Recommended Sidewinder Wedge Kit For A B&W 5th Wheel Hitch

Question:

I have aBandW Companion hitch that mounts in the fifth wheel socket in the bed of my 2008 6 1/2 foot Chevrolet bed. A couple days ago, I purchased a trailer equipped with a Reese Sidewinder extension. What is the correct wedge for this combination?

asked by: Bill D

Expert Reply:

B&W Companion hitches that use the turnover ball hitches to mount to the bed, like the one you have, are not compatible with sidewinder pin boxes so there is not a wedge kit available for this combination. You would need to either replace the 5th wheel hitch or the pin box to tow your trailer. Since you have a 2008 Chevy Silverado with a 6-1/2' bed I recommend keeping the sidewinder pin box and replacing the hitch. Sidewinder pin boxes push the pivot point of the trailer back 22" whereas sliding hitches only push the pivot point back a max of 14".

To do this you would need to remove the B&W gooseneck hitch in the bed of your truck and install the B&W Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10 Bolt # BWRVR3200 in its place and use the B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw 18,000lbs # BWRVK3255 with the # SWW-06 wedge kit.

expert reply by: Kevin C