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Can the Flint Hill Goods Locking Pin be Used to Replace the B&W Companion Saddle Pin?  

Updated 08/08/2025 | Published 08/06/2025

Question:

Will this coupler lock work for a B and W companion 5th wheel hitch For the two pins that secure the top half to the bottom half?

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Expert Reply:

Hey Matthew, thanks for reaching out!

The Saddle Pin # BW3025-119A has a 1/2" diameter while the Flint Hill Goods Trailer Coupler Lock # FHG82VR has a 1/4" diameter so it won't be big enough to work.

One other thing to keep in mind is that B&W created these pins to work with a 5th wheel application so they've been strength tested as well. I recommend keeping the same exact pins but maybe looking for a locking pin to replace the pull pin so you can lock the Saddle Pin without replacing it with something that wasn't tested for 5th wheel towing.

What are your thoughts on that?

expert reply by:
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Jon G
Matthew H. profile picture

Matthew H.

8/7/2025

They're site says it's a 1/2" pin but I want you to take a micrometer to one and tell me what size you come up with because it's not a 1/2" like they're site stats. It's actually closer to 3/8". Work everything you've said and everything I've physically checked so you sell a locking pin for this application?

Matthew profile picture

Matthew

8/7/2025

One thing that I do before I start conversations about something is homework. I only say things that I positively know. Like the fact that these pins are in reality just holding the top half of the hitch to the bottom half and the majority of weight is distributed downward on this hitch and further more the stock pins should be hardened no differently than any other hitch pin of any sorts. Therefore I'm willing to change the stock pins for something I can lock to prevent theft and I have a 47' 2025 seismic camper with a 2024 can am commander XM1000R that I pull and all at my maximum towing capacity and I am confident enough to do this with any similar hitch pin that will lock because in this world I have more fear of theft than failure and that's from pulling trailers since age 17 driving portable parking lots and I'm now 52, have pulled probably more and different styles and brands of trailers than most have even seen.
Jon G. profile picture

Jon G.

8/7/2025

@Matthew I don't have any of the saddle pins that I can readily get my hands on now, but even if they are 3/8" you're looking at a 1/4" difference in spacing when it comes to the Locking Pin # FHG82VR. You are more than welcome to use this, I'm just telling you that I don't advise doing so and is also why I mentioned going with a smaller locking pin to replace the pull pin. While it's true that most of that weight will be downward force and sit on the saddles directly, there will be times where those saddle pins will need to keep the hitch head in place. The B&W Saddle Pin has been tested for this, and the Flint Hill Goods pin has only been tested for keeping a tailer coupler latch from moving - not for keeping a 5th wheel hitch head from popping off the saddles. You have a TON of experience towing so if you really thing this is safe then I can't stop you from doing it. All I know is that there isn't a locking pin designed to replace the B&W saddle pins, so I don't feel confident recommending a substitute.
Matthew profile picture

Matthew

8/8/2025

Yes sir I completely understand and I don't feel comfortable using this as a replacement either, that's why I asked. I'll ask you the real question I need answered. Do you sell any kind of pin that locks and is 3/8" diameter? I've even been to a local trailer and hitch store here in St. Augustine that just so happened to have a B & W companion 5th wheel hitch in stock for a customer install and they even took a micrometer to the pins to measure them after reading on B & W site that they are 1/2" diameter and once they did so they were really surprised that I was correct and that B & W is misleading everyone including themselves about these pin diameters. I just want to find a locking pin that is 3/8" diameter and also long enough for this application. Do you or do you know anyone that sells a locking pin 3/8" diameter?
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