Can I Use the 5th Airborne Rotating Pin Box with a B&W Turnoverball

Updated 07/08/2020 | Published 07/07/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Demco 5th Wheel Base Rails Adapter for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitches

(85)

$689.00

B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5662)

$1599.00

Curt Flex Air 5th Wheel Pin Box - Lippert 1621 - 18,000 lbs

(202)

$1668.60

Question:

I have a 2008 F250 with a BandW Gooseneck turnover currently installed. I am buying a 5th Wheel that has a Reese 5th AirBorne already installed. I started looking at the BandW Companion until I read where it clearly states not to use a rotating turret king pin with the Companion. I then found the DM6140 that will work with my current BandW set-up. It only states not to use an automatic sliding hitch with the DM6140, however in the QandA, I did read were its not recommended to use a rotating turret king pin with the DM6140. So, for my current truck set-up and the current set up for the 5th that I am buying...my best option between the Companion vs the DM6140, looks like it would be the DM6140?? Also, for the fact that 90 of driving is going to be straight, without much turning of the turret, the DM6140 should still be safe? Or, are there any rail mounting options that I could easily use with my BandW that is currently installed on my truck?? THANK YOU!!

asked by: Matt G

Expert Reply:

The real issue here is that because any 5th wheel hitch, or adapter like the Demco # DM6140 is going to be secured by the center post in your B&W Turnoverball. The Turnoverball cannot handle the torquing that occurs when using a pin box with a rotating turret. However, you should be able to remove the wedge on your Reese 5th Airborne with a rotating pin box and lock out the rotating feature so that you're just using it as a standard non-rotating pin box. In order to lock out the pin box you will need the following hardware:

Lockwasher 3/4 plated--Qty 2
Washer Flat 3/4--Qty 4
Bold, Hex Head 3/4-10 x 9 inches--Qty 2
Nut, Hex 3/4-10 Grade 5--Qty 2

I've also linked a copy of the instructions page where it shows how to complete this task.

With the pin box locked into a non-rotating setup you can use the B&W Companion Slider # BWRVK3400-5W, which is an extremely durable and high quality hitch that uses a dual locking jaw to provide 360 degree contact with your king pin. This means better security, less rattle and creates a secure connection with the king pin that will reduce chucking; ultimately it means a better ride quality.

If you wanted to replace the Turnoverball kit on your truck, you would want to use something like the Reese Underbed kit # RP30073 and the Reese 20k 5th Wheel hitch # RP30921. This would allow you to use the existing 5th Airborne Sidewinder on your trailer.

I've linked some informational videos on these parts for you to have a look at, as well.