B&W Trailer Hitches Turnoverball Model 1384 (Dodge) - Manual (Page 2)

Figure A3:
Truck and trailer diagram
NOTE: Remove all parts from the packaging and
familiarize yourself with all the parts and tools required.
Use the parts list on the front page to verify that all parts
and hardware are present.
TOOLS REQUIRED
Impact wrench or ratchet with 10mm, 9/16", 3/4" &
15/16" sockets.
Marking tool ( pencil or permanent marker)
3−1/2" hole saw Flashlight
Drill with 9/16" & 1/4" bits
Eye protection
Ear protection Torque wrench
Lifting device Center punch
Tape measure Soap and water
Pry Bar
Determine cab clearance: Under the truck bed,
measure from the rear most edge of the C−channel
frame crossmember (over the axle) to the end of the
bed, see figure A2, Length A. Next, inside the bed,
measure the length of the bed from the rear edge to
the front, see figure A2, Length B. Subtract the
crossmember measurement (length A) from the bed
measurement (Length B). Then subtract an additional
8−1/4" inches. This will give you the amount of
clearance you have between the 2−5/16" ball location
and the cab. Measure the distance from the center of
the trailer’s coupler to the farthest forward corner point
of the trailer. Compare this distance to the
measurement from the center of the ball to the cab.
These measurements will allow you to see how much
clearance you will have between the cab and the
trailer while towing and turning, see figure A3
Cab clearance on short bed trucks is very limited
when towing certain trailers. Failure to insure that
there will be adequate clearance, may result in
significant property damage, or serious injury.
PREPARING TO INSTALL
NOTICE: In some instances, the ball should NOT be
turned over and stowed in the socket. Doing so could
cause damage to the truck’s suspension. If the truck’s
suspension has a stabilizer between the top of the
differential housing and the frame as shown in figure
A1, the stowed ball could hit the member, damaging
the truck’s suspension.
1.
Remove the spare tire (optional). Following the
vehicle manufacturer’s instructions, remove the spare
tire. This will provide easier access to the area where
the hitch will be installed.
Remove the heatshield (optional): Remove the
bolts connecting the heatshield to the frame and set
the heatshield aside for later installation.
Position the vehicle. Installation of the hitch requires
the installer to be under the truck bed in the area of
the rear axle. Lifting the vehicle makes this area more
accessible to the installer, and improves the
installation process.
WARNING: Lift vehicle using only equipment
designed for lifting and positioning vehicles for
service. Failure to do so may result in property
damage, serious injury, or death.
Prepare a lifting device (optional). The purpose
of the device is to safely hold the hitch in position
during part of the installation. See figure A4 for an
example. A simple mechanical lifting device is
available for purchase from B&W.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Figure A4
FIGURE A1: View above differential looking
from in front of the driver side rear tire.
FIGURE A2: View of bottom of truck.
CENTER OF 2−5/16" BALL TO CAB
COUPLER TO EDGE OF TRAILER
Length B
Length A
B − A − 8 1
4
"=
Center of
ball to cab.
(write down results
for future reference
when checking
additional trailers
for clearance)
LENGTH A
8 1
4
"
LENGH B
Measured on the top of the bed.
STABILIZER
DIFFERENTIAL
AXLE