I would like to start this thread so those interested primarily in the installation of a gooseneck hitch on the new 2003 Ram can post their thoughts and experiences in a single place.<br><br> ::)<br>Mr.Billy<br>

OOOPPPPSSSS, now you did it. Hope Luke doesn't see this. [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

Do I really need to repeat myself on this topic again [eyecrazy] ??? ::)hmmmm, whats that brand of hitch I like, Oh ya. B&amp;W, that's all you need to know. www.turnoverball.com

Yeah I know Luke, it looks great, but I don't like the clamp on idea that Turnoverball is using. Sorry, but I prefer bolts through the frame, even if I don't like that idea much either, seems stronger to me than some U bolts?<br><br>Any way this is the reply I received today from Reese regarding the Remove-a-ball hitch availability for the 2003 Ram - they are referring to sister company Draw-Tite.<br><br>&quot;Bill,<br> This new installation kit is due to roll off the paint line 12/4/02 and given the appropriate time, will be available to you. This is regarding the 6390 under bed mount for the Remove - a - Ball.&quot;<br><br>Now what is the appropriate time?<br><br>This was his message re: Draw-Tite hitch (Remove-a-ball) in October to clarify the above statement.<br><br>&quot;Bill,<br> The 2003 Dodge shows a new frame. The mounting kit will be either 30035 with a new part of 58186 or 6390 for the installation kit on the additional gooseneck hitches offered.<br><br>CEGerard<br> Reese Products Technical Advisor&quot;<br><br><br><br>

Well if you took a close look at mine I think you might change your mind. I've had every dang brand of goosneck out there and I choose B&amp;W. I pull more weight than just about anybody on here and I have not broken one yet. The clamps really do nothing but hold the hitch from moving back and forth. But there is even a pin that is bolted to the side frame of the hitch that goes through a hole that the factory put in the frame, to keep it from moving back and forth. I am 110% completely sold on the quality of the B&amp;W product. This hitch your talking about, does it require a square hole to be cut in the bed ???

I am going with the B&amp;W when my truck gets here :'(<br><br>May put some bolt in it depending on how it looks.

Mudder, you won't be sorry. And you won't need any bolts. :D

heh heh... Don't worry Luke... You got back up now!<br><br><br>For the record, I have already seen a 2003 Dodge/gooseneck horse trailer on it's side. Driver was pulling into a stable that had a large decorative rock at the entrance. The rear wheels started up the rock (driver not watching) and sent the whole shooting match over on it's side. The side of the truck was totaled. The trailer had minor damage. Mostly skin scrapes and a bent running board, but there were some stress cracks in the paint on the goose, so we are replacing that.<br><br>As for the hitch, which actually leveraged the whole thing over...<br>Straight as an arrow. It is a B&amp;W. I checked that thing against a brand new hitch several different ways, looked at the paint, checked the torque on the bolts, etc, etc, etc... Nothing is different than a brand new hitch.

Woopee, your making me think again guys. Square and round holes with square and round pegs is for psychologists, I thought? ::)<br><br>Of course just cruising slowly over a bolder isn't the greatest test of strength, but the guy obviously flunked the smarts test anyway. Bet he won't do that again. Has he moved the bolder yet ? [laugh] [laugh]<br><br>See this is a good thread afterall - make one rethink options. ???<br><br>MrBilly

The B&amp;W is the highest rated for both Gross and Tongue weight in the removable balls if I remember correct, that must count for something......

B&amp;W ROCKS [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

<br>B&amp;W ROCKS [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]<br><br><br>Luke S,,,,,,,,,, minus 10 points for really bad pun! ::) [laugh]

[laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

Luke,<br><br>I'm still researching the B&amp;W<br><br>I just received a fax copy of the installation instructions for the Turn over ball hitch on the 2003 Ram from the manufacturer.<br><br>Question. <br><br>Since the pics did not show well in the fax, and you mentioned that a pin was bolted to the frame and in a hole already available from the factory, is that what is being mentioned in step 4D? <br><br>The 4D instruction reads &quot; Install the pin bracket by inserting the pin into the hole in the frame forward of the front side plate. Insert a 1 1/2 &quot; bolt through the flange of the pin gracket and the flange on the front side plate, fasten with a lock washer and nut. Repeat Step ....&quot;<br><br>I see no mention here of the &quot;pin&quot; being bolted to the frame?<br><br>Does the pin just sit there, or is the pin a stationary part of the bracket that is used to hold the whole thingy from moving, or what. Not very clear without a picture.<br><br>Thanks.

I'm sorry I wasn't very clear. The bracket with the pin bolts to the &quot;hitch frame&quot; and then the pin goes through a hole in the truck frame. I'll try and fire up the ol digi cam after while and take a pic of mine for you to see.

Did any of you fellows see the (una goose) tested to 60000 lbs nice hitch.Clamps on frame on 2003 dodge 3500. Ball is removeable and so is the safety chain hooks have one on my 2003 3500 DRW. With the ball and hooks removed the truck bed is completly smooth. Sure seems like the best hitch on the market to me.WEB SITE http://www.una-goose.com/

Well, that is interesting. I'd like to see how it &quot;clamps to an 03 frame&quot; ???

I saw that Una-Ball also and though it did look good. Only thing I though was that you have to store the ball somewhere when it is out. Also the hook points and ball are all one piece. If the ball gives out you loose your safety chains also, even though that chances are slim to none of that happening.

Hey Hickory,<br><br>Only clamps, nothing through the frame?<br><br>That makes me a bit uneasy, but 60000 is impressive. I like the idea of some teeth in the meat of the frame ;D<br><br>This hitch issue is driving me to drink Maker's Mark - too much!<br><br>As an option I spoke to a company that installs flatbeds on Rams - a local holding area for Ram trucks that need bodies. <br><br>They did their first flatbed on a 2003, but had to manufacture a substructure to attach the Rudby flatbed to, because the new frame was wider than the normal flatbed platforms. That adds $150 to the cost. <br><br>How much do you haul and how long have you been hauling with your new hitchy?<br><br>Oh my, we are having our fun, arn't we?<br><br>

MR BILLY I deliver featherlite horse &amp; car trailers 20' to 40' all over the country.this has been the best hitch that i have ever had.I put 84000 mi on my 2002 3500 and the hitch was just as tite as new .The ball is held in by a ring and ball bearings like a fluid connector. the hitch is mounted to the frame by two heavy straps on each side.Looks strong to me.On the older trucks it mounted to the inside of the frame and was bolted.if you would like to see some pictures let me know and i'll try to post some.

Hickory, do you drive for featherlite or are you independent. I used to sell Featherlites a few years back.

Luke S I work for a transport company in iowa

Here is some pics of my hitch set-up. There kind of bad but about the best I could get of the side plates.

Mr.Billy, here is that pin-through-the -frame I was refering to.

Thanks Mr. Luke - now it is very clear to me!<br><br>Bill