Installation Instructions for 2016-Present Dodge Ram 1500 Gooseneck Mounting Kit

Part Number:

• 4446

Tools Required:

• Drill
• Drill Bits: 1/4", 5/8"
• Wrenches: 8mm, 13mm, 3/4", 15/16"
• Reciprocating saw
• File

Hardware List:

• 4 × 5/8"-11 hex nuts
• 4 × 5/8"-11 x 2.50" carriage bolts
• 2 × 5/8" conical toothed washers
• 4 × 1/2"-13 x 5.50" carriage bolts
• 4 × 1/2"-13 x 1.75" carriage bolts
• 4 × 1/4" x 1.00" x 3.00" blocks
• 4 × 1/2" lock washers
• 4 × 1/2" conical toothed washers
• 4 × 1/4" x 1.00" x 2.00" shims

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparation:

1. Remove Inner Fender Liners:

   • Remove plastic inner fender liners from both sides for frame access. Liners can either be left off or reinstalled after modification.

2. Access Rear Cross Member:

   • Detach clips securing the vapor tube and wiring harness to the rearward cross member.
   • On dual exhaust models, remove the exhaust hanger interfering with the cross member.

Bed Preparation:

3. Drill Gooseneck Hole:

   • Mark and drill a 1/4" pilot hole in the bed:
     • Short Bed: 44-1/8" from the rear edge.
     • Long Bed: 46-1/8" from the rear edge.
   • Enlarge to final hole size using a hole saw, referring to the Hide-A-Goose instruction sheet.

4. Cut Bed Seam Notches:

   • Use a reciprocating saw to notch the bed seam on the passenger side for cross member installation.

Cross Member Installation:

5. Install Cross Members:

   • Slide the forward and rearward cross members into position above the frame rails.

6. Secure Rearward Mounting Brackets:

   • Align the slots in the brackets with the threaded studs on the rearward rail and the vehicle frame.
   • Loosely secure using 5/8" hex nuts and conical toothed washers.

7. Install Carriage Bolts:

   • Fishwire 1/2"-13 x 1.75" carriage bolts and blocks through the frame and bracket holes.
   • Loosely install with 1/2" lock washers and hex nuts.

8. Install Forward Brackets:

   • Attach the forward brackets to the threaded studs on the rail using 5/8" hex nuts and washers.

Final Assembly:

9. Align and Torque Fasteners:

   • Ensure the hitch ball sleeve aligns with the bed opening.
   • Torque specifications:
     • 5/8" fasteners: 150 ft-lbs (203 Nm).
     • 1/2" fasteners: 75 ft-lbs (102 Nm).

10. Drill Safety Chain Holes:

    • Use the installed hitch as a template to drill 5/8" safety chain holes in the bed.

11. Install U-Bolts:

    • Insert U-bolts and secure from underneath with flat washers, springs, and jam nuts. Tighten jam nuts until three threads are visible past the nut.

12. Reinstall Wiring and Liners:

    • Reattach the wiring harness and vapor tube.
    • Trim and reinstall inner fender liners as needed.

Safety Notes:

• Load Capacities:
  • Adhere to the vehicle manufacturer’s towing capacity recommendations.
• Maintenance:
  • Periodically re-torque fasteners and inspect connections for proper operation.
  • Keep the hitch ball and ball sleeve well-lubricated.

Warranty:

• Covered by a limited lifetime warranty for material and workmanship defects, provided the installation follows instructions.

For technical support, contact 1-888-521-0510.

Note: Ensure clearance between the trailer and the cab or truck box before towing.

Installation Instructions for 2 5/16" Folding Ball Gooseneck Hitch

Part Numbers:

• 8339

Rated Capacity:

• Maximum Trailer Weight: 25,000 lbs
• Maximum Vertical Load: 6,250 lbs

Tools Required:

• Hand Drill
• Drill Bits: 1/4”, 5/8”, 3/4”
• Sockets and Wrenches: 9/16” & 15/16”
• Center Punch
• Torque Wrench
• Saber Saw
• Round and Flat Files
• Hammer

Hardware List:

1. 5/8-11 x 2.5" Grade 5 Carriage Bolt - 4
2. 5/8-11 Nut - 4
3. 5/8 Lock Washer - 4
4. 5/8 U-Bolt (Zinc Plated) - 2
5. 5” Spring - 4
6. 5/8-18 Locknut - 4
7. 9/16 Flat Washer - 8
8. 5/16” x 1” x 2” Shim - 1

Warnings:

• DO NOT exceed the towing vehicle manufacturer’s ratings.
• Regularly inspect all fasteners and components for tightness and damage.
• Follow safety precautions when working under the vehicle, and wear eye protection.

Step-by-Step Installation Instructions:

1. Preparation:

1. Locate the hitch ball along the truck's fore/aft centerline, ensuring the centerline is above and forward of the rear axle.
2. Ensure adequate clearance between the gooseneck trailer and the truck’s cab and bed.

2. Bed Modification:

1. Use the provided template to mark the hitch ball centerline in the truck bed.
   • Cut a 14.5” x 12” section out of the bed liner if present.
2. Center punch the marked locations and drill 1/4” pilot holes.
3. Cut the truck bed along the markings using a saber saw and file edges as necessary.

3. Platform Installation:

1. Place the platform into the opening and ensure it is square to the truck’s centerline.
2. Use the platform as a guide to drill 5/8” diameter holes for the carriage bolts and 3/4” diameter holes for U-bolts.

4. Installing Hardware:

1. Insert 5/8" carriage bolts through the platform and under-vehicle supports. Secure with lock washers and nuts. Torque to 150 ft-lbs.
2. Install U-bolts through the platform. From underneath, add a large washer, spring, another washer, and secure with a jam nut.
   • Tighten jam nuts until three threads are visible beyond the nut.

5. Folding Ball Operation:

1. Raising the Ball:
   • Grasp the lift ring and raise the cover until the spring holds it open.
   • Rock the ball to its vertical position, then lower the cover to lock the ball in place.
2. Lowering the Ball:
   • Reverse the process, ensuring the cover locks the ball in the horizontal position.
3. Attach safety chains to the spring-loaded U-bolts.

Maintenance:

1. Keep the ball envelope and pivoting mechanism free from dirt and debris.
2. Lubricate the ball cover pivot monthly with lightweight oil.
3. Grease the ball pivot at the grease zerk monthly.
4. Retorque all hardware monthly to ensure secure connections.

Safety Notes:

1. Ensure at least 6” of clearance between the trailer and truck bed sides.
2. Adjust the coupler height to maintain proper clearance.
3. Avoid jackknife positions that could damage the truck or trailer.
4. Regularly check the coupler, ball, and all fasteners for wear or damage.

Warranty:

• Limited Lifetime Warranty:
  • Covers material and workmanship defects under normal use.
  • Excludes damage from misuse, overloading, or improper installation.
• For warranty claims, contact Cequent Towing Products at 1-800-632-3290.

For additional details, consult the full manual or contact customer support.