Posted 2006-08-20 12:31 PM (#46981) Subject: Valley Stow-A-Ball vs B&W Turnover?
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Georgetown, TX
I was all set to get the B&W Turnover Hitch installed with extender until I talked to a local C&C dealer locally who is promoting the Valley Stow-A-Ball. He explained that although B&W is a great hitch, he thought the Valley was better because rather than the ball being stationary and 'grinding' over time in the B&W, the Valley ball rotates freely in the socket to help eliminate binding and wear on the coupler or ball. It is rated to tow 30,000 lbs.
Another difference: the Extender. While B&W extender actually installs in the bed on the ball, the Valley extender REPLACES the existing receiver on the trailer (sorry if I don't have the right term here). So you basically take out what comes with the trailer and just slide the extender up and secure it with bolts. He said that this also helped to keep everything aligned straighter (he said the B&W extender was 'offset' to the side?).
I know alot of people love the B&W which is where I was headed. Does anyone have an opinion on the Valley (www.valleyindustries.com)
Posted 2006-08-20 12:57 PM (#46984 - in reply to #46981) Subject: RE: Valley Stow-A-Ball vs B&W Turnover?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 456 Location: south of Cowtown, TEXAS
Sounds like he was just wanting to sell you another hitch.
The extender isn't off set to the side. That makes no sense. It extends straight behind a few inches.
Why do you feel you need an extender? I drive a Dodge short bed with B&W and pull a gooseneck. If your trailer has a tapered nose, you will not need an extender.
Posted 2006-08-20 5:41 PM (#46997 - in reply to #46981) Subject: RE: Valley Stow-A-Ball vs B&W Turnover?
Veteran
Posts: 247 Location: La Crosse, WI - God's Country
While I'm sure that Valley makes fine products, if you talk to the guys that haul professionally, B&W seems to be the reference standard. With more than enough capacity and such a reputation, I wouldn't trust my horses to anything less. I looked at other options, but based upon the references that I got on the TDR (Turbo Diesel Register), B&W was the only choice.
Valley seems to be the kind of hitches that you'd get installed at the local U-Haul. That's fine for some folks.
Posted 2006-08-21 1:32 PM (#47068 - in reply to #46981) Subject: RE: Valley Stow-A-Ball vs B&W Turnover?
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Seems like both are comparable products.
I installed a B&W five years ago. It has held up very well. If you were going to install it yourself, the valley requires a 3 3/4 hole saw versus the 4" B&W requires. I already have a 4" hole saw. The 3 3/4 is an odd size vs 4" I would discount the "rotates freely" aspect of the Valley hitch. It may mean the ball gets sloppy with time. I have never had the B&W ball bind, and it doesn't rotate
Posted 2006-08-22 2:00 AM (#47107 - in reply to #46981) Subject: RE: Valley Stow-A-Ball vs B&W Turnover?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1160 Location: Denver Colorado
When I looked over the Valley at SEMA a couple of years ago comparing it to B&W and PopUp, on top they where comparable. On the bottom side, the Valley only had the V gussets connecting the ball socket to channel frame on one side. The B&W and PopUp had the V gusset on both sides. So I would conclude that a trailer pushes and pulls, so I'd vote for a brace on each side of the ball socket.
Posted 2006-08-23 9:06 AM (#47203 - in reply to #46981) Subject: RE: Valley Stow-A-Ball vs B&W Turnover?
Veteran
Posts: 247 Location: La Crosse, WI - God's Country
Any comments on the unagoose? I considered that one since you don't have to drill extra holes for the safety chains. Spendier than the B&W... I think it's http://www.unagoose.com
Posted 2006-08-23 9:05 PM (#47281 - in reply to #46981) Subject: RE: Valley Stow-A-Ball vs B&W Turnover?
Member
Posts: 22
Location: Jupiter, FL
I have installed the B&W on several trucks but I perfer and use on my truck the Draw-Tite Remove-A-Ball (30K). I haul hay in the bed of my truck and several other dirty object when I'm not towing. By using the Remove-A-Ball, the hay seed, sand, dirt, etc does not clog the mechanics of the hitch (B&W Ball can get stuck easily). I also don't have to worry about reaching over a muddy tire to pull a plunger. If you use the bed of your truck - I say go with the Remove-A-Ball. We install 10 to 1 over B&W
Note: Valley is their own manufacturer - Curt Mfg makes the hitches for U-Haul and they also own DaLan Hitches.
Valley Stow-A-Ball vs B&W Turnover?
