Help on Gooseneck Selection
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Woodstock, GA
Help on Gooseneck Selection
I am looking for a gooseneck hitch I can install in my 2001 F-250 SD Diesel with a short-bed. I would prefer one that will use existing holes on the frame ( I know I have to drill/cut the bed which is not a problem...just do not want to have to drill the frame).
I found some threads talking about different hitches, but none that talked about whether existing holes were used.
I am also wondering if some brands install right over the rear axle versus slightly forward of the axle. Some photos I saw of Draw-Tite showed it being installed ~11 inches in front of the rear axle. I'm sure this will cause problems for me with a short bed. I would like the hitch to mount directly over the rear axle.
I have been looking at the Hidden Hitch Hide-a-Goose on etrailer.com. Any experience folks have with these.
Thanks in advance.
I found some threads talking about different hitches, but none that talked about whether existing holes were used.
I am also wondering if some brands install right over the rear axle versus slightly forward of the axle. Some photos I saw of Draw-Tite showed it being installed ~11 inches in front of the rear axle. I'm sure this will cause problems for me with a short bed. I would like the hitch to mount directly over the rear axle.
I have been looking at the Hidden Hitch Hide-a-Goose on etrailer.com. Any experience folks have with these.
Thanks in advance.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Lufkin
Not sure on what brands are good and what aren't, buy you typically put a gooseneck hitch about an inch forward of the rear axle. If it were 11 inches, you (well, maybe not) may have clearance issues depending on the trailor you use...maybe. Not sure though.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: SW Oklahoma
11" is way too far forward for any usual applications. We usually try to set them 2" in front of the axle, but 1" or even directly over the axle should be fine if you're not pulling over 10K or so. I don't have any experience with the Hide-a-Goose, but they do look good in the ads. The B&W Turnover ball seems to what everyone around here is putting in their new trucks... they seem to be working fine, but personally I don't particularly like the lever under the bed - I prefer being able to do it all from the top.
In my '01 F250 sc shortbed, I have a folding ball in a plate mounted on top of the bed. This hitch was originally in a Chevy, so it wasn't quite long enough to get it 2" ahead of the axle using all 4 of the factory bed bolts - we used the front ones, but had to drill the frame for the back ones. If the plate was an inch longer, or if we'd beacked the ball up an inch, we could've used all 4, so if you're building a new plate/folding ball set up, using the existing bolts shouldn't be a problem (the bolts are plenty long enough, btw).
In my '01 F250 sc shortbed, I have a folding ball in a plate mounted on top of the bed. This hitch was originally in a Chevy, so it wasn't quite long enough to get it 2" ahead of the axle using all 4 of the factory bed bolts - we used the front ones, but had to drill the frame for the back ones. If the plate was an inch longer, or if we'd beacked the ball up an inch, we could've used all 4, so if you're building a new plate/folding ball set up, using the existing bolts shouldn't be a problem (the bolts are plenty long enough, btw).
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Junior User
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From: Woodstock, GA
Thanks everyone. I found more literature that shows some models closer to the 1" or 2" you are referring to. I also talked to a deal of the B&W model and that is what he sells a lot of. He told me that model uses existing frame holes and he only wanted $50 for installation, so for $50 I may as well let him test that out. 
I hear you on the pain in flipping the ball over. I doubt I would ever do this...only when I need to lay something flat in the bed. Sounds like that is what you do too.
I hear you on the pain in flipping the ball over. I doubt I would ever do this...only when I need to lay something flat in the bed. Sounds like that is what you do too.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Utah County, UT
I have the B&W turnover ball, it uses factory holes for mounting. Yeah for 50 Bucks, have them install it, well worth the effort having done it myself. I have a rubber mat that I roll up when using it, then when done I flip the ball and unroll the mat, never know the ball was there and it keep the dirt and debri out of the ball. Still have to wipe the ball off before hooking up though. And yes, it would be nice if you didn't have to pull the pin from the fender well.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: The Villages, FL
Originally Posted by rljett
I am looking for a gooseneck hitch I can install in my 2001 F-250 SD Diesel with a short-bed. I would prefer one that will use existing holes on the frame...
Take 3 Bolt Hitch
I couldn't find any info for a short bed, so you might want to call.
Jim
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From: Woodstock, GA
I was able to get a B&W turnover ball hitch installed last week. They were able to use the existing holes in the frame. I was originally concerned because I was trying to save on the installation and do myself, but for the amount this dealer wanted for installation, I let them do it. Came out looking great. Thanks everyone for your help.
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I have the draw tite rail system in my 2006 f350 i realy do like it you can use it for a goose or put on the 5th wheel plate. only down fall is the 2 rails about 3/4" tall stick up in the bed but really that is no problem. that b&w is a good hitch a buddy of mine has it in his duramax. i just like the versatility of my rails. and for 50 buck to install that is not bad at all.
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From: Utah County, UT
Originally Posted by rljett
I was able to get a B&W turnover ball hitch installed last week. They were able to use the existing holes in the frame. I was originally concerned because I was trying to save on the installation and do myself, but for the amount this dealer wanted for installation, I let them do it. Came out looking great. Thanks everyone for your help.
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