Gooseneck for an 08 F-250

[dgeesaman]

I'm going to get a turnover ball gooseneck installed. I got a quote from two trailer / RV places nearby. Both quoted $800 installed. One was B&W, one was drawtite.

$800 seems high. Does this seem right?

What happens when they cut through the plastic bedliner and bed? Is there a way they can install it that it won't start rusting out?

I've heard about interference with the exhaust on 08+'s. Do both of these fit ok?

Dave

[henry_n5]

Mine is a b&w was 700 and something from the dealer. I didnt have any interferance with mine. I even went with a diffrent exhaust no problems.

[SmokinPHorses]

I had gotten some quotes to have a B&W installed earlier this year on our o6. Prices ranged from 435 to 475 + tax.

[choupique108]

800 is bout right. They (or at least we do) use just a 4inch hole saw for the bed. it shouldnt rust bc it does not get too hot when you cut it.... Save yourself some money and do it yourself. All you need is a 3/4, 9/16, 8 or 10mm, and 1 1/8 or 1 1/16 wrenches/sockets 4inch hole saw and a 1/2 inch drill bit... its really easy. I can do one in about an hour. The shop is probally gonna charge you for 3-4 since thats what the install time is in the book.

As far as quality the are both really really great. I have a B&W and if i had to buy another i think id go drawtite. They have a lil better warranty. The only time you will have exhaust interference is if you dont install the supplied exhaust brackets. They space the piping down about 1 1/2 to 2 inches..

[1tonpower]

i plain on using The Goose by reese. it mounts on rails like a 5th hitch would

[choupique108]

the hitches by reese are nice but the only thing that holds the ball in the plate is a big snap ring...

[dgeesaman]

I was thinking about the DIY. Hole saws are a lot cheaper than $400.

Will I need a helper to lift the bed off?

Dave

[dgeesaman]

Nevermind, I found the B&W install instructions and it looks like there is no need to lift the bed. I think I'll be fine with B&W and DIY installation.

Thanks,

Dave

[choupique108]

here is a hint: this is how I do them...

But the B&W together.. by this i mean the rails and the main piece of the hitch.
Cut your hole in the bed and be SUPER SURE you use the right length... I once cut a long bed hole in a short bed truck.... good thing we did a bed liner for him too. I had to weld the piece back in there and bed line over it.... Next, Undo the bed bolts and depending on how much stuff you have in your bed, i pick the bed up with my back, the shoulder blade area and i stick a 4x6 under there, you have to do this on both sides. On dodge and GM you can only do one. Once you have the bed on the blocks just slide the whole B&W under the bed and SLOWLY let the bed back down making sure the hole lines up with the hitch. Everything else is per directions.

If you need anything else just Pm me ill help you as much as i can.

[rodo]

Just bought a B&W hitch today at an auction for an RV dealership (paid $200 for the hitch brand new in box). I am a little concerned about having to drop my exhaust (I have heard as much as 6"). It states in the instructions that you can also drop the front side of the exhaust. Has anyone done this? With the regular install, it sounds like you can take it to a muffler shop and make up close to the difference by cutting out some of the pipe and re-welding...any tips on this? Thanks in advance!!