Can a Sidewinder Pin Box be Locked Out to Work with a B&W Companion Hitch in a 2016 Chevy Silverado

Updated 12/27/2016 | Published 12/26/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret - 20,000 lbs

(43)

$1350.54

Replacement Slider Base for B&W Companion Slider 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 20,000 lbs

(31)

$1100.00

Question:

I have a 2016 Chevrolet 3500HD dwr crew cab long bed. I have an L shaped fuel tank and tool box on the truck. I use the truck daily pulling gooseneck equipment trailer. We bought a 2013 Coachman Chaparral. It has a sidewinder on it. I have the BandW turnover ball and got a companion to use for 5th wheel. Ive pulled it 2 or 3 times with no issues that I know about. I was installing the companion in the truck and noticed the label that stated to not use with sidewinder type. I read somewhere that you can lock out the sidewinder and make the system work safely that way. Will it reduce my turning radius if I do this?

asked by: Brent B

Expert Reply:

Sidewinders are not compatible with the B&W Turnover ball hitches that attach to a single point (gooseneck ball hole) in the truck bed. The reason is that a Sidewinder gets locked out at the hitch so the trailer turns back at the turret which is attached to the trailer. The force applied to the hitch can cause it to twist the gooseneck hitch which would require replacing the whole gooseneck hitch.

A Sidewinder can be locked out to function the same as a regular pin box though. To do that you would remove the wedge that locks it out at the hitch and insert two bolts up through the bottom at the turret to prevent it from swiveling at the turret. But you would lose all clearance that the Sidewinder normally provides.

The best solution is to replace the Companion base with the slider version, # BWRVB3405. The slider base will offer 12 inches of travel but you would still need to lock out the Sidewinder. You would need two 3/4” – 10 X 5-1/2" bolts, matching nuts, 4 flat washers, 2 lock washers all rated Grade 5 or better to lock out the Sidewinder.

expert reply by: Michael H