Factory install GN

[Newsa]

Anyone know if Ram makes their own factory installed gooseneck? Or is it one of the other companies like B&W or Curt?

The school I work at has an Agriculture program that's buying a new Ram for hauling livestock.

My colleague was told he would have to find someone to install the GN hitch. Since I installed my own, he came to me.

I'm going to show him my Una-goose tomorrow. But he wasn't aware of the factory install option. Is the factory install option relatively a new option?

 

[Cummins12V98]

They have been installing the GN 5er puck prep since 2013. If the truck has no prep the B&W GNRK 1314 is the way to go. Easy install. $439 @ tweets.com no shipping.

 

[Newsa]

Thanks. Anyone know if the factory install has a removable ball? He wants to use the bed for feed etc.

 

[Brocky]

Probably better off having a B&W Installed after purchase and know it is done right rather than the factory.

 

[Newsa]

Not all B&W installers do it right. Sometimes the bolts back out on their own

 

[Alan Reagan]

Thanks. Anyone know if the factory install has a removable ball? He wants to use the bed for feed etc.

The ball is removable and it is easy to do. It has a slide lock at the base of the ball. You probably have to buy the ball from the dealership. It comes as a kit in a zip up cordura case. You get the ball and two chain hook eyes. They are easily removable and the truck comes with covers for use when the ball and chain hooks are removed. You may be able to get the dealer to throw in the kit. I did. Their service department had them in stock.

 

[SnoKing]

The ball is removable and it is easy to do. It has a slide lock at the base of the ball. You probably have to buy the ball from the dealership. It comes as a kit in a zip up cordura case. You get the ball and two chain hook eyes. They are easily removable and the truck comes with covers for use when the ball and chain hooks are removed. You may be able to get the dealer to throw in the kit. I did. Their service department had them in stock.

That is dependent on the truck being ordered with the 5th wheel and gooseneck prep for $400. Or you can order the 5th wheel or gooseneck under bed components and install them. You will have to drill the hole(s) in the bed. If it is not ordered with the prep, just get the B&W as Cummins12V98 suggested. SNOKING

 

[DGamelin]

The factory hitch is made by Reese. ford's are also. B&W put in a bid with Dodge but was told they haven't been in business long enough. We use a torque wrench when installing them. I orded a new truck, should get the B&W hitch today.

 

[Newsa]

What torque is recommended for the B & W (bolts to frame)? Anyone remember?

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

They are 5/8" grade 8 bolts with nylon locking strips, torqued to 100 ft lb. You could loctite them on installation, I guess.

 

[Alan Reagan]

With they nyloc bolts, I would skip the Loctite.

 

[Alan Reagan]

Here's a video demonstrating the factory installed gooseneck ball and chain eyes.

http://www.ask.com/youtube?q=Dodge+Ram+Factory+Installed+fifth+wheel&v=nHEbIS5hD9I&qsrc=472

Or if you need a fifthwheel mount, here's one from B&W that fits the factory Ram tow package:

http://www.etrailer.com/p-BWRVK3600.html

 

[Jeff Knight]

If it matters I think the mopar ball is made in China.

 

[Alan Reagan]

If it matters I think the mopar ball is made in China.

You are correct. I'm sure that since B&W is making the Companion 5th wheel hitches for the Ram factory mounts, they will probably be selling the GN ball. The GN ball has "Patent Pending" stamped on the bottom so I imagine that anyone that makes them will have to pay a royalty to Ram or Reese or whoever designed the thing.

 

[JLandry]

Gooseneck Ball Part Numbers

Gooseneck ball part numbers I've been able to dig up so far...

Mopar

Complete kit (2-5/16" ball): 82213632
Complete kit (3" ball): 82213631​

Reese

Complete kit (2-5/16" ball): RP30140
Ball only (2-5/16"): RP19311
Ball only (3"): RP19314
Safety chain loops: RP30145​

Curt

Complete kit (2-5/16" ball): 60618
Ball only (2-5/16"): 60601
Safety chain loops: 60617​