Goose Neck Install

[JPlacka]

I need to know some info on putting a goose neck hitch in my 05 2500 I have been told that it voids the warranty on the frame can anyone shed some light on the subject thanks josh

 

[JCrockett]

Get a B&W turnover Ball, they bolt to the frame, no welding. My buddy has one on his 04. Took us about 2 hours to put in I think. He loves it. And as far as I know it does not void the warrenty.

Just my . 02

 

[Drewhenry]

Una-goose

I need to know some info on putting a goose neck hitch in my 05 2500 I have been told that it voids the warranty on the frame can anyone shed some light on the subject thanks josh

Installing a goose neck hitch will not void your warranty. ! Drilling holes or welding to your frame will. I don't remember the address(unagoose.com) I think. This unit bolts to your frame with custom clamps. I think mine cost $850. It can be installed by yourself----with alot of cussing. Try to get a friend to help. The instructions were very clear. It is made in the U. S. of U. S. made materials, can accommodate slide-in or spray-on bedliners. The UNA-GOOSE is rated at 60,000 lbs and tested to 100,000lbs--more than any of us will probably ever have to pull. The bearings are stainless, easily removeable ball. GET THE CHAIN PLATE.



Hope this helps.



ANDY

 

[Sled Dog]

Get the Diamond Hitch, 0nly a 4" hole in bed, turn it over and flush with bed. Made for hydroform frames, just clamps on.

Plus... No stupid handle in the wheel well!

Check page 15 in the current TDR mag.

 

[JCotte]

Diamond Hitch

Sled Dog. I could not agree with you More... Diamond Hitch is the way to go and is a great install. I have one in my current truck and i had the "pull the rod" in the wheel well on my 99 and this is much better with a D/H

 

[Silver600]

I have the B&W in mine but none of the above mentioned units should void the warranty. They all clamp around the frame rails. I went with B&W because I tow both gooseneck and a fifth wheel using their companion hitch.

 

[Snoxracer]

I have the UNA-goose hitch in my trucks and love them, simple to use, bolt in and have a small hole (compared to some hitches) that is in the bed. Just keep the ball coupling oiled and it is as easy as changing an air line coupler.

A friend of mine has a hitch (can't remember what brand) but you have to reach in the wheel well and pull a lever to release the ball. Which is fine in a perfect world, without mud, salt, snow, etc. But now after a winter the thing is so rusty that you can hardly change the ball around. Anyway just my 2 cents.



Snoxracer

 

[Cattletrkr]

No hitch is gonna void your warranty.



WARNING--SALES PITCH APPROACHING



I've got a "Drop n' Lock" hitch in mine. The simplest to use and most trouble free hitch you can find. Bolts in place similar to any other hitch for these tube frames. Rated at 35K. Simple, foolproof "mechanism" can't be forgotten like levers and does not require oiling. I've been using one for over two years without and troubles. That's over 100K pulling heavier loads than most pickup owners.



My dad sells the Drop n' Lock. There's info on them here on his site. The pic is of one for a Ford, side brackets for 3rd gens are different than shown.



Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

 

[JCotte]

CATTLETRKR

:--) I think you should be a bit more clear in your reply and state that a Hitch that is designed and installed as per the manufacturers instructions for the applicable year, make and model of there truck will not void your warranty. To make a statement that NO HITCH WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY could be misconstrued. We have many 'NEWBIES" in our group and I would hate to see one of them not realize that there is a difference with the 3rd Gen frames from the previous generations. :-laf

 

[Cattletrkr]

Ok, here's my correction.



NO COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE HITCH WILL IN AND OF ITSELF VOID YOUR WARRANTY. YOUR METHOD OF INSTALLATION, HOWEVER, MAY DO JUST THAT.



I know of no hitch that requires an installation method that will void your warranty.

 

[Cattletrkr]

... voids the warranty on the frame...

If you weld to the frame on any pickup, or big rig for that matter, you may void your warranty. Not only that, but your local DOT isn't fond of welding either. Supposedly if done correctly you're OK, but I have no idea what "correctly" would be. Do not drill any holes in the top of ANY frame. Drilling holes in the side is fine. The problem with tube frames is that you have to put a spacer inside the tube somehow to prevent compression. That's why most hitches bolt around the frame instead of thru it.

 

[jimnance]

I need to know some info on putting a goose neck hitch in my 05 2500 I have been told that it voids the warranty on the frame can anyone shed some light on the subject thanks josh

If you review some of the old threads on this issue you'll find that Dodge has some specific do's and don't with regard to drilling or welding of the frame. If the shop is familier with the hydroformed frame, a drilled installation can be performed and comply with Dodge's specific and generic instructions.



The frame, especially on the long wheel base trucks carries a good deal of stress. Staying away from drilling near the top or bottom of the frame is one thing to avoid. Also, drilling through, and pinching the frame is another. The method our local shop uses is to drill one side of the frame no closer to the top or bottom of the frame rail than specified by D. C. Then they fish the bolt up the frame and attach. The local Dodge dealer has refered many customers to this shop, and I've never seen a problem.



I know the senior service writer at our local Dodge dealer. He has seen a couple of cracked frames. None could be attributed to hitch issues. In most cases it was severe overloading that caused the problem. BTW, the cracks tend to propogate near the bed to cab junction.



Consider this. Typically, the hitch is supported very close to where the rear axle travels under the frame. This is an area that has a fair amount of support. Now, load your quad cab with five 200 lb people and then put 100 gallons of fuel in the transfer tank. Now you've placed better than 1700 lbs near the center of maximum stress. Which do you think is going to be worse for the truck, 3000 lbs of pin weight right over the axle or 1700 extra pounds distributed in the middle of the span of the frame?



I realize that I've drifted off the point somewhat. However, the point is that a properly installed conventional hitch should not cause frame cracking, nor should it violate your warrantee.

 

[DPKetchum]

B&W turnover in mine. Paid right at 5 bills parts AND labor including plug in the bed. Installed while I waited. Two guys who knew it inside and out.