Gooseneck Hitch, Where to install?

[ndemge]

Doing a flatbed conversion on my van.<br /><br />Where do you have ball mounted for the gooseneck, in refernce to the rear axle?<br /><br />Directly over, forward, back?<br /><br />Need to figure that out to finish the rest of the project.

 

[Terry H]

Re: Gooseneck Hitch, Where to install?

Directly over.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Gooseneck Hitch, Where to install?

Thanks. What I figured, but hey, as soon as I weld everything in place it will be something different.

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Gooseneck Hitch, Where to install?

Yep. It needs to be directly inline with the axles OR up to 2 inches ahead of the axles. I have always installed them directly over the axle. Ya got a kit or ya gonna use channel iron?

 

[ndemge]

Re: Gooseneck Hitch, Where to install?

Unsure yet. I will probably go to the local welding shop and once I'm ready, have them weld it in. I trust my welding for a lot of things, but for a hitch that I might pull 6-7 tons with, I'd rather the pro do it. They put the receiver on the back of the van and WOW is it one stout hitch. $120 for WAY better than any bolt on you could ever buy.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Gooseneck Hitch, Where to install?

A van being converted to a flatbed....sounds good. Using a hitch mounted over the axle sounds right..... Pulling 6 - 7 tons??? 12,000 - 14,000 lbs sounds like alot for a converted van. It must be a 1 ton van and in good shape otherwise that is quite a stout load.<br /><br />Have you considered changing the rear wheels to duals? That would help with that load. 6-7 ton is just too much for a single rear wheel set up.<br /><br />Bob

 

[DJ]

Re: Gooseneck Hitch, Where to install?

Yep. It needs to be directly inline with the axles OR up to 2 inches ahead of the axles. I have always installed them directly over the axle.

Ditto. <br /><br />The ability to go forward of the axle (adjustable) is advantageous if you have a light goose neck load