O/T Gooseneck Mount on Truck Chassis

ChevCase · Sep 8, 2009

I have a crew cab Chev truck that I am mounting a flatbed on. First I need to mount a gooseneck hitch ball and crossmember set-up. What is ideal position of hitch ball in relation to rear axle....on rear axle centerline, slightly forward etc.
Also, what is ideal way to mount gooseneck ball crossmember to frame rails.....welding or drilling mount and frame and bolting with high strength bolts. Thanks

IaGary · Sep 8, 2009

Just ahead of center about 3 to 6 inches is best.

Some trailers have clearance issues with the truck cab, when turning short, if mounted to far forward.

We weld a plate across the frame rails with a hole in the center for the ball. Use a 3/4 thick by 8" wide plate at the least.

We welded on hundreds of these at the weld shop and never had a problem with any.

Gary

Oldmax · Sep 8, 2009

I wouldn't reccomend welding on frame there is holes in frame on outside that you can use. Or use a factory made hitch. Try one of these web sites. for an idea on how to mount.

http://www.mooretruckaccessories.com/mooretruckaccessories/Gooseneck_Hitch.html

http://www.gooseneckpopuphitch.com/

Coloken · Sep 8, 2009

8 inch channel for cross frame. A small piece at center to reinforce center hole and tack weld nut to bottom. Notch ends to BOLT to top of truck frame with 2 bolts. Unscrew ball when not in use and plug hole with a tennis ball. Oil threads when putting ball back in.

rustyfarmall · Sep 8, 2009

I have a factory made hitch in my 2001 K 3500. The ball is 6 inches ahead of the rear axle.

Mike Aylward · Sep 8, 2009

I have been told that welded hitches on pickups are no longer accepted by DOT. The hitch must be bolted to the frame. I've wondered what would happen if you welded the mounting to the frame and then made brackets that had bolts in them, just to make it look "official". Mike

dieselpup · Sep 8, 2009

It isn't a good idea to weld to frame rails. Some have heat treated rails and you risk damage. I know lots of people have, and will do it but there are usually enough holes in the vicinity to fasten it securely.
I've made several hitches using 3/4" thick plate and heavy angle iron for some first and second gen Dodges and an old Chevy. They have all held up to plenty of abuse. (17 5x5 bales of wet wrapped hay start adding up to a lot of weight.)
Look up the installation instructions for a factory hitch and space your ball accordingly.

dieselpup · Sep 8, 2009

Forgot to add, you can buy the spring loaded u-bolts for safety chains for an add those too. They aren't expensive and are out of the way when not in use.

J.Wondergem · Sep 8, 2009

I just installed a B&W flip over hitch in My Dodge. The instructions call for it to be 5 inches ahead of the center of the rear axle. They use a plate with bolts and U bolts, on the outside of the frame rails, and the plate with the flip over ball, bolts to 2 crossover supports.

Anonymous-0 · Sep 8, 2009

Mount it as far ahead as you can without having to put tailgate up to hook up.You will get some weight transfered onto the front axle.Mine is as far forward as possible without cutting the box cross member.

O/T Gooseneck Mount on Truck Chassis

ChevCase

Member

IaGary

Well-known Member

Oldmax

Member

Coloken

Well-known Member

rustyfarmall

Well-known Member

Mike Aylward

Well-known Member

dieselpup

Member

dieselpup

Member

J.Wondergem

Well-known Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

Similar threads