Cant seem to find a current fit from reese or curt. Has anyone installed a new version gooseneck under bed hitch? What vehicle seemed to fit pretty close? I don't have a problem with fabricating but i want to get one as close to what i need as possible. Thanks!

 

I do not know of any one that manufactures a bolt to the frame/hide-a ball (Draw-Tight or B&W Turn Over style) goose neck hitch for a 73-79.

All I have even seen is a simple steel plate or modded C channel bolted or welded to the frame. Need some measurements of mine?

All 3 truck have them, the blue truck has a plate under the bed and pop up safety chain u bolts.

I am sure a welding shop could build quickly and cheaply what ever we can get measured up for you.

 

I'd love to see how you built them

 

Well after doing some more research, pretty sure NO one makes a bolt on gooseneck for 73-79 Ford.

Here is sort of close. 1979 Chevrolet C/K Series Pickup Gooseneck Hitch | etrailer.com

But here are some for a 1980 Ford 1980 Ford F-100, F-150, F-250, F-350 Gooseneck Hitch | etrailer.com

Here is some more discussion on it. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...eck-hitch.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...9-f-350-a.html

Very good info here. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...eel-hitch.html

 

You can see if a hitch is available for the 99-2015 Super Duties. The rear frame dimension are the same.

 

Here is my setup. I have yet to use it though.

 

MY 76 has a goose-neck set up that i don't' want. however i know nothing about it as it came with the truck. i can take some pics to see if its something you would be interested in. i would let it go for the cost of shipping. i will have no use for it once i do my bed swap.

 

Welding across the web on your frame rails like you did, just took out the structural integrity of the frame.........NEVER weld across the webs like that. I wouldn't trust your hitch setup......Just sayin........

 

78 PEB can you explain your reasoning for that statement. Not saying you are wrong or anything, I am just trying to understand it and learn something.

That is a recesses gooseneck set up, and a good though process, but yes it looks a little under built IMO too.

Normally the drop box is mounted into an all steel flat bed.

 

Some frame tips

Tips on truck frames

Vertical welds on frame rails??? - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

https://books.google.com/books?id=AoKHCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA782&lpg=PA782&dq=weldin g+and+splicing+truck+frames&source=bl&ots=mJ8-cbU31V&sig=9LfUjq9vFu4-bhpgut35ZL352QI&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjV2POWlJAh UIx2MKHRreDy8Q6AEIajAM#v=onepage&q=welding%20and%2 0splicing%20truck%20frames&f=false

http://www.thedieselgarage.com/forum...uck-frame.html

 

The problem I see is that box, I bet it's gonna be awfully irritating when coupling the trailer. The fact that there is no reinforcement worries me, it's just a flat bar and welded to the top of the frame which will be easy to bend. If it was bolted to the sides and maybe had a bit more steel it would be solid. We have one on our f250 with a flatbed and dually adaptors I can get a pic of it when I go to my dad's tonight. The trucks rotted out so I might steal it for my pickup when it's time to stop using it but I wanted to see some other hitches that other truck owners have built.

 

Connecting as gooseneck hitch to that ball would be no different that connecting to a regular recessed gooseneck hitch on a flat bed. You back up, crank it down, lock it and done. It does need some safety chain connection points and more reinforcement in its design.

 

Look at the size differencw

 

Also I'm not talking about backing up and dropping it on I'm talking about getting in the tree and coupling it or flatbed has a door and is recessed but it's also alot bigger than that box he made

 

Ok I see what you mean about being able to get your hand in there and slip the lock collar over. I agree, it is a little tight in there.