B&W Companion Will Not Allow Pull Pin On Turnover Ball Hitch To Release

Updated 02/15/2026 | Published 01/29/2024

Question:

Used a BW companion 5th wheel hitch with my BW turnover ball gooseneck hitch, now the hitch pin will not disengage cannot pull handle out. Looks like the square tubing is turned a bit in the gooseneck hole?!

asked by: Amanda

Expert Reply:

First, I just want to ensure you have loosened the draw down bolt on the square shank for the Companion # BWRVK3500 which goes into your B&W Turnover ball receiver. Next it is important to look under your truck bed to see if the pin which holds the hitch/ball in place went all the way through the hitch. I have seen where the pin did not fully retract into the receiver and when tightened it bent the pin causing an issue.

If all these were done properly you can try loosening the draw down bolt a bit more to where you can see if the insert in the receiver will turn and free itself. The only other time I have heard of an issue like you are having involved severe rust inside the hitch which ended up taking a lot of penetrating oil and a forklift to lift the hitch from the bed.

expert reply by: Bud M

James

12/14/2025

Bud, I have the same problem as Amanda. I have used my Companion hitch with my B&W turnover several times. I always remove and store the Companion when not in use. Apparently, this last time that I installed the Companion, the latch pin didn't seat all the way through. So, when I torqued the draw down bolt, it bent the latch pin. Found this out after towing our Momentum 320g 400 miles to our new home. And, the latch pin wouldn't release. With some hammer tapping and a pair of long-nosed pliers to grab the pin and pry, I finally got it to release and was able to reach up to the latch handle and lock it in the open position so that I could remove the Companion. Now, however, the latch pin is bent and will not seat through both locking holes. Really frustrated that the pin didn't seat when I installed the Companion. Never had this problem with a B&W turnover ball latch.

Ethan E.

2/14/2026

@James did you end up replacing the pin I unfortunately have just run into the exact same problem and don’t know what to do

James

2/15/2026

@EthanE Unfortunately, they make it so the locking pin can't be removed (at least not easily). Likely, the entire center part of the hitch would have to be replaced. If I had a fab shop still, I'd remove the center section, grind off the weld that holds the "stop washer". Then, the lock rod could be removed and straightened properly. But, I don't. I was able to sufficiency straighten it and then sanded off the burrs from the pin with some emery cloth.