Hey guys, I have a couple of questions about this hitch I was hoping maybe someone could answer.

I am going to go with this hitch system on my 02 2500. I haven't heard any negatives about this hitch system and that is good enough for me.

I have Firestone airbags on my truck, they are the standard kit mounted above the axle, outboard of the frame over the leaf springs.

My question is the ball release lever. Because I have airbags, is there a problem with the bags getting in the way of the release lever(rod)? Going by any pictures I have seen, it seems to occupy the same space as the bag mounts?

Also, what about having wheel well liners? Same thing, my airbags are obviously hidden behind the liners, but is the release lever(rod) made to come thru the liner or what?

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys!!

Jeff

 

I had this hitch on a 94 reg cab. Loved it....only complaint was the release rod was kinda flimsy, but maybe they beefed it up by now. I'm not sure about the bags, but as far as the wheel liner go I belive you just take a hole saw and make a hole for the rod to come through.

 

No answer on the air bags but a hole saw in the liner works perfect.

 

Here is a picture of the rod on mine and there is not a problem with the liner. If the rod turned down is a problem, I think it could be twisted to be in the clear. It would need to be twisted before installation to make sure the twist does not effect the latch end of the rod.

Daniel

 

Hi Jeff,

On the 07.5 (DRW) we have Firestone airbags and the B&W turnover ball hitch. The Bags do not interfer with the tires nor the B&W release bar.
I would do the Firestones and the B&W again they both work great.

George

 

Just be sure to sand the edges off the hole, so you don't skin your hand.

 

If you bags mount on the outside of the frame, I think I remember talk on someone having to space or notch the B&W bracket.
If not knows for sure here, call B&W, I am sure its been asked before.

 

no issues here!!!

 

Liners only on my 3500, no problems here. You'll like that hitch.

 

I talked to the guys down at B&W today.

Air bags are not an issue per say. They designed the frame mounts to be able to accept drilling for air bag mounts. It's a little bit extra work but the hitch works just fine with bags. Basically, unbolt the upper air bag mounts, install the B&W hitch system, then just drill the bag mount holes and bolt them up.

Because the air bags are mounted in various ways by each installer....ie, the upper mounts and bags are installed at different heights, drilling is required.

They said that it's no big deal, just a little more work during installation, that's all.

I guess I'm ordering my hitch in the morning.

Thanks for all the help guys, much appreciated!!

Jeff

 

I have loved the hitch on all 3 of my trucks, both my 2500s and my 3500. Hauling stuff in the truck is great too nothign gets in the way. I think I scored my for about $295 and installed total was $500 for each truck.

 

Did you find a dealer in Cochrane for B&W? I'm kinda interested but haven't looked into it yet.

 

Southland Trailer Corp in Lethbridge is the B&W dealer. I checked yesterday and they have stock for all Dodge truck years.

Doug in parts is who I talked to about the hitches.

Right now I'm still going with a B&W but am looking at Husky Hitches right now. The apparently are the "old" Valley Industries that have been around for years.

Husky's hitch is almost exactly the same but the ball release is actually a cable system instead of B&W's rod system. Husky's release also is mounted in the box instead of the wheel well so it's not so affected by the elements.

I'll keep you posted.

Jeff

 

That cable system sounds like it may work better for you. Thanks for the info.

 

Jeff,
if you are still considering the B&W hitch, I've got one on my 01 and I'm in Cochrane - PM or Email me if you want to have a look.
Also, whatever you decide on, check with Rock Alta trailers for a $$ estimate

Rock Alta Trailers Ltd
31127 Township Road 262
Calgary, AB , T3R 1C7
Phone: 403-239-4494