Troubleshooting B&W Companion Slider Base Stuck In Gooseneck

Updated 08/04/2020 | Published 11/12/2017

Question:

I installed the companion base I bought a couple weeks ago. It dropped right in to gooseneck hole, no problem. Now I can’t get it out. It won’t budge. I loosed the draw down bolt and pulled the pin. I checked underneath and pin is fully retracted and locked. But the base won’t budge.

asked by: Jim M

Helpful Expert Reply:

I reached out to my contact at B&W and they said that the B&W Companion Slider Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs # BWRVK3400 sometimes within the first use or two this happens if you haven't used grease. You have already done a great job with loosening the draw down bolt and removing the pin. Next, make sure you are pulling it straight up. You may need a couple people to help this time since it is already stuck. You can use a pry bar on each area right around the post to get it to move and loosen. Once removed, grease generously with white lithium grease. This will make future installation and removal easy.

expert reply by: Jason S

Randy P.

2/1/2020

I installed the B&W goose neck hitch in my 2015 Ram 3500 along with a Companion Slider 5th wheel, 3rd truck using this. I love it. However, this time the goose neck safety pin wont engage all the way in unless I have my trailer hooked up with weight on it. Take weight off pin wont come out. The truck does have a spray in liner, but my previous trucks did too. WTH? Is this normal?

Jason S.

2/3/2020

The Ram compatible B&W gooseneck hitches have a different length of ball shank to pin. If you moved the gooseneck from another vehicle, that is likely your issue. Your 2015 Ram 3500 should be using # BWGNRK1314 as it is the only confirmed fit for your truck. If you have the # BWGNRK1309, or the # BWGNRK1384, they are not a fit for your truck. Some versions even have a hitch ball that has the pin hole in a slightly different location which is another complication.

Tim M.

8/4/2020

I had the same issue when installing this hitch in my RAM 2500 short bed. I rigged a two ton hoist to my garage ceiling to remove and install the hitch by myself. My issue was that I installed the pivot arms in the alternate (slightly aft of center) position to give myself a couple more inches of clearance on the cab when towing. The first time I tried to remove the hitch from the truck bed with my hoist, it would not budge. I ended up removing and reinstalling the pivot arms to the standard position so that the lift point of the hoist would be directly over the goose neck adapter. This time after a little pressure from the hoist and one jump in the bed. the hitch popped right out. I will be installing grease on the hitch adapter from now on.