Are you looking for more stability in your hitch? A gooseneck hitch provides that stability by moving the weight forwards and your truck safely grounded.
Knowing the correct way to install this hitch is important so you don’t run into any problems in the future.
Here are 4 things you need to know about gooseneck hitch installation.
1. You Have to Find the Perfect Placement
In order to get a safe amount of clearance when you’re making turns with your gooseneck hitch, you’ll need to find the perfect placement or the “sweet spot.”
Start measuring from the back of the glass of the vehicle you’re using to tow. 36″ is what’s recommended to achieve the correct placement. This distance will ensure that you can make both wide and tight turns without worry of damage to the trailer or your vehicle.
If this distance seems a little too large for your particular vehicle or service body, you might be able to shorten the distance by a few inches to accommodate.
2. Modifications May Need to Happen
It may be necessary to make a few modifications to your truck. For example, in order to get the hitch ball secured well to the frame, you might need to have a hole drilled towards the middle of the bed of the truck.
If you have a smaller bed in your truck, you might require
3. Install Yourself or Hire a Professional
Either a professional can install your gooseneck hitch or you can install it yourself. If you plan on installing your gooseneck hitch yourself, you’ll need tools such as a wrench, drill, and a saw.
Another important tool that you’ll need throughout the whole process is a measuring tape or a ruler. This project requires a lot of measuring to make sure that everything is in the right place.
If you aren’t that confident in your automotive skills or you need any fabrication done, a professional would be your best bet.
A professional will be helpful when installing the automatic brake control system for the hitch. Also, you will need the auxiliary circuit which controls the lights activated.
4. A Gooseneck Hitch Installation Isn’t Universal
If you plan on purchasing a used truck with a gooseneck hitch already on it, know that it isn’t universal. Every trailer is different and your car has a hitch in a specific place to the previous trailer.
You’ll need to take the measurements of everything before hooking up your trailer. This way you’ll know if there’s enough room to make turns with clearance.
If the measurements aren’t right, install the gooseneck hitch in a new spot correct for your trailer.
A Gooseneck Hitch Works Well With Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks
A gooseneck hitch installation can be tricky to install on your own, but it isn’t impossible. This hitch is also accommodating for different sizes of heavy-duty trucks with shorter beds requiring extra materials.
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