Support > Frequently Asked Questions

A:  As we all know, short bed trucks have become very popular trailer towing vehicles.  The short answer is, "yes, the Turnover Ball can be installed on every full-sized truck on the market."  That said, it is very important that turning clearance is considered for every truck and trailer combination that will be used.   B&W offers a 4-inch extender that plugs into the receiver socket of the Turnover Ball and moves the pivot point 4 inches rearward.

A:  Either way works fine.  If you have the spray in liner done after the Turnover Ball is installed, you have the advantage of the liner covering the cut edges of the hole in the bed. 

A:  The great thing about having a square base in a round hole is that the dirt has a place to go.  How much grease is needed is a function of how much it is used and how dirty the environment.  If you notice that the grease coating on your ball is gone, it's probably time to apply more! 

A: We currently make a hitch that works on the 2008 Ford F-450 with a factory bed. As for all other cab & chassis trucks the recomended hitch is the Model 1500 flat bed kit.

A:  The Turnover Ball will work with a Suspension Lift, but not with a Body Lift.  In order for our hitch to work properly, the distance between the bed and the frame must be maintained.  A body lift separates these components.

A: Our hitches are made to fit a particular year and make of truck and cannot be moved to a different make of truck.  In some cases, a hitch can be moved from an older to a newer truck of the same make.  B&W covers only the first installation under warranty.  Contact our installation department for more information, 1-800-248-6564.

A:  To the best of our knowledge, Firestone builds an airbag (the Riderite) that is compatible with the Turnover Ball.

See Firestone's website at www.firestoneindustrial.com/riderite/ .

A: One of the great things about the Turnover Ball is that, when you are not using it, the ball stows upside down in the receiver leaving a level bed.  In addition, the way we have designed the ball minimizes the ability for dirt to interfere with it's functioning.  We have been reluctant to offer a cover because doing so would seem inconsistent with our design and would not allow the bed to remain level.

But, just because we're practical doesn't mean we're not customer responsive!  Because many of you have asked for it, a hitch cover is in the works and can be expected by the end of 2007.

A: Other companies can manufacture items and even market them to be used with B&W products, but that does not mean that they are endorsed by us or safe to use.  In addition, if these products cause ours to be used outside the 'normal use' of our product then it would void the warranty on ours.

A:  You should be able to pull the handle straight towards you (handle in the 6 o'clock position) and then rotate it clockwise to the 8 o'clock position and have the pin 'locked out' so that you can remove the ball and turn it over.  If this is not working properly, please check to see if the handle was installed according to the pictures below.    When properly attached, the bolt head should be on the 'loop in the handle' side and the nut should be on the 'tab on the latch pin' side. (see pictures below) 

If you have checked for proper installation and still have a problem, please call our installation department at 1-800-248-6564.

We have engineered the Turnover Ball to be installed easily.  Because you don't have to remove the bed, weld, or drill through the frame, the installation basically consists of drilling a four inch hole in the bed and bolting the hitch parts to the frame.  Some users feel comfortable doing this themselves, but most consult one of our experienced dealers to do it for them.  Installation times vary with experience of the installer and availability of tools (such as a lift or impact wrenches). 

A:  Yes.  Our model 1257 was engineered to fit the 2007 Toyota Tundra.  The 1257 uses a shorter receiver socket and a shorter ball.  Therefore, at this time, the Companion 5th Wheel Hitch and other Turnover Ball accessories cannot be used with the 2007 Toyota Tundra.