Why Does B&W Companion For 2021 GMC Sierra 3500 With Prep Package Need Padlocks Removed When Towing
Question:
Why do locks need to be removed while towing ? I spoke with B&W about the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch and they recommend using the Master Lock 1-9/16 inch Wide Solid Brass Body Padlock with 2inch Shackle part # ML140DLH to lock the handles on the base and it can also be used to lock the jaw release handle. That said, you need to remove these locks and replace them with the original pins before towing.
asked by: Tom B
Helpful Expert Reply:
That's a good question, and it comes down to engineering and strength. The pins that hold the Companion in place to the puck system of your 2021 GMC Sierra 3500 were engineered to withstand what are significant forces on the hitch while towing with the Companion installed in the truck's puck system. The padlocks, however, were not designed with this type of constant force in mind, and using them while towing could lead to failure.
So while I know it's not the most convenient thing in the world to have to remove the pins and replace them with the padlocks after you have reached your destination, it is definitely the right thing to do for safety.
As for the right hitch, for a 2021 GMC Sierra 3500 with the puck system, there are two fits for the Companion, one with a 20,000 lb capacity and the other with a 25,000 lb capacity. I'll list those out for you along with the pad locks to make it easy to order:
- 20,000 lb Capacity: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package # BWRVK3710
- 25,000 lb Capacity: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package # BWRVK3715
- Padlocks: Master Lock 1-9/16" Wide Solid Brass Body Padlock with 2" Shackle # ML140DLH
Products Referenced in This Question
B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- OEM - GM
- 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 >
B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- OEM - GM
- 6250 lbs Vertical Load
- 25000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 16-3/4 - 18-3/4 Inch Tall
- B and W
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Master Lock 1-9/16" Wide Solid Brass Body Padlock with 2" Shackle - Qty 1
- Padlocks
- Universal Application Padlock
- Keyed Unique
- Brass and Steel
- 1/4 Inch Diameter
- Master Lock
more information >
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