Can a B and W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch be Used with a Sidewinder Pin Box or Not
Updated 11/24/2025 | Published 11/23/2025
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Question:
Hello, I’m struggling to clear my cab on my 2018 F-350 Short Bed 6.75 Ft. with my 5th wheel. I have a BW Puck Hitch and learned that the sidewinder is not usable with that hitch. I’m trying to see if I can replace my pin box 1716 Lippert with a longer reach or change it to a heavier capacity that is longer in length as well. I have considered the BW sliding hitch. However looking at the clearance equation A+B-C = Clearance. My jaws are 36” from the cab and my 102 inch wide trailer divided by 2 is 51”. I have a -15 inch clearance. If I use the sliding hitch. I can gain 12 inches but I would still be -3 for clearance. I’m hoping there is a better solution, I already discovered crushing cab corners is close to $4,000 to repair. Thank you for your help!
asked by: Alex W
Expert Reply:
Hey Alex, does your Companion hitch attach to a Ford OEM puck it by chance or does it attach only with a center gooseneck hitch post? If it's to the OEM pucks then you can use a Sidewinder but not if it's just the gooseneck attachment. Since you said B and W Puck Hitch that makes me think you can use a Sidewinder and since you have the 1716 you'd need the part # RP77FR. The issue is where the hitch attaches to the truck. If it's a center post the Sidewinder puts too much stress on it. If it's the pucks that's not an issue at all.
Now there isn't a longer standard pin box that can give you additional clearance but a slider can help like with the part # BWRVK3400 if you do have the gooseneck style rail kit currently.
While you might not have all of the needed clearance with this slider it would be better than what you have now so it would be beneficial.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Lippert 1716 5th Wheel Pin Box - 15,500 lbs
- 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Standard Replacement
- 15500 lbs
- Rigid Suspension
- Fixed Turret
- Lippert 1716
- Lippert
more information >
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Alex W.
11/24/2025
Yes, I have the ford factory puck system that I’m using with the B&W companion. Not the gooseneck style. So, the sidewinder can be used with the factory puck system? I thought the wedge wouldn’t work with the style of jaws and the way the coupler connected to the kingpin?