Concern with B&W turnoverball

[jalberring]

I just installed the B&W hitch in my 2002 2500. My concern is that only four bolts hold the side plates to the frame. (2 per side) I am not sure what size they are but they seem fairly small. To me, it doesn't seem that this would hold the rated weight of 30,000 lbs. With the trailer rocking back and forth while travelling I would think that the bolts would shear.



I have previously installed one of these in my Dad's 2000 Ford. There are two or three smaller bolts plus one very large (1" ??) bolt per side on that application.



Am I worrying too much or should I drill some more holes and add a few more bolts?



Thanks.

 

[JLinder]

Should be fine

The only "kit" I've ever installed was also on a newer Ford. That being said, I did build a gooseneck hitch into the flatbed on my truck that has survived more abuse than the rest of the truck should take. If you think about it, the weight is sitting straight on the frame rails of the truck. The only force on the bolts is when the trailer is pushing the truck or jerking it one way or the other. The amount of force required to shear even grade 5 bolts is way more than what you could put on it. The only concern I would have about shearing bolts is that every thing is tight and the B&W hitch can't move around the holes in the frame. Happy Towing.

 

[csevers]

DON'T WORRY BE HAPPY

I to have the same type hitch b and w turnover ball I have had no problems and the first hitch I baught in 95 has been in a 95,96,97. 98,99 with the bolts being replaced only once do to rust they are grade eight and I (THINK ) the shear on a half inch bolt is around 20k per bolt not for sure on that but I had same question when my hitch was install I AM pretty sure that if the bolts break the bed is NOT going to stop the hitch from exiting the truck

 

[Charley]

Have pulled a 15,000# fifth wheel on my 2500 4x4 with a B&W Turnover Ball with no signs of bolt problems. Rough roads, steep grades, the whole towing spectrum. I just don't want all the fifth wheel stuff in the bed.



Charley

 

[CRuD]

Fellow B&W owners

I recently bought a hitch and Companion 5th wheel attachment.

I like the set up and think it is well worth the $$.

With all that said I am not happy with the surface rust that I am finding on my Companion hitch. Has anyone else had that problem?? I bought mine roughly a 18 months ago. I remove it from the truck when not in use and store it in my barn.

That is my only problem with the B&W product.

See Ya

Chris

 

[RWorth]

I had the same problem and so I called and talked to them about the the surface rust. They offered to sandblast and then re-powder coat the hitch. They decided to give me a unit that had been returned that had updated powder coat finish. They also gave me another year on the warranty. From what I understand they have some one else doing the powder coating. Give them a call.

 

[CRuD]

Thanks RWorth

I will get on that this week.

See Ya

Chris