Using B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch Part #BWRVK3400-5W With a Rotating Pin Box
Question:
Im trying to determine if the BandW Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch Part #BWRVK3400-5W is compatible with Lipperts Turning Point Pin Box. Im finding conflicting advice on this. In the Notes section of the description for the hitch, I noticed that it said that the Companion is not compatible with any hitch that changes the king pin pivot point such as the Revolution or Sidewinder. But then I found an answer in your Ask The Expert section that stated the Companion is compatible with the Turning Point Pin Box. Could you please clarify? Im not understanding why BandW is not possibly compatible but a Darco would be. The reason I like the BandW is the ability to remove it when I am not towing so I can use my truck bed 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Short Bed for other things. I also like their king pin jaws that open on the back side of the pin better. I feel it is a better design.
asked by: Tom S
Helpful Expert Reply:
B&W manufactures what I'd call two different types of Companion 5th wheel hitches. One, like the # BWRVK3300 mentioned in our Expert Q&A that you referenced installed into the factory tow/prep puck system which IS compatible with rotating pin boxes like the Sidwinder/Revolution/Turning Point. The other, like the # BWRVK3400-5W you referenced installs into a B&W Turnover Ball Gooseneck Hitch.
The difference between the two is that the puck system offers 4 attachment points to the truck, but with the Companion model that attaches to the gooseneck hitch, there's only one point of attachment. Using a rotating pin box and wedge places a great deal of torsional force on the hitch at its attachment points to the vehicle. The puck system mounted hitch can handle these forces with no problem whatsoever, but B&W states that if something goes wrong with the pin box and it's prevented from rotating, the gooseneck mounted hitch attachment point to the vehicle could fail. This is why they state the goosneck hitch mounted Companion models aren't compatible with rotating pin boxes.
The Demco Recon, part # DM8550045 would have the same issue.
However, there is a solution. If you lock out the turning point as described in the owner's manual (see provided photo) you can use a sliding version of the Companion like the # BWRVK3400-5W you'd looked at and everything would work fine. Once locked out, the king pin would rotate at the hitch jaws just like a conventional pin box would, and the slider would provide the necessary clearance between the 5th wheel and the rear of the truck cab. You'll be able to remove the hitch when it's not needed and won't have the rails sitting in the truck bed, just the way you want it.
Products Referenced in This Question
B&W Companion OEM 5th-Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ford
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 16-3/4 - 18-3/4 Inch Tall
- B and W
more information >
Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Single Jaw - 21,000 lbs
- Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Adapters
- Adapts Truck
- Gooseneck Hitch to Fifth Wheel Trailer
- Offset
- 21000 lbs GTW
- Connects to Gooseneck Ball
- Adjustable Height
- Hitch Adapters
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17 - 19 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- B and W
more information >
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