whitebuffalo

I have a new to me 2013 dually. It has the oem gooseneck and fifth wheel kit on it. I want to remove it and put a b&w in its place bc I already have the companion hitch for my fifth wheel. Attempt number one was a failure. I removed the tail pipe, broke the nuts loose only to discover the bolts drop from the top and can't be removed without lifting the bed. No problem- I'll lift the bed. Except I can't get my impact in there and can't break the bolts loose with a ratchet and can't fit my 3' breaker bar under there. So then I figured I would install the b&w using the four factory bolts instead of the b&w six. That's also a no go because I can't get the oem hitch out from the brake lines since I can't lift the bolts out.

so, my question to y'all is, has anyone removed the oem gooseneck? Any tips on lifting the bed (I'd rather not just cut the bolts bc I figure I can resell the oem hitch)? Any help is appreciated.

ps. If there's any old timers on here, I used to be here all the time. My 05 has 300,000 on it now and still running strong. I kept it for ranch truck duty to try to keep my 13 in a little better body condition. I hope this truck is as good as my 05 has been.

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Are you sure it's not already a B&W

whitebuffalo

Yes. The oem used a round shank. B&w uses square.

Busboy

First I would make sure 100% that the B&W hole is in the same place as the factory one, the installation instructions for the B&W will tell. Second perhaps B&W sell an adapter to use the companion in the factory hole. If you still want the B&W turn over ball I would just either cut, torch or over tighten the bolts until they shear off and buy new ones to sell the factory hitch. I often find it easier to over tighten a bolt until it shears rather than fight it all the way off.

whitebuffalo

it will fit.

the adapter B&W offers is a different base for the fifth wheel....its $700.

I considered cutting the bolts; only downside is i hope to sell off the OEM one. I'm not sure i can overtighten it to the point of snapping, they're pretty meaty. it looks like unbolting the bed and lifting it up a few inches is in my future

Busboy

I'm very familiar with the B&W turnover and I have a companion too. I see no reason why you couldn't get a round pin to fit the factory hole that became a square pin to attach to the companion, it would be very easy to make up if you had a sample of both ends to measure. Failing that 3/4 inch or 1 inch ratchet equipment can shear 1/2 inch bolts fairly easily.

whitebuffalo

I got it installed today. I ended up jacking the bed up one side at a time about 2-2 1/2" to remove the oem bolts. Also had to pull keeper on hard brake line. the b&w was simple to install. The oem one was a pita tonremove....