Which B&W Companion Hitches Allow Full Function of Sidewinder Pin Boxes
Published 06/08/2016
Products Featured in This Question
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.
Continue Researching
- Shop: Floor Mats
- Shop: Nerf Bars - Running Boards
- Q&A: Can a Reese Sidewinder be Used with a B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Video: BAK Hard Tonneau Cover 30 Second Overview
- Search Results: nerf bars ~ running boards
- Search Results: floor mats
- Video: All You Need to Know About the Westin HDX Nerf Bars with Drop Steps
- Video: A Closer Look at the Westin Outlaw Textured Black Steel Nerf Bars with Drop Steps
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Shop: B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: BAKFlip MX4 Hard Tonneau Cover - Folding - Aluminum - Matte Finish
- Q&A: How to Use a Sidewinder with a B and W Companion Hitch
- Search Results: tonneau cover
- Q&A: BAKFlip G2 Vs. Extang EnCore Folding Tonnea Cover Comparison 2016 Ford F-150
- Video: How to Install the BAKFlip MX4 Hard Tonneau Cover on a 2023 Ram 2500
- Video: BAKFlip G2 Hard Tonneau Cover Review BAK26328
- Shop: Westin HDX Nerf Bars with Drop Steps - Textured Black
- Shop: DeeZee Truck Bed Auxiliary Tank - Rectangle - Aluminum - 39 Gallon
- Shop: Gen-Y Hitch Advantage Gooseneck and 5th Wheel Combo Hitch - 25K
- Shop: Westin Outlaw Nerf Bars with Drop Steps - Textured Black Steel
- Shop: Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter for Recessed Ball - Single Jaw - 21,000 lbs
- Search Results: reese 5th wheel gooseneck adapter
- Search Results: reese 5th wheel hitch
- Q&A: Is Reese M5 Fifth Wheel Hitch Compatible with Sidewinder Pin Boxes
- Q&A: How to Lock Out a Sidewinder, And is A Sidewinder Needed on a 6 ft Bed Ford F350
- Q&A: Comparing B&W Companion OEM and Reese M5 5th Wheel Hitch for 2019 Ford F-350
- Q&A: Correct Sidewinder Wedge for B&W Companion
- Search Results: bw companion hitch
on Accessories and Parts
