73-87 B&W Gooseneck in 67-72

[rgreathouse]

Has anyone here tried to install a B&W GRNK1400 gooseneck turnover hitch into a 67-72? They are designed for a 73-87 but I am tempted to try one in a 67-72.

Pics and details if anyone has tried please.

[Sheepdip]

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...All%20Products

I put this Curt Brand in Otis my avatar which is almost the same configuration as the B&W you are referencing. I made all my own mounting brackets since it was a 1 ton cab and chassis frame.

It was not all that hard to fab, you have to make sure you fab so you can get it installed if your bed is still in place.

I cheated and had 2 young bucks to do all the drilling, twisting, turning and grunting at install time. Went in just like it was made for it.

[rgreathouse]

Thanks sheepdip, that is an option for me. I think that the gnrk1400 b&w may be a very simple install, hoping someone has tried it.

[Sheepdip]

Here's a couple of pic's that I took for you as best I could. As stated mine is a 1 ton cab n chassis so the frame rails are a straight 34" od.

On the out side frame work (left pic) the 2 bottom angles that you see the ends of also sit on top of the frame rails to support the downward tongue weight.

The 2 top angles support the actual hitch just under the bed deck. The uprights with the angle welded between them are 1/2" X 4" flat bar.

The 1/4" X 3" flat bar you see running down at roughly 45 degrees is welded to the top rectangular tube and bolted to an existing hole on the truck frame, there is one on the other side that is not seen behind the tire that is fastened the same except it is straight up and down, this is typical both sides.
This is the only welding I had to do after everything was in place and tightened down.

All angle iron was 3/8" X 2" X 2" I prefabbed everything to make it a bolt in application.

Like I said earlier I got the young bucks over to do all the muscle work and drilling of deck and the 4-1/2" holes each side of the rectangular tube that sits on top of the frame............. Cost me Pizza and Beer.

[CJ2A]

Sheep Dip,
How long did you make the channels that are on top of your frame, going towards the front of the truck ? and also going to the back ? What size Is the channel ?

[Sheepdip]

Originally Posted by CJ2A

Sheep Dip,
How long did you make the channels that are on top of your frame, going towards the front of the truck ? and also going to the back ? What size Is the channel ?

The rail on top of the frame runs the full length just short of the cab to end of the back end of frame for supporting the aluminum bed.
Just forward of the part you cant see in the pic the frame steps/drops to cab level, you have to cut a wedge or taper for full rail support in that area, a good straight edge will give you that offset info.

The full length rail on top of the frame is 1-1/2" X 4" X .125 wall rectangle tube, the wedge roughly 4' long is cut from I believe 2" channel...but a straight edge will confirm that 2" for you, it could be 2-1/2" or 3", I really do not remember.

A guy that's handy with a torch can cut that wedge and still leave 2 flanges for load support or a good metal shop can fab you a piece to fit also.

[Mike C]

Not sure how good your fab skills are, but B&W sells a sleeve that is designed to be installed in a C-channel hitch mounted under the bed along with a smooth, round shank gooseneck ball. It's not quite as convenient as the turnover ball since you have to climb under the truck and pull the pin to remove the ball. And you have to store the ball somewhere else when it is out. But you should be able to fab your own gooseneck with removeable ball for less than $100. Use a piece of 8" C-channel between the frame rails, use a 4" upside down welded along the 8" piece. Cut a hole in both c-channels, insert the sleeve and weld to both.

[rgreathouse]

Im tempted to order the 73-87 B&W gooseneck and see how close it is to fitting. anyone else try one by chance before I order it?