Any thoughts on the best hitch to put in my 05 Dodge 3/4 ton, long bed, diesel for my 3h LQ trailer? Looking at B & W or the new Pop Up. Or other options.
Posted 2008-04-06 10:36 PM (#81358 - in reply to #81356) Subject: RE: Gooseneck Hitch
Member
Posts: 14
Location: hartford city, in
I have put in a couple of the older Pop Ups and really liked them. This new one looks even better. If you keep your ball greased then the Pop Ups are way better to handle.
Posted 2008-04-07 7:47 AM (#81362 - in reply to #81356) Subject: RE: Gooseneck Hitch
Veteran
Posts: 296 Location: Tennessee
I researched GN hitches for a week or so to see what everyone preferred. Ended up getting a B&W Turnover. Not sure if it's the best one out there, but I'm very pleased with it.
Posted 2008-04-07 9:07 AM (#81373 - in reply to #81356) Subject: RE: Gooseneck Hitch
New User
Posts: 1
Location: bellefonte, pa
i have installed and worked with both types of hitch. each one has its pros and cons of course. the one i really like is the B&W turn over ball. 99% of the time they went in without having to drill any holes except the one for the ball. with bed liners they could be kept inside and the balls tuck away so nicely. now also the way the hitch mounts to the frame is stronger with the b&w. they use 4 more bolts and set the pieces in a better spacing area for better weight distribution.
Posted 2008-04-07 9:31 AM (#81374 - in reply to #81356) Subject: RE: Gooseneck Hitch
Elite Veteran
Posts: 714 Location: Minnesota
I have had both the B & W and now have the Pop-Up. The B & W was in my 98' GMC. Really liked it except when I had to take it out because of the grease, ended up keeping an old pair of gloves just for that purpose. Put the Pop-Up in my 01' F350 because of that reason, The B& W does go down flatter with the bed. The Pop-Up is still slightly raised about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch so you have to cover it to haul anything you want to keep clean. Have also had some problem with the Pop-Up mechanism. Need to keep it lubricated with WD 40. I do have to admit that may be from a little overspray from the under coating put on after the hitch was installed. Next hitch for me will be back to the B & W.
Posted 2008-04-07 10:09 AM (#81379 - in reply to #81376) Subject: RE: Gooseneck Hitch
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
You will be hard pressed to find a better hitch than the B&W. The nice thing with them is that most dealers, RV places etc will install them. So it's easy to buy and get installed.
In my 2003 F350 I had the Diamond Hitch. They have since sold out to Blue Ox.
It's a good product. very similar to the B&W. The main difference is the Diamond Hitch doesn't have a pull bar in the wheel well area. Everything involved in turning the ball over can be done from inside the bed of the truck. It was a good product and I would have used it again, If I was going to install the hitch myself.
On my 2006 truck the Ford dealer threw in the hitch as deal sweetner, So I got the B&W (which is the brand they carried at the dealership) Let's see, I can buy the diamond hitch and spend the 2 hours instaling it myself or I can let the dealer do it all at no extra cost. Hmmm tough decision.
Posted 2008-04-07 12:16 PM (#81387 - in reply to #81356) Subject: RE: Gooseneck Hitch
Elite Veteran
Posts: 781 Location: La Cygne, KS
Had a pop-up on my previous truck and hated it. I had a very hard time to get it to go and stay. Was always very nervous about whether I had the ball locked in place. We kept it well greased, but it was too difficult for this ol'gal. Bought a B&W turnover with new truck and I am very pleased.
Posted 2008-04-07 1:33 PM (#81397 - in reply to #81391) Subject: RE: Gooseneck Hitch
Veteran
Posts: 296 Location: Tennessee
Good choice, I think you'll be satisfied. One tip in case you don't already know: after you tow a couple of times with your new B&W, re-torque all the bolts holding it to the frame. Sometimes they stretch and get loose when they're new.
Posted 2008-04-08 6:08 PM (#81469 - in reply to #81356) Subject: RE: Gooseneck Hitch
Veteran
Posts: 112 Location: Bow, NH
You only forget the tailgate once!!
Watch your side rails also and make sure the coupler is adjusted properly (hight wise). My trailer rides very low on my side rails and thanks to a ditch in the pasture I now have custom side rails (I've grown kind of used to the squashed look....)
Posted 2008-04-08 6:48 PM (#81472 - in reply to #81356) Subject: RE: Gooseneck Hitch
Member
Posts: 21
Location: Norman, Ok
We also have to get a hitch and after reading these posts decided on a B&W. However, after talking to the installer and telling him our short bed size, we are going to have to put a 6" extender on it. Any pros or cons about doing this??? Sure hope it will be okay as I ordered my trailer yesterday. So much to learn but we are sure learning alot form you folks. Thanks......Dar
Posted 2008-04-09 9:58 PM (#81583 - in reply to #81356) Subject: RE: Gooseneck Hitch
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1160 Location: Denver Colorado
Popup did come out with Popup2 a few months ago. They changed the double cam system to a single wedge that works well. Come by our booth on our horse expo tour and see it. Come out to the EQuine Affaire in Ohio this weekend and see all the new toys.
Posted 2008-04-12 1:15 AM (#81732 - in reply to #81356) Subject: RE: Gooseneck Hitch
Member
Posts: 21
Location: Poolville, Texas
Dear Mr Truck,
Not to be argueing with an expert like you, buy not ALL of the newest toyz will be on display at the Equine Affaire...The newest toy in the truck industry, that pertains to the equine trailer towing application, is under wraps in my shop, in downtown Poolville, Texas. I'll give you a hint though, it starts with an "F", ends with a "2", with 450 horses thrown in for good measure. These horses do not eat oats though, my new toy eats asphalt, rubber, and hills. Good luck figuring it out, but don't worry.......The cat will be outta the bag quick enough....
Posted 2008-04-12 4:29 AM (#81733 - in reply to #81356) Subject: RE: Gooseneck Hitch
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Will the "cat" be out of the bag? or will the 450 horse "60 series" Detroit....AH!.... Benz be out of the bag?!! All these horses being stabled inside of a M2 of course!
Posted 2008-04-12 10:06 PM (#81781 - in reply to #81356) Subject: RE: Gooseneck Hitch
Member
Posts: 21
Location: Poolville, Texas
If you like the Sterling, then check out the "projects" link at www.2Lcustomtrucks.com .........I'll bet you a cheeseburger and a coors lite you ain't seen a Sterling that looks like that one!!!! I build them for Canadian retail only....OH Canada!
Gooseneck Hitch
So much to learn but we are sure learning alot form you folks. Thanks......Dar
