71 K20 vs. 73 K20 frame dimensions

[schoolbuilder]

Hello, all. Does anyone out there have prints on these frames? I've been told they "should" be the same, but I'd like to confirm before I order a '73 gooseneck hitch for my '71 K20 Cheyenne. All the hitch manufacturers only list down to 73 for compatibility. Thank you.

[brad_man_72]

Beautiful truck. I believe the 73 frame kicks up more at the rear but I believe they are the same width.

[hugger6933]

I'm thinking that is is gonna work. If your still not sure why not have a welding shop fab you one up. I've had some homemade ones on some of the trucks I've had or junked out and they looked pretty good. Jim

[Jeff's bowtie's]

I think the major difference in the two frames is only under the cab 67-72 being flat and 73-87 curving up to allow room for the underside gas tanks but the part that goes over the rear axle is the same

[jocko]

Probably not relevant to your hitch question, but, 67-72 lwb: wb=127" ... 73-87 lwb: wb=131.5"

[schoolbuilder]

Thanks, guys. It does seem my frame measures the same as a '73. 34" outside-to-outside of frame rails over the axel. So it appears a hitch spec'd for a '73 will fit this particular '71. I'll be pulling my 32' 5th wheel camper that I used to pull with an '08 GMC dually. The trailer exceeds the posted GVW for this '71 truck, but I'm confident that with the tow package equipment I have and conservative driving it will handle it. It has the tranny cooler, what appears to be a 1T rear axel (8 bolt wheels) and a healthy stack of helper springs. I'll report back on how it goes.