b & W gooseneck install

[VStahl]

I bought my B & w gooseneck hitch today and will be installing it when it arrives, are their any helpful hints on the install? Any tricks that can help me with the install?

 

[klenger]

I don't have the B&W, but one trick I have heard is when you drill the big hole, lay a piece of plywood over the place where the hole is to be drilled and stand on it and drill through the plywood. This helps keep the drill centered. Wish I had know about this tip when I installled by PullRite SuperRails.

 

[RKerner]

I bought my B & w gooseneck hitch today and will be installing it when it arrives, are their any helpful hints on the install? Any tricks that can help me with the install?

Read the instructions twice. No, the pix aren't from a 3rd gen but everything still will work.



For lots of working room, jack the rear up and take the wheels off. Otherwise, just jack the rear up and let the wheels hang.



Remove your wheel well liners.



A 3" hole saw works for the access hole for the lever thingy.



Chase all the threaded holes with a tap and use a little grease to aid installation.



No, you can't cheat it rearwards to gain a little bit more cab clearance. The frame really doesn't allow it.



The wiring harness move is just like they say, just be patient with getting the clip out of the frame.



Measure 3 times and cut once for the big hole. Drill a pilot hole first. A healthy 1/2" drill motor with a featherable trigger is a must.



There are two sets of holes to install the safety chain hooks. Use the ones that line up with the lower part of the bed. That way, they won't stick up and you can slide in flat things without obstruction.



Remove the filings right away or the rust from them will stay in the spray on bedliner for a long time.



Use your son/daughter/wife to help lift it in place from above. Yes, they have to hold it long enough to get two bolts started. Tell them to stop whining, you will have the bolts in after you remove the dirt clod from your eyeball.



Install the hooky things in the frame holes before tightening the two bolts for its bracket. Yes, you can coax it in later with a hammer.



Retorque wheels after putting them back on. 135 ft lbs.



Don't do a burnout with untorqued wheels.

 

[VStahl]

sounds pretty straight forward then, thank you guys. I hope to have it in by next weekend.

 

[CPittman]

You'll be happier if you loosen and lift the bed only slightly... you'll be very glad you did. DO NOT MAKE ANY CUTS OR NIBBLES TO ACCOMODATE THE LITTLE FLIP OVER LEVER until you get everything else in place. There was really no need to cut, tweak, grind, or modify my truck to accept the retainer pin lever.



"... I cut it twice and its still too short... "



Congrats on your purchase, by the way...

 

[IC Smoke]

Don't do a burnout with untorqued wheels

Did you happen to do this by any chance? :-laf



Ian

 

[RJOL]

Installed mine last April. It's pretty straight forward but here are a couple of things I remember.



1. Installation instructions are a little hard to follow as the pictures they use aren't very big and don't have a lot of detail.



2. If you have a hole saw with a pilot drill, it should stay centered without any trouble. If not, then the 2X4 idea might be a good solution. Another thing... Even if you measure several times, don't be surprised if the hole is a little off. This is because you are bolting it to the frame, and the bed can be off just a little. This is no big deal, but just thought you'd like to know.



3. I had access to a lot of tools, but some of the bolts/nuts are a little hard to get a torque wrench on. Also... Make sure you torque it in the correct order (follow the instructions) so that it is locked properly to the frame.



4. You don't have to cut anything for the locking lever, in the 3500, as there is no tub in front of it. As a side note... Mine came with the manufacturer's label (with hitch instructions) next to the locking lever, but up side down. You have to stand on your head to read them...



5. You will have to "notch" the area on the passenger side (just like the instructions say). I suppose you could lift the bed a little and put the hitch in without doing this, but I just did the notch.



6. If I remember right, the 5th wheel post is drilled in two different heights. Make sure you have it turned the correct way so that the locking pin will latch when the Companion hitch is installed.



Take your time... Have fun... and you shouldn't have any real problems...



PS... As a side note... I've towed my 32' 5th wheel several times, since I installed this hitch, and it works great. Easy to hitch and unhitch... No real noticable jerking the king pin (clunking) when starting or stopping... All around quality hitch...

 

[BStoecker]

Use a ratchet strap to hold them plate from above so you don't drop it on your face. You could use a cherry picker as well I guess. Just something to hold it in place long enough to get the bolts lined up and threaded in. I did the install alone and holding that plate up yourself and getting the bolts in is a lesson in swearing...