Installing gooseneck hitch help [Archive] - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

dencon80

11-25-2010, 02:05 PM

I installed the B & W Turnover Ball Gooseneck on my '07 Tundra. The install time was suggested at 2hrs. It took me 8 :mad:!!! And I am a DIYer who has done a lot of other vehicle mods so I was confident to do it.

Part of the problem was my drill battery wasn't holding a charge and you have to drill a 4" hole in your bed. So I had to make a few trips to the Hardware store.

Some things you may want to consider:
-You will also need a hoist of some sort to hold the hitch in place up top as you get under the truck (I used a 2x4 across the bed rails and a racheted tie-down). The hitch mounts under the bed and across the frame. It weighs about 50lbs so its tough to manouver.
-The other difficult part is having to torque the bolts (8 at 80ft lbs, 4 at 100ft lbs) in a really tight area. With a good set of sockets, angle adapters, a torque wrench, and a breaker bar to choose from, you will be ok. This is the most difficult part. Laying upside down under a truck trying to torque 80-100ft lbs from 12 different angles is very tough.

I was a bit displeased with the instructions, and the kit. 4 of the bolts were 1" too short so I had to get some others at the hardware store (extra time), and the instructions give you measurements on where to drill in your bed. This measurement was off by about 3/4". This was a real pain to find out when the hitch is ready to mount up and I had to cut out more from my bed. The final product came out great. I love the hitch and it tows awesome :tu:.

In all honesty, I was quoted $200 for it to be installed. In hindsight, I would have paid that in a heartbeat knowing the difficulty level for this install. I bought $80 worth of parts/tools to get it done anyway.

Just a few thought to consider. Definetly do-able on your own, but may not be worth your time.

Also, This hitch will not work if you plan to run Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags. They can be used but would require some extra modification which need to be considered as well. I ended up going with Helwig Hepler Springs
Hope this helps.


Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum > Technical & Vehicle Assistance Forums > Towing > Installing gooseneck hitch help PDA : Installing gooseneck hitch help jkoch 11-24-2010, 06:49 AM I have some experience installing bumper hitches but never a gooseneck. I have a 2010 Tundra 4 x 4 I would like to install a GN hitch myself. Does anyone have experience installing a GN and can you recommend a hitch that installs most easily? I do not want to get into lifting the box, etc. Would like to hear of a bolt into existing holes hitch. Any help is appreciated. Thanks. dencon80 11-25-2010, 02:05 PM I installed the B & W Turnover Ball Gooseneck on my '07 Tundra. The install time was suggested at 2hrs. It took me 8 :mad:!!! And I am a DIYer who has done a lot of other vehicle mods so I was confident to do it. Part of the problem was my drill battery wasn't holding a charge and you have to drill a 4" hole in your bed. So I had to make a few trips to the Hardware store. Some things you may want to consider: -You will also need a hoist of some sort to hold the hitch in place up top as you get under the truck (I used a 2x4 across the bed rails and a racheted tie-down). The hitch mounts under the bed and across the frame. It weighs about 50lbs so its tough to manouver. -The other difficult part is having to torque the bolts (8 at 80ft lbs, 4 at 100ft lbs) in a really tight area. With a good set of sockets, angle adapters, a torque wrench, and a breaker bar to choose from, you will be ok. This is the most difficult part. Laying upside down under a truck trying to torque 80-100ft lbs from 12 different angles is very tough. I was a bit displeased with the instructions, and the kit. 4 of the bolts were 1" too short so I had to get some others at the hardware store (extra time), and the instructions give you measurements on where to drill in your bed. This measurement was off by about 3/4". This was a real pain to find out when the hitch is ready to mount up and I had to cut out more from my bed. The final product came out great. I love the hitch and it tows awesome :tu:. In all honesty, I was quoted $200 for it to be installed. In hindsight, I would have paid that in a heartbeat knowing the difficulty level for this install. I bought $80 worth of parts/tools to get it done anyway. Just a few thought to consider. Definetly do-able on your own, but may not be worth your time. Also, This hitch will not work if you plan to run Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags. They can be used but would require some extra modification which need to be considered as well. I ended up going with Helwig Hepler Springs Hope this helps.