Gooseneck Hitch Recommendations for 3rd Gen?

[Mike Ellis]

Hello folks,



My Dad is looking to have a gooseneck hitch fitted to his 2005 3/4 ton CTD. Given the hydroformed frame, we want to make sure he gets the right kind of hitch and that some goober doesn't weld on something that ruins his truck.



Any recommendations for a good gooseneck for the 3rd gens, something stout and with a turnover or removable ball?

 

[Jumbo Jet]

B&W Turnover Ball. Clamps on hydroformed frame. One 4" Hole in bed. Good finish. Good product. Good company.

 

[Silverbullet]

B&w For Sure! Cleanest Possible Install Imo!

 

[PatrickCampbell]

B&W IS great.

 

[CUMMINZ]

Flipover ball

Flipover ball and hitch



Hitch



By PopUp Industries



Popup has a better design. Their ball will twist 360 degrees. B&W will not, it is square.

 

[RJOL]

... Popup has a better design. Their ball will twist 360 degrees. B&W will not, it is square.

And what, exactly, is the benifit of this???

 

[CUMMINZ]

Round ball bottom

With a square hole for the ball to fit the only twist on the ball under load is the hitch surface. With a round hole mount the ball itself can twist under load.



The ball can trist in the mounting plate

The hitch receiver can also twist.

Below is flipover ball

#ad




Below is other ball

#ad

 

[barbwire]

I can see where it "might" maybe be a benefit, if it were to be kept well cleaned, and lubricated with a type of grease that resists dirt. On the other hand, I have never seen or heard of a ball really wearing out. I will admit that I am not a worldly person, though.

 

[RJOL]

Well I guess the reason the B&W is square, is to be able to mount the Companion 5th Wheel Hitch, and not allow it to turn in the mounting. I don't use the "ball" as I don't tow a gooseneck, or a 5th wheel that has been modified to do this. I just don't see it as being any kind of issue, as the gooseneck would rotate on the ball just like a trailer does on a bumper hitch. If it is keep lubricated, it just shouldn't matter. Maybe someone who hauls heavy goosenecks could shed more light on this??

 

[joemyers]

B&W TOB Hitch

 

[dhill]

With a square hole for the ball to fit the only twist on the ball under load is the hitch surface. With a round hole mount the ball itself can twist under load.



The ball can trist in the mounting plate

The hitch receiver can also twist.

I just installed the B&W. Very easy install. I have to say that if I had to have something wear, I would rather it be the ball, not the receiver.

 

[DHorton]

I bought the Reese Signature Series hitch. When not in use, I rotate the arms and pull the whole deal out of the back. Pretty neat set-up, smooth bed, plus it gives a pretty good option for putting the 5th wheel in the same sockets. Install was a bit of a booger, but once done it looks real good and is holding up well under the loads we subject it to. Just another thought.

 

[Gypsyman]

I just installed the B&W. Very easy install. I have to say that if I had to have something wear, I would rather it be the ball, not the receiver.

Exactly. Over 40k towing heavy and zero problems with ball wear. I just put a dab of copper anti-sieze on the top of the ball when I hook up. Couldn't be happier with the B&W.



Richard

 

[bpenrod]

Justto be different I'll throw Una Goose out there. Easy install, one hole in the bed.

 

[LJFiler]

Just installed a B&W in my father's 05 and have ordered a B&W for my 05. The install was as easy as following the instructions, the hitch is well made and do not believe that wearing out the ball would be a big problem unless you are a custom hauler and do not lubricate the ball occassionally. Just my opinion.

 

[Wolffman]

If you want gooseneck only then I would say look at unagoose.com I have had one since 1999 and I have pulled in excess of 35,000lbs many of times and never had a single problem. I wouldn't use any other hitch. I don't use a 5th wheel at all so I don't need that flexability of going back and forth so I went with the brute strength of the unagoose.

 

[jlasich]

I've had my Diamond Hitch for over a year and it has seen a lot of use and some very heavy use (GCW 42,100). I love it. The ball can be removed and turned over without having to pull a lever.



http://www.renegademanufacturing.com/



The B&W has a lot of optional accessories for it, so that might be an important factor for you. I like the UnaGoose also. It looks like a very stout unit (I believe it's rated higher than either the B&W or Diamond Hitch).