Draw-Tite 4438 GOOSENECK RAIL KIT - Manual (Page 2)

Installation Instructions
GOOSENECK MOUNTING KIT
Dodge Ram 1500 2002-2008
Short & Long Bed, Excluding Megacabs
9464/9474 HIDE-A-GOOSE HITCH
Part Numbers:
4438
NOTES:
¾ This rail kit can be used with a 9464 or 9474 head only.
¾ Always make sure the ball is fully locked before towing.
¾ Keep the ball and ball sleeve well lubricated.
¾ Periodically re-torque all the hitch fasteners.
¾ Check ball, hitch coupler, safety chains and other connections for proper operation
ti t
INSTALLATION
every time you tow.
Warning:
™
The tow vehicle manufacturers recommended towing capacities should UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES be
exceeded.
™ Check for adequate clearance between the gooseneck trailer and the rear of the cab and the rear of the truck box
before installing hitch.
™ All trucks have fuel lines, brake lines and electrical wiring located along the vehicle frame where the rail kit
installs. Carefully examine the location of fuel lines, brake lines and electrical wires before installation and be
certain not to damage these when positioning the hitch components. Be careful when drilling holes, cutting
sheet metal and tightening fasteners as to not limit the integrity of these systems sheet metal and tightening fasteners as to not limit the integrity of these systems.
Hide-A-Goose Only – Drilled Hole in Bed Location (see Step 2):
Short Box, 44-1/2 inches
Long Box, 46-1/2 inches
1. To make installation easier, the spare tire and exhaust can be lowered. p
2. When installing the 9464/9474 Hide-A-Goose hitch, a hole must be drilled in the bed of the truck. Mark
and drill a 1/4” hole 44-1/2 inches (6’ bed) / 46-1/2 inches (8’ bed) from the rear of the bed and centered
between the wheel wells. Using a hole saw, enlarge the pilot hole to the final diameter. Refer to the
9464/9474 instruction sheet for hole size.
3. Place 5/8” GR8 carriage bolts from the Hide-A-Goose fastener kit into the square holes on the cross
members from the top pointing towards the ground. See Figure 1.
4. From underneath the vehicle, install the rear hitch cross member first by placing the right end over the
exhaust and under the front bed support (see Figure 2). The front and rear cross members are the same.
5. Carefully maneuver the left end up over the wires and brake lines on the inside of the driver’s side frame,
until the end of the cross member is over the frame.
6. Slide the left end of the cross member to the left over the frame, then rotate the right side back and over
the passenger’s side frame. Push the rear cross member back against the rear bed support as shown in
Figure 2
z 2008, 2009 Cequent Performance Products Sheet 2 of 8 4438N 4-3-09 Rev. E
Figure 2.
7. Install the front hitch cross member the same way as the rear cross member was installed.