Gooseneck hitch HELP

[EEngel]

Hey Guys!



Well, I made the jump to a gooseneck dump trailer last night. The problem, my truck currently does not have the hitch. This will be my first non bumper pull trailer.



I installed Firestone airbags last fall, so I hope that does not interfere with the hitch. I use the box of the truck all the time, so I would like something that hides or folds away.



I would like any comments on the brand / model and if there is a good installer around forest lake / north branch mn.



The truck is a 2500 shortbox.



Thanks Guys.

 

[goodguys75]

B&w turnoverball

 

[jgillott]

B&w turnoverball

I agree. The B & W would be what I suggest.

 

[Bater]

I bought the Mopar turnover ball gooseneck hitch. Ordinarily more expensive than the third parties, but found it on eBay for a good price. Must have been a return.

I liked the notion of having a factory designed and approved hitch, but in all actuality the Mopar gooseneck seems to be just a rebadged version of one from a common hitch company. I just can't remember which one.

Did the install myself. Very straightforward, although cumbersome climbing under the truck. Biggest issue is buying the large holesaw you need to cut the hole in the bed. That, and checking, double-checking, and rechecking the hole location. Fortunately there is about 1/8" of an inch slop around the fitting, that I used some of in one direction.

Andy

 

[EEngel]

Hitch

Thanks for the info. I am going to let a local shop do the B&W tomorrow morning.

 

[ewcmr2]

I don't get the big TDR B&W attraction. Maybe it's that you WANT to handle your dirty balls?



A cheap Atwood fold away can be lowered without touching it and raised with just a fingertip.

Better yet a Curt quick goose is raised/lowered without climbing up in the bed...

 

[Mark31]

I don't get the big TDR B&W attraction. Maybe it's that you WANT to handle your dirty balls?



A cheap Atwood fold away can be lowered without touching it and raised with just a fingertip.

Better yet a Curt quick goose is raised/lowered without climbing up in the bed...

I had a fold over ball in a '01 2500 GMC gasser. Never was used much, but even from the beginning, there was slop in it I felt every time I started or stopped. I had about as much use for it has Harvey has for Tekonsha brake controlers.

 

[Troubleshooter]

I don't get the big TDR B&W attraction.

1. Superb design

2. Flexibility. I can use remove the gooseneck ball and use the same frame mount for a B&W Companion 5th wheel hitch.

 

[ewcmr2]

I had a fold over ball in a '01 2500 GMC gasser. Never was used much, but even from the beginning, there was slop in it I felt every time I started or stopped.

I've heard that before. Apparently I'm lucky and got a good one that isn't so loose. Mine probably has 150,000 miles on it towing my 11-13,000lb GN. Maybe people in the rust belt are the ones with loose fold down hitches, rust just eating them away?

 

[ewcmr2]

1. Superb design

2. Flexibility. I can use remove the gooseneck ball and use the same frame mount for a B&W Companion 5th wheel hitch.

Flexibility I can see, if you have both a 5th wheel and a GN.

Superb design? The design is why I don't like the turn over ball! Climb into bed, remove greasy ball and stick it back where it was would seem to me to be one step better than unscrew ball from nut welded under bed...

 

[Troubleshooter]

Flexibility I can see, if you have both a 5th wheel and a GN.

Superb design? The design is why I don't like the turn over ball! Climb into bed, remove greasy ball and stick it back where it was would seem to me to be one step better than unscrew ball from nut welded under bed...

Well, it just so happens that I DO OWN a 5th wheel and bumper hitch trailer, and frequently haul a gooseneck trailer (not mine). So to me it makes perfect sense.



But to each his own.

 

[JayStraight]

Another vote for B&W turnover ball!



Here is their site:

Trailer Hitches | B & W Trailer Hitches

 

[wyhog1]

I vote for the B&W turnover ball... use it with their 5th wheel companion hitch... . awesome , great company and customer service. .

 

[MChildress]

Another vote B&W. Goes in with no welding and mine has been bullet proof. I have always made mine own in the past and just unscrewed the ball when in the way. But gave the B&W a shot on this truck and haven't looked back.



The mechanical flip over ball units can get fouled with dirt and trash and have to be cleaned out to work properly. Had a friend foul one with cement after a bag broke in the back of his truck. Never could get it to work properly even after cleaning it up. As far as getting your hand dirty use gloves if your ball is that dirty. But I personally believe the lack of the mechanical moving parts is a plus with less to go wrong.



Another plus B&W offers a 5th wheel hitch that plugs into the GN hitch.

 

[HBarlow]

I don't get the big TDR B&W attraction. Maybe it's that you WANT to handle your dirty balls?

A cheap Atwood fold away can be lowered without touching it and raised with just a fingertip.
Better yet a Curt quick goose is raised/lowered without climbing up in the bed...

I don't either but we are in the minority here. I see the B&W as an overly complicated, expensive hitch with few advantages.

 

[CKelley1]

i like this one i bought at clark equipment but can not remember the brand. does anyone recognize it

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[robertyoke]

I don't either but we are in the minority here. I see the B&W as an overly complicated, expensive hitch with few advantages.

good company made here in the good ol usa!



for those who think is a good idea not to touch your balls, i'm thinking you dont lube your balls. you have to wipe that grease off your balls before you put them away or you will end up with road dirt stuck to your balls and then a bad socket to which your balls go into. I guess some like it dry, but who like a try tug?

 

[AWeiman]

i personally installed a b&w because of the good reputation they have. i did a quick search on the net and it seems there are numerous other companies that make a similar gooseneck hitch, including reese and curt mfg. i also have a b&w tow and stow hitch as well. i just like the company and have been pleased with any of there products i have purchased. there are also 2 b&w dealers within 30 miles of me so that made a difference as well.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Blue OX

I don't use it all the time because I have a bigger truck that I pull the BIG TEX trailer with but I can pull it with the Dodge and then take out the ball and have a non obstructed truck bed.

Blue Ox Diamond Hitch - Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch - 30,000 lbs Blue Ox Gooseneck DH1305

 

[BIGNASTY]

i like this one i bought at clark equipment but can not remember the brand. does anyone recognize it

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BLUE OX looks like mine