B&W Trailer Hitches 1197R - Manual (Page 2)

BEFORE INSTALLING
OVERHEAD LIFTING DEVICE
An overhead-lifting device, such as chain falls, engine hoist, or cable come-a-long, can be used to lift the
center section of the hitch in place. Lower a loop of rope or chain through the 4” hole in the truck bed
floor and attach it to the latch pin in the round hitch receiver tube in the center section. Use the lifting
device to raise the center section until the round hitch receiver tube that protrudes from the center sec-
tion fits in the 4” hole in the truck bed floor. Maintaining upward pressure may facilitate fastening the
crossmember to the center section, especially if the truck bed floor has been distorted downward from
heavy use. If you use an overhead-lifting device, it should be disconnected before squaring the center
section across the frame, installing the sideplates and torquing fasteners.
WARNING
Most trucks have FUEL LINES and/or BRAKE LINES and/or ELECTRICAL WIRES located along the frame
rails where B&W Turnoverball™ hitches install. Carefully examine the location of fuel lines, brake lines
and electrical wires BEFORE INSTALLATION. Be certain you will not damage fuel lines, brake lines or
electrical wires when positioning hitch components, drilling holes, tightening fasteners, and lifting and
lowering the truck bed. The fuel tank vent, located on top of the gas tank, can be easily damaged during
the installation of the hitch components. Care must be taken when positioning the front crossmember
and center section components. We recommend removing the bed bolts on the driver’s side and lifting
the bed to give you more clearance during installation of the hitch parts under the bed floor.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
STEP ONE
Mark a 4” round hole on the topside of the truck bed floor. Center the hole between the wheel wells and
46 1/2 “ to the center of the hole from the back edge of the truck bed (tail gate end). This will place the
Turnoverball™ hitch about 6” forward of the truck axle center. Drill a small hole inside the area marked
and cut out the round hole, using a 4” hole saw or use a saber saw and metal cutting blade.
STEP 2
Select the rear crossmember that is notched on one side. With the long (2 ½”) side of the angle iron
pointing down and the short (2”) side with the notches facing the rear of the truck, position it across the
top of the frame rails, between the bed and frame, by pushing it through the opening in the wheel well on
the driver’s side of the truck. Make certain that the notches fit tightly against the truck bed crossmember
on the back of the truck. Select the second crossmember without notches and place it between the bed
and frame, by pushing it through the opening in the wheel well on the driver’s side of the truck. With
the two crossmembers approximately parallel, position them about 9” apart, equally spaced in front and
behind the hole in the truck bed floor and hanging over the same distance on each side of the frame rails.
WARNING
ON SHORT BED TRUCKS, BEFORE INSTALLING THIS HITCH, CHECK FOR ADEQUATE TURNING CLEARANCE BETWEEN
THE FRONT OF ALL OF YOUR TRAILERS AND THE TRUCK CAB.
WARNING
DO NOT INVERT THE BALL IN THE SOCKET WHEN CARRYING HEAVY LOADS ON 2 WHEEL DRIVE TRUCKS. THE
BALL MAY HIT THE TOP OF THE DIFFERENTIAL. REMOVE THE BALL FROM THE SOCKET BEFORE LOADING. A PLUG
FOR THE SOCKET IS AVAILABLE FROM B&W.
NOTICE: This product was designed to fit vehicles in their original, “as manufactured” condition.
Compatibility with vehicles having replacement parts, or other modifications is not guaranteed. Inspect
vehicle for modifications before installation of this product.