GN hitches, likes and dislikes?

[C4Ranch]

I don't think I would consider it as a "big spender"
Curt frame mount $190
Curt ezr turn over ball $160

If I need a 5th wheel hitch, this will drop right in
5th Wheel Adapter Plates | Gooseneck HItch | Curtmfg.com

Believe my bed measures around 6'8"

 

[Xfaxman]

My FIL had one of those rail style hitches in the bed of his dually. I always thought it made the truck porpise when riding down the road. Well, he changed the bed out for a flatbed and a frame mounted ball, and WOW what a difference towing it made dropping that ball down 6" or so! It felt like a whole different truck to me with a similar load on each time (about 240 square bales)

I'll bet the ball in the flatbed was farther ahead of the axle than on the rail hitch.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I'll bet the ball in the flatbed was farther ahead of the axle than on the rail hitch.

Nope, they were in the exact same spot near as I can remember. I never did measure it because I didn't think about it before he did the conversion.

The rails and the height of the plate would definitely raise my hitch ball by 4-6" over the height of one hidden in the bed. If I dropped the ball though, I would have to extend the GN shaft accordingly in order to keep my trailer level when travelling. It never occurred to me that there would be a difference since the trailer height would still be the same, but maybe the lower pivot point makes a difference. No idea to be honest, interesting thought though.

I don't have any scientific evidence about it, but the truck definitely felt better to me. I always tried to get the trailer to ride level, but that dually drops a good 6 inches with that load on it. The international and air ride sit at the same height regardless of weight :thumbsup:.

 

[Silvic]

B&W turnover is the way to go. Have not seen the paint issue yet but don't live in heavy rust areas either.

Well I just bought a new B&W turnover for a new vehicle and the paint fresh out of the box was peeling off leaving shiny steel behind .
I wonder if there has been a change in paint application that I just now experienced/saw and that others have reported.
A bit disappointing on the new one.

 

[Soundguy]

Was it painted u played steel, or painted plated steel. I've seen lots of places paint zinc chromate plated parts, then see it loose the paint shortly after cure as the playing was pretty much doing its job so to speak.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Well I just bought a new B&W turnover for a new vehicle and the paint fresh out of the box was peeling off leaving shiny steel behind . I wonder if there has been a change in paint application that I just now experienced/saw and that others have reported. A bit disappointing on the new one.

I've seen the same. That's why we shyed away from using them.

Chris

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I agree with Chris on this one, I had a Curt hitch that looked new after 8 years of NE winter roads. My B&W looked like it had been to the ocean after one winter. Now that I know Curt has a GN to 5er conversion like the companion I'll give them the business.

Matt