Factory Goose Neck Hitch or B & W Turnover?

[3500]

I am purchasing a 2014 RAM SRW 3500. I am wondering if anyone has a recommendation of whether to buy the factory installed or B & W turnover. Thanks for replying.



















2009 SRW 3500 RAM Big Horn 6. 7 Trading in, can't take the black oil shortly after oil changes.

 

[Powder Extreme]

The B&W turnover mounts essentially the same as factory on the 3500. I would recommend it because you can easily get different height or offset balls as well as goose neck air ride adapters and a 5th wheel adapter. I have the B&W and am pretty happy with it other than it being set back further than I would like. That is where it HAS to be, regardless of what you choose due to the new frame rails.

 

[Wertles]

OEM would be nice for the gooseneck feature. The total cost increase on the truck would be about $800, $500 for the prep and IIRC, $295 for the rest of the gooseneck stuff. If I were contemplating a 5th wheel and I were ordering a truck, I would NOT order the OEM prep. I would go for a B&W setup. I am initially very unhappy with the factory 5th wheel accessories. First, I have 5 holes in my bed compared to a B&W that has 1. Second, I had to buy a $575 rail kit t that only clamps down into the 4 holes in the bed and then I have to supply the actual 5th wheel hitch. Third, this rail kit is rather heavy and cumbersome for 1 person to install in the truck. It took three men to install it the first time. I haven't put it in again. I am hoping that some adjustment and settling from the weight of my 5th wheel will make it easier than the first time. Fourth, when I was disconnecting my trailer the last time, the front two pins came out of the bed. Not sure why this happened as the Ram guys installed it (taking out MY user error) but it certainly does not inspire confidence in the design. Fifth, to total it all, $500 prep, $575 rail kit, ~$600 for a decent, heavy weight hitch, you are at the same price as a B&W with Companion installed without all the extra pieces and hassle that goes along with OEM.



The gooseneck looks nice and easy. Again, this is just my first experience with the 5th wheel attachment. Hopefully by the third time it goes piece of cake.

 

[Fear This: Cummins!!]

I had the factory hitch in my 2013. Could not get a ball for it. Had the B&W installed. It's my 3rd truck with the B&W. I really like it and would recommend it.

 

[rashwor]

B&W is the only way to go. That is what I would do with a new truck.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

I had the factory hitch in my 2013. Could not get a ball for it. Had the B&W installed. It's my 3rd truck with the B&W. I really like it and would recommend it.

Reese Elite Pop-In ball works. Just received mine Wednesday and it works fine!

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

FWIW, youtube has the video of installation for the B&W gooseneck.