Troubleshooting B and W Companion Release Handle that Doesn't Want to Release

Updated 04/03/2018 | Published 03/31/2018

Question:

I recently bought a truck with an existing BandW Companion hitch. I bought a replacement ball that I would like to use but I can’t seem to get the pin to release under the bed in order to switch them out. Do I need to loosen the bolt on the 5th wheel hitch before the pin will disengage? It won’t pull out or rotate either direction. If I understand correctly, it should pull out and then rotate left in order to remove the hitch. Thank you

asked by: Becky

Expert Reply:

Normally the pin pulls right out easily. What you can do is try spraying lube like WD40 down into the hitch tube to see if you can get it let go. What could also be happening is that the base is binding up in the hitch tube. It may not be an ideal solution but you could put the head back on the hitch and connect back to a trailer and see if that allows the pin to release. Having the trailer pushing down on the base assembly might be what is needed to get the pin to slide out.

Once out you would want to make sure there is nothing under the feet of the hitch or down in the tube.

expert reply by: Jameson C