Does B&W Turnover Ball in 2011 GMC Sierra Need to Be Removed to Install Standard Rail-Mounted Hitch

Question:

I think I have decided on the RP30928 to use in my 6,5ft bed to be used with the reese revolution pin box that came standard on my 2012 forest river rockwood trailer. I currently have the B and W turnover ball installed. Is there any possible way that I can install the fifth wheel hitch without removing the B and W? Would you suggest the custom or universal installation kit? If the B and W has to be removed what is available to cover the hole in the bed?

asked by: Fred B

Expert Reply:

The only way to install the M5 Series # RP30928 fifth wheel hitch is to remove your existing B & W Turnover Ball, I'm sorry to say.

We have various covers available to cover up the hole, but most of those are meant to fit into the gooseneck hitch once the ball is taken out. Once the hitch is removed, these covers won't work. If the hole is less than 3-1/2 inches in diameter, using a magnetic cover like part # 58389 might work.

If it were me, I'd get a section of corrugated bed floor from a salvage yard, and use that to patch the hole. If you're not worried about what the patch looks like, you can fix it yourself, or have a body shop handle it for a neater result. If you click the provided link, you can see an install video showing the custom bracket kit being used to install a 5th wheel hitch on a 2012 Sierra.

Using the custom install kit # RP50066-58 will take about half the time of the Universal # RP30035 install kit. It'll be up to you to determine if the extra cost of the custom bracket it is worth the time savings.

To install a 7-way connector in the truck bed, I'd recommend using part # 41157. I've linked you to some install videos for the hitch and wiring you might find helpful.