Gooseneck Hitch Mounting

[Loggerhead52]

I purchased my '05 F-250 used and from all indications, the previous owner had outfitted the truck with a gooseneck hitch as indicated by the 4" hole underneath the bedliner. It appears that it was the underbed type as there are no other visible mounting holes other than the ones that were drilled for the safety chain mounts. There are two holes in my trucks frame rails located just above the yellow axle bumpers that have impressions left by previously installed lock washers indicating that the holes were utilized for mounting bolts. If the plates had been mounted to the outside of the rails like the hitches I've seen, these impressions would have been left on the plates themselves? I'm attempting to find out if the gooseneck mounting plates(plates which bolt to the frame rails)are basically all designed and manufactured to bolt to the outside of the rails or if there are some that mount on the inside. Everyones input would be greatly appreciated. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[Kevooo]

Sounds like there was a Turnover Ball or Pop-Up hitch installed before. Both of these use plates outside the frame. Hope this helps, Kevin

[DieselDoctor22]

the turnover ball hitch uses a spacer between the outside plate and the frame a bolt would be drawn up through this spacer that mite be the mark you are seeing

[6spd]

Pop-Up GN hitches use a 3 inch hole, so it was probably a different brand. As stated above Pop-Up hitch mounting brackets mount outside the frame.

[llcustom]

B&W would be my guess, seem to be the most popular and uses a 4in hole.

[Flywheel]

Yep - B&W is likely the one.

Measure from the center of the hole to the back lip of the bed. If it is 46 (short bed / short bed) or 49" (long bed) it is B&W - there are a couple others out there that are 4" holes as well.

Google B&W hitch and you can download the installation instructions - a picture's worth a thousand words.

If you are thinking of getting one - Valley Vet has the best price that I know of.

Any other questions - I've installed a couple.

Take care

[Loggerhead52]

Thanks for your input all! The spacers mentioned by DieselDoc just may be the clue that I'm looking for in order to identify the specific manufacturer of the hitch that was previously installed. Even though I didn't mention why, I'm sure everyone figured out that there are enough differences in the various hitches that different mounting points may require alterations to the existing holes in the bed and I certainly don't want to have to drill more if I can help it. B&W was my guess as well but for some reason, the PDF file for the intructions wouldn't open yesterday so I'll try again. Thanks again all!...big BIG help in my efforts!
Gary