ProPickup How-To
Getting the perfect tow setup on a Ford Super Crew F-250 Crew Cab using a B&W Turnover Ball gooseneck hitch
By Bruce W. Smith
Towing gooseneck trailers is far more commonplace in the landscaping and construction world than it was a decade ago.
So much so that some pickup manufacturers such as Ford now offer prep packages for gooseneck hitches.
Goosenecks are superb for towing compact loaders and smaller equipment as these types of trailers balance the tongue weight of a loaded trailer more evenly across the chassis.
This setup greatly improves handling over a traditional tow-behind trailer setup – and without need of a weight-distributing hitch.
A gooseneck setup also allows you to avoid liability issues because it allows the pickup to tow the maximum while staying within the pickup manufacturer’s “properly-equipped” requirements.
Goosenecks hitch quickly, and when the towing chores are done the ball can be removed so the bed remains open for other uses.
In the case of B&W Hitches’ (turnoverball.com; 800-248-6564) Turnover Ball setup, the ball is literally pulled out, turned over and dropped back into the hitch base after the trailer is dropped.
The Turnover Ball installation is one of the easiest on the market.
Start to finish takes less than 45 minutes with basic hand tools – even less if you have done one before.
Here’re the details how Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s Truck Supply and Outfitters did the install on our 2011 F-250 Super Duty Crew Cab: