Why Are Some B&W Companion Hitches Not Compatible with Sidewinder Pin Boxes

Question

Question:

I have a bw companion hitch that mounts off the turnover ball. I want to use a reese sidewinder kit with it but someone told me you cant. can you shed some light on the subject because I dont understand why you cant. i need to a wedge to prevent the 5th wheel camper from hitting my welding machine

asked by: Colby S

0

Expert Reply:

The B&W Companion hitches that mount inside a gooseneck ball hole, such as # BWRVK3400 and # BWRVK3500, cannot be used with Sidewinder, Revolution or Turning Point pivoting pin boxes because that one square center mounting post cannot handle the twisting forces from the Sidewinder as it pivots.

The Companion models that install in OEM prep setups, such as Companion models # BWRVK3305 (for Ford), # BWRVK3700 (for GM) and # BWRVK3600 (for Ram) have four attachment points to the truck. These versions CAN be used with pivoting pin boxes. The Sidewinder wedge for these is part # SWW-06.

I linked a photo showing an example of one of these 4-point attachment hitches.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

The Ram OEM 5th wheel puck system, shown in the linked photo and article, was launched in 2013 so what you have in your truck is likely to be an aftermarket installation of some kind. These newer Ram trucks with the factory prep can directly accept…

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Answer 2

There is definitely a way to tow a 5th wheel trailer with your 2016 Ram that is equipped with the RamBox, but it's going to require some new components both on the trailer and your truck. The issue with the Ram Boxes is that they make the bed…

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Answer 3

The PullRite Super Lite 4 point hitch is not compatible with a rotating pin box like the 5th Airborne Premium 5th Wheel Air Ride King Pin w/ Sidewinder and Turret - 16,000 lbs #RP61422. The king pin adapter in that hitch allows too much movement for…

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Answer 4

You're correct that a Sidewinder pin box is the best option for the your 2021 Ram with short bed and Ram Boxes. This will push the pivot point back back 22" allowing for better turning clearance and prevent the pin box moving side to side…

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Answer 5

All of the parts you mentioned are the correct fits for each other. The Sidewinder part #RP61422 is the correct replacement for the Lippert 1621 and is cushioned so it will give you a great ride quality. Then for a hitch the B and W Companion…

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Answer 6

For the B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, #BWRVK3255 we actually have a great installation video created; I have linked it below. I have attached a help article for 5th wheel installation tips as well. You will need to measure your king pin…

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Answer 7

I definitely have some great options for you however, as you mentioned in your question, the only way to use any kind of gooseneck to 5th wheel adapter like the PullRite units you were looking at or the similar (but superior in my opinion) Demco…

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Answer 8

You are right about the 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 short bed being slightly longer than the 2016 models; according to Chevy, the 2020 short bed is 82.25 inches while the 2016 short bed is 78.9 inches. That isn't enough of a difference to negate…

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Answer 9

While the older Curt A-Series fifth wheel hitches were compatible with rotating pin boxes, the newer style has not been confirmed to fit yet. For this reason, I would switch to a fifth wheel hitch that is confirmed to work with Morryde Orbital Pin…

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Answer 10

Total weight for the B and W Patriot Slider hitch part #BWRVK3270 is 221 lbs. The slider base on it's own weighs 169 lbs and the head weighs 52 lbs.

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Answer 11

There are two horizontal positions that the B and W Patriot Slider part #BWRVK3270 can be in when installing in a set of fifth wheel rails. The forward-most position of the hitch head will get you the closest to the center between the rails. It will…

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Answer 12

For a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, I recommend the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch part #BWRVK3710 or part #BWRVK3775 over the Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part #C84FR. The reason for this is because the cam-action handle on the B&W…

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Why Are Some B&W Companion Hitches Not Compatible with Sidewinder Pin Boxes

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