What to pull with?

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Hello guys, I am about to buy my first fifth wheel and I would like to put in a ball hitch in my bed so I do not have to have that big hitch assembly in my truck. I use the empty bed for many purposes and do not want all that structure there. ( I know that you can pull the pins and remove the hitch portion but that still leaves the awkward rails attached to the bed. ) I have heard of a ball assembly that rorates in the bed so when it is upsidedown the ball is hidden.
Have any of you seen anything like this?
What are you guys pulling your rigs with?

Thanks for the help!!
P. S. I just installed my PE and the power is very noticable in the 1st level! Still waiting for all the other goodies to arrive. Keep ya posted on the results
HOV

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1999,2500 (white)4x4,QC,LB,ISB,AUTO,3. 54's Track Loc, All options except leather,Factory Flares(Black),Tow package , Camper package, Rhino Lining(Black), 285/75r16 ,K&N Filter, Waiting to BOMB the heck out of it(I need your inputs first !!!)

 

[Archive]

<font color=blue>HOV -

Without your gauges I would suggest you stay in Level I if you have no other mods. You probably could use Level II safely but I wouldn't risk it without gauges. I am basing this on you having the "standard" box right?
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[This message has been edited by KatDiesel (edited 08-14-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

I recommend the B&W turnover hitch. All you have in your bed is a 4in hole, The rest of the hitch bolts to the frame. Installed mine in 45min. They are rated at 30,000lb. It is made in Kansas,USA. They offer several different pieces that slide inside of it. 2 5/16ball, 3in ball, inverted ball hitch. Best of all, they offer complete 5th wheel that slides inside the hole. It has side runners that run along the frame rails for extra support. The only downfall is the cost, about $350 for the hitch and $450 for the 5th wheel. It is definately worth the money if you use your bed and also want to haul a gooseneck.

I think this what you are looking for.

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2001 6-speed 4*4 Quad dually. Diesel Dynamic Injectors, 14cm housing 4in exhaust. Jacobs brake.

[This message has been edited by Junebug (edited 08-14-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Here is the site for B&W

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'99, 3/4, QC, SLT, 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 3. 5xlsd, tow pac, HD tcase, tow mirrors, camper pac, White over driftwood, Mist gray interior. 4-sale with less than 17,000 miles.

 

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When you say fifth wheel are you talking an RV or a stock / equipment trailer i. e. gooseneck? Fifth wheel to most people means RV which means a fifth wheel hitch. Gooseneck trailers use the ball in the bed deal, not RV's.

 

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Hov: I have the Reese rails in the bed with the removeable "goose"; pull four pins and lift it out. The rails are simply not a problem. I just hauled some drywall home. Just tossed in three short 2x4s crossways, front, middle and rear of the rails to even up the support. No problem. I didn't care for the hole cutting required with the flipdown system that you are looking at. Just my 2 cents.

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'96 2500 Ram/Cummins, stock 215HP, Laramie SLT CC, 4x4, Claret Red with gray lowers, NV4500HD 5sp, 3. 54s, Dodge bedliner, full running boards, factory rear mud flaps, Reese rails/removeable goose, Tekonsha brake controller, Amsoil throughout, NRA Life Member.

 

[Archive]

I put in a Cody Hitch (gooseneck). No frame drilling is required. Install is easy and it works great. Best of all, it only cost about $260 with shipping. They also make an adapter to hook up a 5th wheel to the gooseneck hitch. See www.codyhitch.com

Steve

 

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I just recently installed the B&W and it works just fine. Hauled my 30' goose neck stock trailer to the sale barn a few days ago (500 miles)and had no troubles.

I like just bolting to the frame (no welding) and being able to turn the ball over for a smooth bed. I have a heavy duty rubber bed matt over mine which helps even more.

Cut the hole for the ball and the safety chains then had my bed sprayed with heavy duty spray liner to seal up all the edges. It looks great and no rough metal showing.

I haven't installed the lever arm (lock/unlock)yet because the one from the factory is too short to reach through the fender well cover. I will make a new longer one (just a small bar of straight stainless solid stock)and put a small cut in the fender well to slide the lever.

JuneBug. What did you do for this on yours?

 

[Archive]

Originally posted by HOV:
Hello guys, I am about to buy my first fifth wheel and I would like to put in a ball hitch in my bed so I do not have to have that big hitch assembly in my truck. I use the empty bed for many purposes and do not want all that structure there. ( I know that you can pull the pins and remove the hitch portion but that still leaves the awkward rails attached to the bed. ) I have heard of a ball assembly that rorates in the bed so when it is upsidedown the ball is hidden.
Have any of you seen anything like this?
What are you guys pulling your rigs with?

Thanks for the help!!
P. S. I just installed my PE and the power is very noticable in the 1st level! Still waiting for all the other goodies to arrive. Keep ya posted on the results
HOV

There are kits out there(Trailer Life is one place to look) but it is not a good idea it puts pressure on the fifth wheel that was not
ENG. for? You could damage the frame and hitch
assmbly on your new 5wheel,but it is your trailer.