Towing weighty loads requires the proper equipment. Gooseneck hitches, which are often rated to tow up to 30 thousand pounds, allow drivers to move large loads with superb handling. Unlike standard ball hitches, gooseneck hitches are mounted inside the bed of a truck, in front of the rear axle, with the ball protruding from the truck bed. Although installation typically requires that at least one hole be drilled in the truck bed to accommodate the hitch, many drivers find the alterations worth the effort to tow larger loads.
Mark the hitch ball center — where the center of the hitch ball will be finally mounted — inside the bed of the truck. Note that the ball must be centered between the bed rails and located forward of the vehicle's rear axle. Measure to ensure that the ball placement provides enough clearance to avoid contact with a gooseneck trailer during turns. Check under the truck to confirm that the drilling location will not interfere with any components underneath the truck bed.
Cut through the truck bed at the marking point with a 3.5-inch hole saw. File the edges of the hole to eliminate any rough edges created during the cut.
Place the hitch platform into the drilled hole from underneath the truck. Use the platform as a template to drill the holes required for installation of the hex bolts and/or carriage bolts and u-bolts included with the hitch. Drill through the platform perimeter hole locations using a cordless drill and 5/8-inch drill bit. Drill a 3/4-inch hole through each location required for installation of the u-bolts.
Slide the 5/8-inch hex bolts and carriage bolts through the hitch platform, from the top side of the bed, as indicated by the pattern of the platform. Secure each bolt with a lock washer and nut from the underside of the truck bed. Torque all bolts to 150 foot-pounds.
Slide the two u-bolts included with the installation kit through the 3/4-inch drilled holes from the top side of the bed. Slip a spring on each extension of the u-bolts and secure the assembly in place with a lock washer and nut underneath the bed of the truck. Tighten the nut until three threads are visible below the nut.
Unscrew the ball hitch screw from the top of the gooseneck ball hitch. Slide the ball through the gooseneck hitch platform from the top side of the bed of the truck. Secure the ball in place by re-tightening the ball hitch screw, on the top of the ball, completely.
