with that installed.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[Cate&Rob]

2wiresadave - I have a Reese manual slider and the wings of the pinbox come to within a couple of inches of the tailgate when the hitch is pushed back. If the terrain is anything different than perfectly level, I just open the tailgate all the way. There is no twisting/turning position that will bring the open tailgate into contact with the trailer, with the slider in the aft maneuver position.

Rob

[2wiresadave]

2wiresadave - I have a Reese manual slider and the wings of the pinbox come to within a couple of inches of the tailgate when the hitch is pushed back. If the terrain is anything different than perfectly level, I just open the tailgate all the way. There is no twisting/turning position that will bring the open tailgate into contact with the trailer, with the slider in the aft maneuver position.

Rob

I'll have to take a peak at that as that could be an even simpler fix - I would imagine in the slid back position my tailgate would be quite far away as well. Hadn't thought of that! Thanks!

[MtnGuy]

My issue is that when engaging the slider, the pin box gets scarily close to the tailgate...instead of fiddling continuously with the hitch set up which in the normal mode seems excellent and when backing into my storage garage at what I would estimate 70 plus degrees I was no closer than 1 1/2 feet from the cab without using the slider.

Our pin box comes close to the tailgate with the hitch in the rear position, but should not hit unless the truck and trailer are on on different planes (front of truck down or rear of camper down).

I am wondering how you have 1.5' of clearance between the truck and camper at a 70* angle ?? Mine is probably less than 6" at that position, and that is getting a bit scary for this ol' boy. I think if I had that kind of angle, I would move the hitch to the forward set of holes, and that should also solve your pin box/tailgate problem.

[2wiresadave]

The 1.5 foot measurement was my wifes eyeball estimate - maybe I better verify