Turnover Ball Hitch
The first thing on our agenda was to locate a shop in the area that specialized in aftermarket installations, not so much for their technical help, but for their tools. So we called on the Four X Doctor from Burbank, California. You won't, however, need the lift or a roll-a-way full of tools because the installation can be handled with jack stands and a few wrenches. We just wanted to be prepared.

A 2006 Dodge Ram was the test mule for this installation. The truck had a factory bed liner and a standard 8-foot bed. The B&W Turnover Ball kit works on the short-bed version too, but you have to check for adequate clearance between the front of your trailer and truck cab before you start the installation work.

The B&W Turnover Ball works like a typical gooseneck hitch - but as the name implies - features a ball that can be turned upside-down and stored out-of-sight when not in use. The design is innovative and convenient and gives you back the full bed without a ball protruding from the floor.

While the Turnover Ball kit is completely bolt on there were a few things we discovered during our install; the heavy center section of the Turnover Ball hitch assembly could pose a problem for some people to bolt into place. B&W recommended lifting it up by a chain or rope through a 4-inch hole that had to be cut in the bed (see photos) centered over the rear axle. On the Dodge Ram installation, we also had to make V-notch cut to clear the cross member. This V-notch requirement only applied to certain makes and models of trucks.

We also discovered that you can cut through a regular bed liner for the ball insert, but it can be more difficult to locate the midpoint between the wheel wells by doing so. You also have to be sure that the liner doesn't move on you during this step.

Overall, the installation process of the Turnover Ball hardware was easy. For safety reasons, we checked underneath the truck to ensure there are no fuel, brake or electrical lines in the way before any bolts were tightened. Its fit was flawless and we were honestly amazed by how quickly things came together, thanks to the manufacturer's prior R&D of the product.

The B&W Turnover Ball hitch is rated for 30,000 pounds (Gross Trailer Weight) with a tongue weight rating of 7,500-pounds. Because the B&W Turnover Ball is designed specifically for each make and model truck, all the parts should simply bolt-on to existing mounting points from the factory.

Looking back, here's what we got: a hitch made in America that met all OEM (original equipment) requirements, a setup that offered seven towing accessories (kingpins, hi-rise balls, etc) to accommodate all future needs, and most importantly, a gooseneck that coverts from a hitch to a level bed in seconds!