I used the instructions that came with the hitch. I have attached a PDF file of the instructions. Below is Step 3 which gives the proper torque. I also looked at the present instructions and I see no change.
STEP 3:
Place the RV Base over the RV post so that the U-bolts wrap around the RV post. (PIC E) Then place a ½” washer (E) on the ½” x 3” draw-down bolt (B), insert the bolt through the hole in the top flange of the RV base and hand-thread the draw-down bolt into the RV Post. Square the RV base legs with the ribs of the truck bed and then tighten the ½” x 3” draw-down bolt to 40 ft-lb. Next, tighten the two u-bolts to 80 ft-lb. to secure the RV Base to the RV Post. It is very important that the draw-down bolt is tightened before the U-bolts are tightened. When the RV Base is installed correctly, the RV Post should have a ¼” to 1” gap between the RV Post and the RV Base where the draw-down bolt attaches.(PIC F) Also, you should not be able to disengage the latch pin in the wheel well when the base is installed correctly.
combine_billy
Below is step 8 from the instructions. As you can see it says to loosen the 4 nuts on the U-Bolts.
STEP 8: UNINSTALL HITCH
To uninstall the RV Companion, remove the Saddle lock pins, grab the RV saddle handles and lift to remove the RV coupler from the RV pivot arms. To remove the RV base loosen the four ½” nylon lock nuts on the two u-bolts around the RV post and loosen the draw down bolt. Retract the Turnoverball gooseneck latch pin handle all the way out until it stops and then rotate it clockwise. Remove the RV base from the GN hitch receiver socket.
Unless I am miss reading this I have followed the instructions correctly.
One thing that did not happen to me... Either the person that installed the hitch originally did not include the nylon lock nuts or they did not come with the hitch. After two problems with the U-Bolts B&W sent a full package of hardware and this one included nylon lock nuts. They said the galling was caused because the nylon lock nuts were not used. I can not contest this but I think the 80 ft lbs torque is to much and is causing the bolts to stretch. I believe they are grade 5 U-Bolt grade. I would perfer Grade 8. B&W told me that the U-Bolts are custom made for B&W. I found out that the U- Bolts can not be purchased except through B&W. I would also like to see a plate between the nuts and the base to even out the stress on the base.
So far I have not had any more problems with the securing of the base to the RV Post.
To make it clear, I still like the B&W hitch and knowing what I know now I would still install this hitch.
BC