goose neck
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
In the "for what it's worth" department, if you compare a B&W gooseneck hitch for the late model Ford, with a Reese/Drawtite version, it is clear that the Reese/Drawtite is heavier duty, especially the rails.
The B&W gets a lot of positive press, however you can turn the ball over in either one.
I've installed several; it's not that hard to do but you want to take your time with the layout so that your hole is dead center.
Spending the extra bucks for a factory installed one is a good idea, IMO.
The B&W gets a lot of positive press, however you can turn the ball over in either one.
I've installed several; it's not that hard to do but you want to take your time with the layout so that your hole is dead center.
Spending the extra bucks for a factory installed one is a good idea, IMO.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
For all you guys with anxiety over measuring and drilling the hole, forget about it! We installed a B&W in my brothers 11 last weekend and although it was more involved than my 06, it was still a breeze. Ford already provides you with a dimple or basically center punch exactly where the hole needs to be drilled. I drilled this with a regular bit, chucked that bit up in the hole saw and voila we had a perfect hole in seconds!
Once you have the B&W turnover ball setup, it's a no brainer to use their Companion hitch for your fifth wheel needs. It's the setup I have been using for more than 3 years and it will be getting transfered to my 2011 when i arrives in a few weeks.
Once you have the B&W turnover ball setup, it's a no brainer to use their Companion hitch for your fifth wheel needs. It's the setup I have been using for more than 3 years and it will be getting transfered to my 2011 when i arrives in a few weeks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,762
Likes: 401
From: Logan, Utah
I've had the B &W turnover and liked it, but hated climbing in the truck to flip it. For my '11 I went with the POPUP2 from a place in Kansas. You can raise and lower the ball from the ground -while sipping a Coke-. It was like 435 to my door and I installed it in about 2-3 hours. I've really liked it. The handle is in the same location as the B & W.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 5
From: Albuquerque
If you have not bought your truck yet and are considering ordering... You do know that they SD's are now offered with a gooseneck/5th wheel prep package direct from the factory which includes the rails, inbed wiring hookup, laser cut rail access holes the are done prior to paint and that are finished with trim rings and close out covers for when you want a clean bed. Factory warranty as well...
MSRP on the prep kit is $370 and the gooseneck ball kit is another $250, but that can be found cheaper online either under the Ford or Reese brand...
MSRP on the prep kit is $370 and the gooseneck ball kit is another $250, but that can be found cheaper online either under the Ford or Reese brand...
Really? I thought the factory option was only for DRW models. Can any one confirm that the factory option is for ALL SuperDuty models???
biz
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,829
Likes: 3
Starting with production beginning November 1st the prep package will be available on short beds as well...
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 5
From: Albuquerque
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Joined: Aug 2010
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http://www.reeseprod.com/content/products.aspx?lvl=3&parentid=1800&catID=1830∂=9481
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Alberta, Canada
Hi,
My first post here.
I went with the prep kit and goose and fifth wheel hitch right from the dealer. I had the B&W setup in my last truck but am looking to haul a heavier trailer and the B&W setup was not rated for a 20K toy hauler fifth wheel. I like the new Reese Elite/Ford setup but did call Reese the other day and ask them if they had any method to stop the banging of the hitch side to side when turning corners.
The truck is so quiet the clunking in the box was really getting to me so I took a bungee strap and tied it up.
Rick
My first post here.
I went with the prep kit and goose and fifth wheel hitch right from the dealer. I had the B&W setup in my last truck but am looking to haul a heavier trailer and the B&W setup was not rated for a 20K toy hauler fifth wheel. I like the new Reese Elite/Ford setup but did call Reese the other day and ask them if they had any method to stop the banging of the hitch side to side when turning corners.
The truck is so quiet the clunking in the box was really getting to me so I took a bungee strap and tied it up.
Rick
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 5
From: Albuquerque
Hi,
My first post here.
I went with the prep kit and goose and fifth wheel hitch right from the dealer. I had the B&W setup in my last truck but am looking to haul a heavier trailer and the B&W setup was not rated for a 20K toy hauler fifth wheel. I like the new Reese Elite/Ford setup but did call Reese the other day and ask them if they had any method to stop the banging of the hitch side to side when turning corners.
The truck is so quiet the clunking in the box was really getting to me so I took a bungee strap and tied it up.
Rick
My first post here.
I went with the prep kit and goose and fifth wheel hitch right from the dealer. I had the B&W setup in my last truck but am looking to haul a heavier trailer and the B&W setup was not rated for a 20K toy hauler fifth wheel. I like the new Reese Elite/Ford setup but did call Reese the other day and ask them if they had any method to stop the banging of the hitch side to side when turning corners.
The truck is so quiet the clunking in the box was really getting to me so I took a bungee strap and tied it up.
Rick
GREAT setup! Thanks for posting the pic. Welcome to FTE!
biz
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
From: Surprise, Arizona
RickSo
I'm getting this setup in my new truck. I see a lot of space between the hitch and the bed itself. Is this my imagination?
I was told they Ford gives you spacers fetween the bed and hitch. Is that true?
I was also told that the truck comes with rubber plugs when the hitch is removed.
I'm getting this setup in my new truck. I see a lot of space between the hitch and the bed itself. Is this my imagination?
I was told they Ford gives you spacers fetween the bed and hitch. Is that true?
I was also told that the truck comes with rubber plugs when the hitch is removed.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 183
When I bought my 05 SD I installed the B&W myself. Took me about 2 1/2 hours but I jacked up the back and put it on jack stands, also had to take half of the tailpipe brackets lose to make room to slide the pipe out of the way.. Was also too cheap to buy a 4" hole saw so I cut it out with a fine tooth blade in a jig saw and then with a little filing it looks factory. OH, also spend about an hour measuring and remeasuring before making that hole. 
I have an F150 with ecoboost on order and I will be installing the same type in it.
I do not trust others to work on my stuff unless it's absolutely necessary
I have an F150 with ecoboost on order and I will be installing the same type in it.
I do not trust others to work on my stuff unless it's absolutely necessary
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Unk Jim
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Nov 21, 2014 01:43 PM
