Posted 2008-09-17 5:42 PM (#91672) Subject: which is best hitch for gooseneck trailer?
New User
Posts: 4
Location: San Diego, CA
Well, I need a bigger trailer. I'm going from a 2H bumper pull to a 3-4 horse gooseneck. I've never had a gooseneck before and don't know much about them. I did some research and now I'm confused. My truck is an 06' Dodge 2500, diesel, short bed. I'm interested in a disappearing ball type hitch. Also, do I need a special adapter because I have a short bed? I'd really appreciate your opinions and advise. Thanks
Posted 2008-09-17 7:05 PM (#91676 - in reply to #91672) Subject: RE: which is best hitch for gooseneck trailer?
Member
Posts: 20
Location: Weatherford, Tx
I think turnover ball is the best, there are other good ones out there but harder to install, i would get a hitch extender if you don't want your back window broken out on a tight turn. It does depend on what type of nose taper your trailer will have and if it is 7' or 8' wide. Good Luck
Posted 2008-09-18 7:26 AM (#91699 - in reply to #91672) Subject: RE: which is best hitch for gooseneck trailer?
Veteran
Posts: 296 Location: Tennessee
Whether or not you need an offset coupler depends on the nose of your trailer and the placement of the ball relative to the cab, which I guess depends on where your rear axle is since the ball needs to be over it or slightly in front of it (how's that for a run-on sentence!). If the trailer's nose is V shaped or rounded you might be OK. If it's square, you may need the offset so the corners don't crunch your cab in a tight turn.
Posted 2008-09-18 7:43 AM (#91700 - in reply to #91672) Subject: RE: which is best hitch for gooseneck trailer?
Location: Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...
B & W is definitely the best turnover out there. As far, or close in this case, as you trailer will be with the short bed, there are many people that make them work. There are some options for the ball as well as the coupler on the trailer. A tapered gooseneck is a must for you in my opinion.
Posted 2008-09-18 7:48 AM (#91701 - in reply to #91672) Subject: RE: which is best hitch for gooseneck trailer?
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Kinston, NC
I call it a fold down ball (around $400 installed). It can be easily installed but you will have to cut a 12"x12" hole in the bed. The normal rule of thumb we use is that you will need 36" from ball to your back glass (for a 6'8" wide, flat nose, also probably comparable with an 8' wide v-nose). Just measure from the middle of the coupler to the edge and add a couple inches. Keep in mind, the ball needs to be mounted in front of the axles, 2 inches or so is good. If you have less than 36", you can get an offset coupler that offsets about 9" and probably costs around $300.
Posted 2008-09-18 8:43 AM (#91707 - in reply to #91672) Subject: RE: which is best hitch for gooseneck trailer?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
Just my opinion- but I don't want a 12" square in my bed, and I'm not fond of the pivot pin that wears and gets sloppy with age. The B&W is the only way to go. I've had over 25 trucks with GN balls of all flavors- and the best has always been the B&W. Yes, I'll pay more for a B&W than a copycat also.
Posted 2008-09-18 10:19 AM (#91712 - in reply to #91672) Subject: RE: which is best hitch for gooseneck trailer?
New User
Posts: 4
Location: San Diego, CA
Thanks for all the great info. I've heard many good things about B&W hitches. I'm afraid a 3-4 inch hole in my truck bed is about all I can handle, a 12x12 inch hole is not going to happen. Do you recommend having the installation done or doing it oneself? Thanks, again.
Posted 2008-09-18 10:22 AM (#91713 - in reply to #91672) Subject: RE: which is best hitch for gooseneck trailer?
Member
Posts: 26 Location: Southern New Mexico
I'm gonna have to agree. I have always installed my own GN hitch and after installing the B&W in a friends pickup, I will be going that route from now on. Well worth the money spent!
And that whole 12x12 hitch works great in a flatbed where it can be welded to the entire bed, but I have installed these in regular beds and they are a pain to reinforce them. Correct me if I'm wrong but they only have a 25,000 pound raiting also. Go big or go home is my philosophy.
Posted 2008-09-18 10:30 AM (#91714 - in reply to #91712) Subject: RE: which is best hitch for gooseneck trailer?
Veteran
Posts: 296 Location: Tennessee
If you have more time than money (like me), you can install a B&W yourself with some hand tools, a drill and a 4" hole saw without too much trouble. I did my own and only cussed a little bit. LOL
Posted 2008-09-18 10:30 AM (#91715 - in reply to #91672) Subject: RE: which is best hitch for gooseneck trailer?
Member
Posts: 26 Location: Southern New Mexico
I will also chime in on instalation. They are easy to instal yourself if you are mechanicaly inclined. Some insurance companys will not cover it in an accident if it was not professionally installed. Spend the money and get it done, it will be worth it.
Posted 2008-09-19 12:09 PM (#91772 - in reply to #91715) Subject: RE: which is best hitch for gooseneck trailer?
Veteran
Posts: 134 Location: Coarsegold, CA
While I do almost everything myself I did have the B&W turnover professionally installed. For $800 he did that and wired the in bed plug with a side 4 wire flat plug and put on mud flaps. I was fine with that and the installation was perfect.
Posted 2008-09-19 2:22 PM (#91779 - in reply to #91774) Subject: RE: which is best hitch for gooseneck trailer?
Member
Posts: 26 Location: Southern New Mexico
Your profile showes tat you are located in San Diego. I'm sure there are a multitude of RV shops that can hook you up. You may also call a welding shop. If you call the welding shop, be sure to ask if they are bonded and insured to install hitches. This will help the insurance claim should anything ever happen (God forbid).
which is best hitch for gooseneck trailer?
