Ok....I just got my B&W turnoverball on friday,now i have to install.I'm putting it in a stock 05 longbed and will pull a small(27')fifth wheel.Which measurement should i go with,the 46" or the 49".Can i install this by myself of should it be done with help.'Any other tips from those that have put them in would be appreciated.
I installed mine about 2 months ago, took me about 5 hours. I used the 49" measurement.
I put the rear of my truck on jack stands so that I could sit under it and work on it.
I didn't have a hole saw, so I cut the 4" hole with a jig saw and a fine tooth blade.
Biggest problem is that the exhaust is in the way of getting it installed. B&W gives you a new hanger to lower it. My trouble was that even with it lower, I couldn't get the hitch installed. I would recommend leaving the tailpipe hanger loose, also remove the next hanger as well. Then tie a rope on the exhaust pipe and pull it down out of the way.
The instructions (especially pix) are pitiful. If all possible, look at someone's installation first.
I wasted about an hour, contemplating about whether I should cut a hole in my new truck bed and another hour trying to figure out the directions.
I think that I could install another one in about 2 hours, now that I know what I am doing [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]
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2005 F250SD Regular Cab,Red Clearcoat, 4wd, ESOF, Power Stroke, TorqShift Auto,3.73LS, 17" aluminum wheels, Tow Command,FX4 Offroad, Camper Pk, B&W turnover hitch,CDI toolbox, SUPERCHIPS FLASHPAQ
2003 John Deere 6220 ComfortGard Cab, 90hp(72 PTO hp) 16/16 PowerQuad
2005 John Deere 6220 ComfortGard Cab, MFWD,PowerQuad,left-hand shuttle shift & 640 front end loader
Yeah i know what you mean about cutting that hole.Thats why i'm ask'in questions now.It would stink if i cut that dang hole in the wrong place.And i totally agree on the directions,they are sorry i must say.Would be nice if they had some DECENT pics.I'll take a few days to digest the directions then get on with it.First i gotta finish installing new kitchen cabs and appliances.
I installed mine in my '05 alone in about 2 hours. Used a 4" Milwaukee hole saw for a nice neat fit.
Mine is a 4x4 F350 so had plenty of space to work under the truck. I contemplated the 46" or 49" measurement and decided 3" didn't make much difference as long as the truck is, so went with 46". No problems with clearance on the tailgate being opened no matter what trailer I'll pull now.
The exhaust pipe and heat shield were my two biggest problems, but all in all it wasn't much of job. Just be sure if you don't have a helper that you have a way to hold the hitch in the hole while you bolt it up. I used a come along on the trusses in my shed.
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Just be sure if you don't have a helper that you have a way to hold the hitch in the hole while you bolt it up. I used a come along on the trusses in my shed.
Good luck.
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I used a 2x4 across the bed rails and a ratcheting cargo strap.
Took about 3 hours start to finish.
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"Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason so few engage in it." - Henry Ford
"The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes." - Winston Churchill
"Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid" - John Wayne
2000 F250SD Lariet SC, PSD, 4X4 Offroad Pkg, ESOF, AT, Shorty, Tow Pkg, On-board air, Grover air horns, Isspro EV gauges & A-pillar mount, Zoodad, SCMT, 10k Variable Resister, $20 AIC, T/C LED & lock, custom oak console w/integrated switch panel and gun lock-box, heater valve mod, acetoned badges, 203* thermostat, Harpooned tank, in-tank and pre-pump mods, Brakesmart controller, Turnover Ball gooseneck, Hella driving lights, DIY HD headlight harness, Viper 791xv, KCM SS HPX, CCV filter mod, Severe Duty AIS, fuel regulator shim, transgo tugger kit, PI Torque Converter.
To be installed: Wicked Wheel
Proud member of the vast right-wing conspiracy.[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]
Rocky the easyest way would be to measure the sae pin on the trailer to the back splash on the trailer. then measure a v from the corner of your truck dont forget the bumper. should be just forward of the rear axle.
I install these hitches in about one hour. If you follow the directions you will have no problem. I use the 49 inch measurement on long bed trucks and have never had a problem. A ratchet strap on the exhuast pipe around the axel helps and a sawhorse and a ratchet strap help to hold the center section up. Use a 4" hole saw for the best looking hole.
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1992 F350 7.3L Crewcab Red over Black 5 speed 4x4 SRW Hypermax Turbo.LT 235/75/16 tires 137,000 miles
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I install these hitches in about one hour. If you follow the directions you will have no problem. I use the 49 inch measurement on long bed trucks and have never had a problem. A ratchet strap on the exhuast pipe around the axel helps and a sawhorse and a ratchet strap help to hold the center section up. Use a 4" hole saw for the best looking hole.
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Thanks MT for that sawhorse tip.Still have not made up my mind on the 49 or 46" location.I think i'm going to measure the distance from my 5th wheel pin to the front of the camper.If there's enough room to do the 49" i'll do that.But if it looks tight i'll give myself the extra 3".Just want to make sure i can back in with my tailgate down while i hook up.
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5th wheel? Are you using the Companion or a gooseneck adapter?
If you use the Companion, you can adjust the hitch head front to back to give yourself more room.
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I got the companion.Didn't know there was a fore/aft adjustment on the companion head.Thats good to know that i have more options so i can fine tune this setup to my 5'er.
Well i got the hitch installed yesterday.It went fairly smooth.I ended up using a sabersaw with a fresh blade.It cut thru like butter and left a perfect hole.I did have trouble getting the center section up to the bed,but once i got it up there i held it with one hand and got 2 bolts in.My son(he's 11)was in the bed and held the locking pin just in case.What ended up taking the most time was not having all the tools together and not having the correct tools.And doing this install on my crumbling rock covered driveway was not fun.
I have to tweek the exhaust still for additional clearance but other than that it's done.
Thanks to all for their suggestions.
BTW.....I got cost estimates from local RV shops and a custom hitch place on installing this.The range was from $250 to almost $400 buckaroos.So i figured i made good money doing the install myself.
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