I'm just getting ready to put a hitch in my truck for my new gooseneck(2 5/16" ball). I was going to go with the Colibert "GOOD 2 GO" in but there is no adjustability with it and I would have to notch my aux tank to make it work. I think the best way is to build a plate and put it where I need it(ball 1" back from axle) Its a lightweight aluminum trailer so I could even go further back if needed. Anyone built one?

 

Just go with a B&W then get a step back ball that fits right into the reciever

 

I might go that route but I will have to modify my aux tank to fit

 

The B&W mounts uder the frame. The extended ball atachment gives 2-3 inches I believe

 

B&W has the hitch to beat. What I did was slide my truck sideways down my driveway in the snow, wipe out the bed with the fence posts and then bought a flatbed, came with the hitch installed. If your against doing that. What I have seen for the gooseneck plates is a piece of 1" plate with the hole cut out in it. That just lays on top of your frame. Now attaching said plate is where the controversy comes into play.

One friend of mine took his truck down to have the plate put in and they just welded it to the top of the frame. It cost him $180 for the works, plate, ball, installation. I for one do not like the thought of welding to my frame. I know welding to the sides is bad mojo, drilling ok. As far as the top portion?? You could put the plate on the top, make brackets down the sides and drill holes through the brackets and frame then bolt them in with some grade 8, 1/2" bolts and locknuts. Now obviously you'd have to weld your brackets mounted on the side of the frame to the 1" plate. It's just how you feel about the two options. At least you'd be able to set the ball where it works for you. You maybe able to notch the plate to get it around your aux tank or offset the ball mount hole towards the rear, you'd just have to look at it and go from there, build as you go type of thing.

Being in the steel business I can tell you a piece of 1" plate 18"-24" wide by 38"-40" long is gonna be pricey. I bought some 1/2" plate that are "drops", this is the stuff at the place you buy metal that is left over from metal they have cut for customers and sell in whatever size it is. They sold it to me by the pound and it was around .65 cents/lb. As far as the brackets, I'm thinking at least 1/2" plate and a good welder to tie them into your 1" plate. Hopefully this does not sound overly complicated cause it's not. Just measure across the top part of your frame, I'd figure at least an 18" width on the plate, if you got space larger would be better I would'nt go more than 24" though. Then it's just a matter of getting your hole center'd on the plate and attaching it to the truck, be a heck of a lot easier with the bed off for sure.

Good luck

Shawn