Ball hitch mounting location for gooseneck

[JKao]

I am installing a ball hitch in the 8' bed of the truck and need to know how close to the center of the rear wheels I can mount. Can I install it vertically to the center of the axle or should it go a couple of inches forward? The gooseneck is 67 inches long. Also I have a ribbed bedliner in the bed, can I install it directly through the bedliner or should I remove it. The ball is welded onto iron brackets that will bolt down to the bed.

 

[RustyJC]

Let me be sure I understand this. You are bolting your gooseneck hitch to the bed of the truck and NOT to the truck's frame??



Rusty

 

[Okie-Go]

I hope that you bolt it to the frame, usually the steel plate serves as a washer with a brace or frame UNDER the bed. Usually 2-4 inches or up to 6 inches is normal. Mount it like your other truck, I assume you pulled the trailer with another truck before you got this truck.

 

[JKao]

I just bought the trailer with the hitch. #ad


The hitch was on a Ford truck only bolted to the bed, no frame underneath. The guy even towed a John Deere 580 with no problems. I just need to mount the same hitch to my truck to get the trailer home. Once home I am going to get a frame mounted ball hitch. What should I get that's simple and cheap?

 

[Hoefler]

You need to bolt it to the frame!!! You may wind up with the trailer ripping your bed off or with the hitch in the cab with you.

 

[Russknh]

Take an extra day and install a B/W turnover ball hitch following the simple directions and then go home safely knowing you have one of the best and neatest hitches in your truck

 

[WStrmiska]

I second that, B&W

 

[JKao]

Does the B&W hitch require drilling the frame? I woulk like to avoid that if possible.

 

[BGlidewell]

Does the B&W hitch require drilling the frame? I woulk like to avoid that if possible.

no. It uses brackets.

 

[JRBurn]

If you don't bolt it to the frame, please post when you tow and what road so I can steer clear of it.

 

[AWay]

I third the B&W. Installed it by myself in about a 1/2 a day. Completly a bolt in and is by far the best hitch I ever owned. I also use the 5th wheel hitch with it towing a 15,000 lb. camper.

 

[GeraldGordon]

I third the B&W. Installed it by myself in about a 1/2 a day. Completly a bolt in and is by far the best hitch I ever owned. I also use the 5th wheel hitch with it towing a 15,000 lb. camper.

What dose the 5th wheel hitch look like? I have a B&W too it is great. I am thinking og buying a 5th wheeler but do not want to have to get neww hitch.

 

[BGlidewell]

What dose the 5th wheel hitch look like? I have a B&W too it is great. I am thinking og buying a 5th wheeler but do not want to have to get neww hitch.

Like this:

#ad

 

[Grizly]

as to where to cut hole, I put mine 2" forward and seems better then my other truck which was 1" forward but yes do get some thing to the frame of truck not just the bed. . just to be safe. .

 

[GeraldGordon]

Like this:

#ad

How much did one of those run you

 

[Cattletrkr]

I am installing a ball hitch in the 8' bed of the truck and need to know how close to the center of the rear wheels I can mount. Can I install it vertically to the center of the axle or should it go a couple of inches forward? The gooseneck is 67 inches long. Also I have a ribbed bedliner in the bed, can I install it directly through the bedliner or should I remove it. The ball is welded onto iron brackets that will bolt down to the bed.

That is a very short GN. You will have to remove your tailgate to get backed under it. B+W sit forward nicely, but that won't work for you. B+W is overrated. I'll PM you a better option.



Don't waste your time/money doing this twice. Get the hitch done once.