GN hitches, likes and dislikes?

MikePA · Jun 21, 2015

Thanks for the explanation.

I had read C4Ranch's other thread about his new truck and knew he had bought a short bed and had mentioned Curt hitches.

We had a GN horse trailer with a short bed and got a tapered nose on the trailer. It helped with the clearance between the trailer and cab plus I moved the hitch as far back as the instructions would allow but it was still something we kept an eye on. We had the truck first and got a deal on the trailer so we were 'stuck' with both unless I wanted to buy a new truck with an 8 foot bed, which was not in the budget.

We have a different truck (8 foot bed) and horse trailer (bumper pull) now.

Personally, I'd never use a GN horse/stock trailer and a short bed again. I know others do and truck manufacturers offer them, but they're not for me.

Regarding the hitch, we had a B & W that had rails in the bed and a huge contraption with the ball in the middle I had to attach with 4 pins, insert clips in the end of each pin to keep them from sliding out. A royal pain to use and take out. I think the hitch was designed more for a fifth wheel.

My advice re: hitches is to use a turnover ball and mount the electrical connection is the sidewall of the bed.

RedNeckRacin · Jun 21, 2015

Any time mike. I did read the other thread but I didn't connect the two for some reason? :confused3: my typing while I'm on my phone is usually a bit more brief than when I'm at a computer and I think I don't explain what I'm thinking as well as I should. I only ever had an 8 ft bed and a 12 ft flatbed with a GN so I never had any issues with turning. I would def vote for the outlet in the bed of the truck though.

WM75Guy · Jun 21, 2015

C4Ranch said:
What would you buy? I have B&Ws.

Anyone have this Curt?
Gooseneck for 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 - Curt C61301-52

Both of my 2500HDs are shortbeds. My GN Sundowner horse trailer and GN 20' pipe top have V fronts. I can jack knife both 90 degrees and still not be close to the cab.

Lt CHEG · Jun 21, 2015

Diamondpilot said:
I have installed about a Dozen B&W but I have never been impressed with the paint finish.

Curt and Putnam is all we use for BP stuff now and the paint on them is second to none. I would not think twice about a Curt hitch.

Chris

I am not terribly impressed with B&W's paint finish either. I had a B&W hitch on my Chevy and while the hitch itself seemed to be of excellent quality, the side plates that mounted to the frame rapidly developed surface rust. That was a large reason why I made sure that my new truck had the factory gooseneck setup with drop in ball. My suggestion is whatever hitch you decide to use, spray a couple coats of rattle can clear coat on the plates before you install them.

r porter · Jun 25, 2015

if that plate that the ball is hinged on is in the bed and you haul bedding [or grain] that has to shoveled out you will cuss that plate every time you hit it with a shovel. a turn over ball has no plate to hit.

Scott65 · Jul 5, 2015

I have that hitch in my current truck. Honestly it's my least favorite. I've had several brands and designs. I'm not positive it's Curt though, I just don't like the design. Curt as a company is great, I'm even a dealer for them. The hitch was in this truck when I got it. It's the only one I've that that hinges. It feels good and tight until you get over about 6k pounds on it. Then it develops a little wobble at its pivot point. And it doesn't take much of this wobble when stopping 20k pounds to make you think something is coming loose. Also, no option to use the hitch extender on these if ever needed.

I've used many b&w turnover balls over the years, no complaints. Curt has a neat setup that allows you to retract the ball without climbing back in the bed. I've used that one in one of my trucks as well. A little finicky at first because I didn't apply the decal and always forgot which lever to pull which direction, in what order... And keep it greased. It sat retracted unused for a couple months and got stuck. No biggie, a light tap from underneath and it sprung back up. Probably happens to any of them

C4Ranch · Jul 5, 2015

Thanks! I'm leaning towards a turn over ball now. Curt has one I can get for <$400 and then I won't have a big plate in my bed.

Scott65 · Jul 5, 2015

Careful with Curt. Allot of times you have to buy 2 kits. A universal hitch system, then the vehicle specific mounting kit. Make sure the $400 isn't just 1 of 2

bdog · Jul 5, 2015

I have had a few BW turnover balls and really like them. Nothing but a small hole in the bed. I can flip the ball over by myself in about 30 seconds. Pull the lever in the wheel well, jump in bed and flip it, push lever back in. Just don't leave the ball in one position for months on end without taking it out because they can get stuck requiring a hammer on the bottom to get them out which is no fun. I rotate mine around maybe 4-5 times a year and have zero issues and can pull it out with no effort. A buddy left his in place for a couple years and had a heck of a time getting it out.