Gooseneck Latch Pin Pulls Out when B&W Companion Slider is Installed

Updated 10/01/2018 | Published 09/30/2018

Question:

I have a BandW slider fifth wheel hitch. When I tighten the draw down bolt, I can still pull the latch pin to the unlock position. I have tightened less and more, before engaging the latch pin, but same result. Thanks

asked by: Keith W

Expert Reply:

When installing the B&W Companion slider # BWRVK3400 you will pull out the gooseneck pin all the way and rotate clockwise, remove the ball, and reinsert the gooseneck pin. At this point make sure that the pin is in properly. B&W states "Check the latch pin under the truck. Make sure that the latch pin has passed through both sides of the socket and that the pin is covered up inside the socket by the socket adjuster, see Figure A1 in your instructions. If the pin is visible inside the GN hitch socket, retract the gooseneck latch handle and use the draw-down bolt to adjust the
socket adjuster."

If you are tightening the draw-down bolt first and the gooseneck pin is not in the proper position then you could pull out the pin like what you are experiencing. You can also check to make sure that the socket adjuster in the hitch shank is down far enough or otherwise in the proper position before reinserting the pin. If it is not you may need to first loosen up the draw-down bolt to get it in the proper location.

expert reply by: Michael H