Which gooseneck hitch to get?

[rickhans]

Note: I posted this on two other threads to get a rapid response tonight.

I have to get a gooseneck hitch installed tomorrow, Friday 3/9. My choices that are readily available is: Drawtite 25k# hitch with disappearing ball for $250 from UHAUL or
2) Hidden Hitch Hide-a-way 25k# cap. from Joes Hitches for $341. 50.

I read all of the recent threads about the different brands but have only found these two locally and have never heard of the Hidden Hitch. Also, Discount Hitch, which is too far for me to go tomorrow, has a 30k# Drawtite hitch for $375 that uses a magnetic cover to seal the hole. What is the difference between this one and the one Uhaul has?

 

[Tony]

Why the sudden need for a hitch? I put mine in ( a fold down 35k) for all of $60. 00 and a plate of steell kicking around... and the best part is it is flush with my bed. Ehterr of them wil probally work fine. . I like it flush inthe bed, and lookat the saftey shain hook up desing.

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99,2500,qc,SLT,black,4wd,35Klb gooseneck hitch, K&N airfilter, 265/75/16 BFG ATko's

 

[Red Rocket]

I have the Draw-tite model, and compared to others I have seen, it has heavier built safety chain hooks, it's easy to put in and use, but the ball doesn't stow away in the hitch, you have to find somewhere to put it. I just leave mine in all the time, its not in the way. It required a large square hole in the bed, but what can you do? Some of the other ones looked cheap, thats why I bought this one, I think it cost like 175, and I bought it from my trailer manufacturer.
Good luck.

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1998 2500, 12 valves, SLT, auto, 3. 54, 285/75-16, TST 230/605, t/c switch, DiPricol EGT/boost guages,K&N,camper special, 65,000 miles(2/01),
12 ton goosneck!
'01 Polaris EDGE-X 600

 

[Morphious]

I got mine from the local welding shop here, could not tell you the brand, but rated to 30k, most would not like it, it is the cut the bed and weld in type, which is fine with me. I pull a 26ft gooseneck with it and also hang my pig sticker off of it with 2300lb roundbails tugging on it going down the road. Been very happy with it. It is much better than the last one I had installed at half the price. You usually get what you pay for.

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'99 2500 4x4 QC Std transmission, Purple (usually Mud Red), 10 Disc Sony Changer, 285x75Rx16 BFG Mudders, Gooseneck hitch, 275lb King Klaw front bumper, Towing/Camper packages. DDIII's, Exhaust, TTPM, Fuel Pressure, EGT adn Boost Guages are now installed an it rocks (fastest farm truck around). And can't forget the hydraulic PigSticker

1965 Chevy 1/2 ton Pickup, 350-350hp/2spd powerglide, PS, PB, Disc Brakes on the front, Tilt, Fuel Cell, 3. 73 posi.

26ft Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer, 2 horse bumper pull, Round bale Trailer

1960 Farmal 340 Diesel Tractor.

 

[rickhans]

I need it now because I purchased a new gooseneck trailer today and have to pick it up in the next 2 to 3 days to haul some equipment I am buying.

Morphious - I suggest inspecting your frame regularly if you tow much. Hitches are supposed to bolted, not welded to a Dodge frame. There are other threads where frame failures have been discussed. I also believe that it can cause some warranty problems, although that is nothing compared to having the frame warp or break.

I have to call Joes back tomorrow. It looks like the hidden hitch they are selling may be the B&W hitch. If so I will definitely go with that one.

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98. 5 24V QC 4x4 SB 3:54 5sp

 

[Old Account - 243]

Rick,

I plan to buy the pop up hitch when funds allow. It is 295. 00 carryout at AZLE in Houston. I checked the dealer listing and there are several in Big D. There have been quite a few threads on gn hitches and one in particular had pictures and commentary on a number of them.

Others include B&W Turnoverball, UnaGoose, Cody... .

http://www.popuphitch.com/

243


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99 QC 2500 ST 4X4 SB 24V/5speed 3. 54/LSD Driftwood/Agate
Walker 21468, VDO, Bridgestone 285/75/16 MT's, RS9000's, Hella 500's

http://www.0hassleisp.com/dwilk/243'sRamPage.html

-- email address removed --

 

[GTX]

I have the B&W Turnoverball and love it. The only part that is above the bed floor is the safety chain u-bolts. I pull a 40 ft gooseneck that weighs about 10k loaded and have not had any problems.

 

[Rustymule]

Don't laugh at the frame breaking. Here in La Grande Or, we have several Travel trailer Mfg. companies. Most of the guys that haul them out of here use Dodges. I work at machine/fabracation shop right next door and we weld Dodge truck frames. Granted most of these guys are moving two trailers at once (WAY OVER LOADED)but they can be broke.
Rick, I have a pop-up, the older one, you pull the lever, turn it over and release the lever, never had any trouble with it. It's bolted in ( 2guys 2 beers & 2 hours) no welding, say what you will, if their going to break, it will be at the weld. It requires only a 3" hole in the bed. Coundn't bring myself to cut a 10X10 hole in my bed, and it's flat with the bed, I can slide stuff right in over it. IMPORTANT!!!!

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Rusty Mule 97 3500 5 Speed Dually 68,000miles 25,000# POP-UP HITCH, CAT GUTTED "MULE HAULER"

[This message has been edited by Dave Gruver (edited 03-09-2001). ]

 

[Tom C]

I have the Cody Hitch (Bolt on).
http://www.codyhitch.com/

They can probably ship it overnight if you need one that quick. It took about 3 hours to install. drilled one 4. 5" hole in bed and two 5/8" holes in each frame rail. it also clamps on frame.

Good Luck


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2001. 5 2500 4X4, QC, Auto, 3. 54 LSD, SLT, SWB, Trailer, Camper & Snow plow Packages, White, 35k# Cody Hitch, 20' Gooseneck Lowboy flat-bed Trailer.

[This message has been edited by Tom C (edited 03-09-2001). ]

 

[Morphious]

The frame on my truck is fine, if it starts to crack, I will just weld it back up and beef it up with plate steel. #ad
Warranty smaranty, don't need no stinking warranty. I have had it on since I bought the truck in 99 and have put 80+k on the truck hauling hay about every weekend during the winter months and trailers off and on. A weld if done right is much stronger than a bolt anyday. My ex's grand father has a pickup that they broke the frame in half several years ago, we just welded it back together with some plate steel for added strength and it is still going down the road hauling a 26' gooseneck stock trailer.

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'99 2500 4x4 QC Std transmission, Purple (usually Mud Red), 10 Disc Sony Changer, 285x75Rx16 BFG Mudders, Gooseneck hitch, 275lb King Klaw front bumper, Towing/Camper packages. DDIII's, Exhaust, TTPM, Fuel Pressure, EGT adn Boost Guages are now installed an it rocks (fastest farm truck around). And can't forget the hydraulic PigSticker

1965 Chevy 1/2 ton Pickup, 350-350hp/2spd powerglide, PS, PB, Disc Brakes on the front, Tilt, Fuel Cell, 3. 73 posi.

26ft Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer, 2 horse bumper pull, Round bale Trailer

1960 Farmal 340 Diesel Tractor.