Atwood Folding Ball Hitch

[scottkeen]

I have a question about the Atwood Folding Ball Hitch that was installed in my used 2007.5 Dodge Ram 3500 dually truck bed by the truck's previous owner.

I've been towing my 2011 Keystone Montana Mountaineer 347THT for the past 3 years for recreational camping -- and it's been great!

But looking at the Atwood user manual (I think it's the correct manual?), it appears that the previous owner had the Atwood installed with the top plate UNDER the truck bed instead of ON TOP of the truckbed. (I think "C" in the diagram is the truck bed).

(I know, I know... call Atwood customer support, see what they say, yada yada yada... Yes, I'll contact Atwood support...)

This was an H-Frame installation meaning that the hitch assembly is attached to the H-Frame and the H-Frame is attached to the truck frame -- I don't think it gets more solid than that.

As we both know, the thin metal truck bed is not what supports the hitch and tows the trailer -- it's the frame of the truck.

I've been towing my Montana for 3 years without issues. Flawless. But I'm thinking of switching to a Gen-Y Executive or Reese Goosebox gooseneck ball pinbox and hitch directly to the ball to reclaim space in my truck bed.

So my question is: Do you think (just your opinion!) the way my Atwood was installed would be a problem?

(I know, I'll contact Atwood support regardless!)

The specs on the Atwood folding hitch ball:
Max GVW: 25,000 lbs
Tongue Load: 5,000 lbs

[rames14]

It looks like they cut a hole in the truck bed? Or maybe I just can’t see it that well. If that is the case, it shouldn’t be a problem, in my opinion.

[scottkeen]

Originally Posted by rames14

It looks like they cut a hole in the truck bed? Or maybe I just can’t see it that well. If that is the case, it shouldn’t be a problem, in my opinion.

Yes, the previous owner cut a hole in the truck bed

The install diagram shows that a 12-7/8" x 8" hole (see diagram) must be cut in the truck bed for this "folding" ball hitch.

I certainly wish he had installed a turnover ball like B&W, instead of this Atwood folding ball with the big hole in the truck bed. But, this is what he installed. The ball pivots 90 degrees up and down to the side. The trap door covers the ball when it's down, and locks the ball upright when the ball is up.

Thanks for giving your opinion. I can't see how mounting it under or over the truck bed would make any difference with towing capability or safety.