A member with extensive towing experience reports their 18k BW Patriot slider hitch has twice released their Montana 3121RL fifth wheel onto their 2019 F-350’s bed—once after 30 miles, and again after 200+ miles on rough Arizona highways. Despite rigorous visual checks and tug tests, and dealer inspections finding no faults, BW attributes the issue to “high hitching,” which the member disputes given the distances traveled before failure. The repeated incidents have caused costly truck damage...
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A member with extensive towing experience reports their 18k BW Patriot slider hitch has twice released their Montana 3121RL fifth wheel onto their 2019 F-350’s bed—once after 30 miles, and again after 200+ miles on rough Arizona highways. Despite rigorous visual checks and tug tests, and dealer inspections finding no faults, BW attributes the issue to “high hitching,” which the member disputes given the distances traveled before failure. The repeated incidents have caused costly truck damage and shaken the member’s confidence.
Most RVers responding have never experienced such failures with B&W hitches, emphasizing the importance of proper hitching technique: ensuring the king pin is slightly lower than the hitch plate, jaws fully closed, and the safety pin inserted in the release handle. Several suggest possible user error, such as high hitching or missing the safety pin, while others propose rare scenarios like vandalism or a defective hitch. A few recommend switching to a different hitch brand for peace of mind, though one other member did report a similar unexplained disconnect after hundreds of miles.
Consensus is that B&W hitches are generally reliable if properly secured, but the rare nature of this issue leaves it unresolved. Actionable advice includes double-checking hitch engagement, always using the safety pin, and considering a hitch replacement if confidence is lost. No definitive mechanical flaw has been identified, and the possibility of user error or external interference remains.