djcheez

has anyone installed this and think it is too far forward? i have had a couple guys tell me it looks a few inches far forward. imo, it doesnt look as thought you can even install it much further rearward because of the design. any thoughts?

peacemaker

I installed mine and it is a few inches forward of the rear axle. I was told it was supposed to be that way because you want the weight a little in front of the rear axle.

Burner

The LB gets 47 & 7/8" and the SB measures 45 & 7/8" from the bed lip. That means the the LB is actually futher into the truck than your SB. B&W makes a 4" extension that's rated @ 20k, if you need it. I had the B&W hitch on my 03 Dmax and needed the extra clearance do to my 117 WeatherGurad toolbox on a SB truck.

Although I did not use mine very much I really liked it.

hotdram

Just had mine installed on Friday, I thought it looked too far forward as well. I then went to the B/W website and read the install directions. It should sit 5" forward of the rear axle. My truck is a second gen, but it is probably about the same for a third gen.

~Rob

djcheez

well it sounds like it is right. i use the 4 inch ball extension along with the 9 inch gooseneck extension. i guess some might think might be unsafe or jerry rigged, but it is the only way i can keep form smacking my cab again. oh and it pulls just fine that way

Burner

Do you have a pic of that set-up? I'd like to see what it looks like.

peacemaker

I took a picture of the side view of my hitch. Its in my members gallery if you want to see how far forward the ball is installed. Pay no attention to how close it is to my toolbox as I put it too far back when I installed. Going to fix it after I get the bed sprayed.

Frank Hog

I have the B&W turnover ball. It appears to only mount 4" or so in front of the axle -- the "draw tight" (my term) bolts utilize predrilled frame holes, and there just isn't any adjustment with the hardware installed.

I also have the 4" ball extension. You can see it on this site, about 1/3rd towards the bottom of the page: http://www.hitchcorner.com/gooseneck-hitch.htm.

Also had a 7 1/2" extension on the gooseneck (L shaped at bottom) but proceeded to mangle my left siderail with that contraption. I now just have the 4" ball extension. The 5er can still hit the cab on my shortbed though.