homebuilt gooseneck trailer hitch

[ultraglide62]

I have a 1999 Ford 350 superduty. Is it legal to build your own gooseneck hitch in the state of WA? Have you ever seen any plans? I would love some ideas if it is legal. If not what retro fit kit is considered the best?
Thanks ultraglide62

 

[Lacattleman]

I'm from Louisiana and I know several people who have built their on hitches, but they are very proficent welders. Not something I would attempt if I were a beginning welder.

 

[Bigfoot62]

Don't know about WA state, but I agree with Lacattleman, it's not a project for an amateur. If you build it yourself, YOU are liable if anything goes wrong. Here in LA, any truck with a gvwr of more than 6500# (everything bigger than a 1/2 ton) is subject to DOT regulations. So, what is the tow rating of your homemade hitch? Does it have attachment points for the safety chains? Etc. It's just easier to get a "storebought" hitch and let someone else do the engineering.

Here's a really good one, and the cost (installed) is about $550 here:
Gooseneck Hitch | B & W Trailer Hitches

 

[WM75Guy]

Here's a really good one, and the cost (installed) is about $550 here:
Gooseneck Hitch | B & W Trailer Hitches

I have this on both my trucks. It is the old weakest link in the chain gives first story. Why spend tens of thousands on a truck, trailer, and cargo and then try to save a few hundred on the hitch? Get one engineered for the load.

 

[aczlan]

Don't know about WA state, but I agree with Lacattleman, it's not a project for an amateur. If you build it yourself, YOU are liable if anything goes wrong.

Very important point. If you have a tire blow on (for example) a travel trailer, it rolls over, snaps off the hitch from the truck and smashes a car that couldn't get out of the way, your insurance carrier will probably say "your hitch, your problem" and refuse to do anything else for you.


Aaron Z

 

[Renze]

It seems different rules for different US states, but in Europe, all hitches, 5th wheels, ball couplers are subjected to EG 94/20 approval. You need to show the approval mark on the serial tag, of brakes, couplers and hand over a correct brake calculation based on test data of the axles. Then you can get it tagged.
People do build their own trailers here, but only the frame is something you can build with no questions asked. Even a V towbar either needs an EG 94/20 approval, or a calculation of strength, which needs an approval stamp by the authority for special one-of constructions...

 

[ultraglide62]

Thanks guys you confirmed my concerns. Liability these days is a big problem. I will purchase a good hitch and have it properly installed.
Ultraglide62

 

[bal0123]

Well I am From Oklahoma. The way I look at it, How do you know your good enough at building your own hitch until you try. If it breaks on the first attempt, hopefully know one is around and gets hurt, because your likely to get shafted. But at least you gave it a try and the 2nd attempt you will know how to improve from your 1st.

 

[aczlan]

Well I am From Oklahoma. The way I look at it, How do you know your good enough at building your own hitch until you try. If it breaks on the first attempt, hopefully know one is around and gets hurt, because your likely to get shafted. But at least you gave it a try and the 2nd attempt you will know how to improve from your 1st.

2 issues with this line of reasoning:
1. A new hitch is $350. If shipping adds $50, you would have $400 into it. How much will it cost to replace your bed/tailgate when it comes loose "the first time" and smashes them up? (Hint, a new tailgate is close to $500 for some trucks)
2. What if it doesn't break the first time, but waits till 2 years down the road when it breaks as you are slamming on the brakes/swerving to miss the tire that came off of the semi 3 cars up?

All in all, is isn't worth it (IMO) unless you know what you are doing and if you pay someone to do it, you will be close to the price of a hitch anyway.

Aaron Z