Which B&W Companion Hitches Allow Full Function of Sidewinder Pin Boxes

Published 06/08/2016

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(599)

$1099.00

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Ram Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs

(5319)

$1399.00

Question:

The Q and A below seem to indicate that you must lock out the sidewinder to use a b and W companion hitch this would seem to negate the benefits of the sidewinder pin box. is there a way to use a B and W turnover ball with companion or companion slider or other fifth wheel hitch and still use the sidewinder as intended? How to Use a Sidewinder with a B and W Companion Hitch Question: I presently have a BandW turnover ball hitch in my 2011 Dodge 2500 PU with a 6 ft bed and I want to use it to tow my 5th wheel trailer with a Reese sidewinder pin box. I have a BandW Companion 5th wheel trailer hitch but I understand 2 additional 1/2inch bolts should be used to stabilize the hitch - how and where should these be placed? asked by: Wayne W Expert Reply: Actually the recommendation for adding bolts to the B and W hitches so that they can be used with a Sidewinder has recently changed. We spoke to our contact at B and W and they informed us that doing that will void the warranty of the hitch. What you will need to do is lock out the Sidewinder you have on your trailer. You will then need to install two 3/4 inch X 5-1/2 inch grade 5 bolts washers lock washers and nuts in the location at the rear of the turret, see photo. Once these bolts are installed the king pin will rotate in the normal position in the fifth-wheel hitch. Once the Sidewinder is locked out you can use your Companion hitch. I hope it is a slider hitch so that you will have the clearance needed to make sharp turns like the # BWRVK3400. expert reply by: Jameson C

asked by: Scot C

Expert Reply:

The only Companion hitches that can be used with a Sidewinder and still allow the full function of the pin box are the ones that attach in four places like the models that fit the vehicles with factory rail kits such as # BWRVK3600 for the Ram rail kits.

The Companion hitches that only use the center post that inserts into a Turnover ball hitch like part # BWRVK3500 can't handle the twisting torque that the Sidewinders put on the hitch so they would require locking the Sidewinder out so that it functions like a standard pin box.

expert reply by: Jameson C