Installed a B&W model #1313 in my new 2012 3500 today. The install wasn't bad and went on without a hitch (sorry... horrible pun). For me, the hardest part of the install was pulling the trigger to cut a 4" hole in the bed of a brand new truck. The most difficult part of the install was wrestling the rear wheel liners out and back in. If there's a trick to that... I sure didn't find it.

While I was at it, I also installed a Bargman #51-97-410 5th wheel/gooseneck trailer plug harness in the bedside. I am quite pleased with how both the hitch and the harness went into the truck.

 

Looks good Mechanos! I like the location you chose for the trailer plug. What kind of spray in liner do you have? I am going to purchase a 5th wheel hitch soon, but haven't decided if I should have my bed Line-X'd before or after the holes are drilled. Did you have any difficulty drilling through your liner?

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Liner was "factory" or at least came from the dealer that way... "Spray in liner" is listed on the window sticker.

The liner offers no resistance at all to a drill bit. I guess it depends on what hitch you're installing, but on the B&W, I would have installed the hitch before lining if I had the choice.

Some people like to put the trailer plug near the back... just inside the tailgate. I personally do not like it back there and chose to put it in front of the wheel well and up high out of the way.

 

Ah! I knew you could buy them new that way, but wasn't sure if it was sprayed at the factory or locally.

I suppose spraying after install would be better since it will seal up the bare metal.

I have always seen the plug near the tailgate, but most trucks I have seen also had a tool box or fuel tank as well. I'll have to install mine near the tailgate since I have a tool box.



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I did seal up all the bare metal edges on all of the holes that I drilled. One of the reasons I deciced to install the hitch myself. I doubt the local hitch shop would have taken the time to touch up all the exposed metal.

 

Very nice job well done

I done the very same thing, I did turn the plug to a right angle though, for me it is easier to plug in from out side the truck with the dually, the new thicker fenders make me reach more .

Gotta love the spray in bed liner, only thing comparable is the pro installed spray in liners that are done at high temps. We also have the factory spray in liner.

The long box crew cab should have an option for side tubes that go to the duallys, , those thicker fenders make it difficult to reach in the back - up front of the bed. just sayin is all.

Thank you for the pics and post.

 

I dunno how often you're going to use that hitch, but make sure you flip it open every months or two at a minimum or it'll wind up siezed... I've have 2 friends with siezed mechanisms on those LOL.... They get packed with straw/dirt etc and then moisture goes to work.

 

Thanks for the info... but I had a B&W turnover in my '01 for ten years before I traded it in on this truck. I'm familiar with their tendancies.

 

Numidian - your right, if ya are involved with field or sea water or any other kind of environment were rust or thickened up grease tends to get so stiff, it can make things not work so well and pulling that hitch ball out with the little tiny half hole with xxl glove hands is difficult at times, good thinkin to post here, others that read this thread latter on may find it useful , I do a lot of local hauling of hay, tractors, and what ever I can get in the horse trailer or on the 32' deck over goosenecks .



found a squirt or 2 of wd-40 helps loosen old stiff grease and keeps it well lubed( re-vitalizes the old), I keep the lower part of the ball dry, no grease or lube of any kind, seems to keep stuff from accumulating and jamming it in there. on the ball its self I use a spray on OPEN GEAR GREASE from NAPA, I use it on all my 3pt attachments for the tractor and up under in the gooseneck hitch too, every once in a while it stiffens up pretty good and have trouble pulling out a 3pt pin so a small quick shot of wd-40 again and all is good again



Was under my truck today and was noticing the slid pin needs a shot of wd-40 , installed a set of AIR LIFT bags #88295 and AIR LIFT COMPRESSOR # 25850 is why I was under there, I posted in another thread.