Goose Neck Hitch
Diesel Bomber
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 98
From: Walton, Ky
first pickups we had with a ball in them were way back in 1973 when we built the first gooseneck trailer around this area. we used half inch plate alittle wider than the frame and 16" front to back and it sat on top of the bed floor with four bolts and box to frame spacers. my brother wore the ball flat with all the towing he did with his 84 pickup never bent anything. not saying it couldn't happen. next one i do is going to be a plate on the floor again. always bought some fancy hida ball thing and never put it away.
Andy
BOMBARDIER
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 12,854
Likes: 1,112
From: Illinois?
On a rigid type hitch such as a gooseneck or bumper hitch, it's better to bolt it in. Bolts leave room for flex and these hitches get alot of jerking action while in use. Over time this will stress the metal around welds. 5th wheel type hitches are ok to weld in because the plate at the hitch point stays mobile and absorbs that motion.
I would also dissagree on the use of grade 8 bolts. I know it seems like you would want the strongest bolts available, but in this case grade 8 are to stiff and which makes them brittle when flexed. They tend to snap under pressure. If you look at any hitch on the market, from the cheapest to the most expensive they all use grade 5 to allow for this.
These are just my personal opinions and observations from being in the trailer business, I don't have any fancy articles or studies to referance proving my case.
I would also dissagree on the use of grade 8 bolts. I know it seems like you would want the strongest bolts available, but in this case grade 8 are to stiff and which makes them brittle when flexed. They tend to snap under pressure. If you look at any hitch on the market, from the cheapest to the most expensive they all use grade 5 to allow for this.
These are just my personal opinions and observations from being in the trailer business, I don't have any fancy articles or studies to referance proving my case.
Vegistrokin Bombardier
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,705
Likes: 121
From: Oklahoma
I would also dissagree on the use of grade 8 bolts. I know it seems like you would want the strongest bolts available, but in this case grade 8 are to stiff and which makes them brittle when flexed. They tend to snap under pressure. If you look at any hitch on the market, from the cheapest to the most expensive they all use grade 5 to allow for this.
Thread Starter
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Diesel Bomber
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 135
From: Mother Nature, New
any pics yet?
this will actually be my trailer now. He is selling it to me for 50 bucks more than he bought it for $ 200!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SO if anyone knows where a goose neck hitch is for a dodge ram for cheap let me know
or can build one or has plans to build one
this will actually be my trailer now. He is selling it to me for 50 bucks more than he bought it for $ 200!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SO if anyone knows where a goose neck hitch is for a dodge ram for cheap let me know
or can build one or has plans to build one
Thread Starter
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Diesel Bomber
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 135
From: Mother Nature, New
ok sweet.
is it repairable?
If its just sitting at your place I'll pay shipping to get it here so I can fix it or copy it with more beef or if you want to get rid of it for a small sum of money.
let me know
is it repairable?
If its just sitting at your place I'll pay shipping to get it here so I can fix it or copy it with more beef or if you want to get rid of it for a small sum of money.
let me know
