Why Cant Sidewinder Pin Box be Used with B and W Companion Hitch that Installs in Gooseneck
Question:
Why is the sidewinder not compatible with the turn over ball style companion? Bought a trailer and the sidewinder was already installed and had a wedge that worked, towed the trailer for 7 hours with no hiccups.
asked by: Rory
Expert Reply:
The issue with the Companion hitches that mount into the gooseneck ball shank and Sidewinder pin boxes like the # RP61412 is the added twisting/torque stress that the Sidewinder puts on the hitch around corners since the pivot point is moved back and the Turnoverball Companion hitches only attach down the middle of the hitch which ends up stressing that point to eventual failure. I'd carefully inspect the ball hole and see if the gooseneck ball still fits like it should.
Your best solution will be to lock out the Sidewinder and not use the wedge so that it operates like a standard pin box. I attached a picture that shows how to do this with bolts.
