Gooseneck Hole in Wrong Spot / Welding in Patch Panel Precautions

[camp10]

Hi guys,
I thought I would save some time and have my local B&W installer put in the gooseneck hitch. He screwed up royally, the hole is 1/4" off, and he used a 4" hole saw instead of a 3-1/2". My idea for a fix is to have a welding shop cut out a square around the hole and weld in a patch panel with the right size hole, in the right location, so the bed is properly supported by the recess on the hitch assembly. What precautions should I take with welding in the panel? Do I need to disconnect both batteries or anything else to protect the electronics on the truck? I planned on having a bedliner installed so I'm not too worried about the looks of the patch, but I will have to raise the bed and prime the underside of the bed after the patch is welded in.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Just disconnect the batteries and have them ground it as close to the repair area as possible, is it really worth it though the bed does not need to be supported on the hitch it is plenty strong as it is

 

[whitexc]

And don't ever go there again! Wtf

Sent from my semi-smart telephonic device

 

[camp10]

Initally I though the bed would be fine unsupported, but then I talked to a tech at B&W, and they mentioned that was the reason for the designed recess pictured. I hate having to do this to a truck with 50 miles on it, definately a last resort. I also though about riveting a panel underneath the bed with a hole in the right spot, but I'm not sure there is enough room between the bottom of the bed and top of the hitch platform.

 

[camp10]

And don't ever go there again! Wtf

Sent from my semi-smart telephonic device

I have been taking my trailers to this guy for over 10 years for maintenance and modifications, and he is an registered installer for B&W. Never had a problem until this Major screw up. Like the saying goes - If you want it done right, do it yourself. I am kicking myself.

 

[kkerley]

Not to defend the installer but on B&W’s website it says if installing on a 2021 or 2022 a different drilling template is needed and to contact them. I watched a recent B&W sponsored install video on YouTube and a commenter said he installed his in his Ram and it was off 1/8”, the reply from B&W was that they had a new template to correct for the 1/8” problem. I would’ve had a come apart if I was that guy and that was their response. Anywho I contacted B&W today to ask about said template. The response was that the new template was rolled out in products shipped since March 2021 and that I should be fine when I get mine. Think I’ll call back before I cut the hole in my bed to double check!

 

[camp10]

Not to defend the installer but on B&W’s website it says if installing on a 2021 or 2022 a different drilling template is needed and to contact them. I watched a recent B&W sponsored install video on YouTube and a commenter said he installed his in his Ram and it was off 1/8”, the reply from B&W was that they had a new template to correct for the 1/8” problem. I would’ve had a come apart if I was that guy and that was their response. Anywho I contacted B&W today to ask about said template. The response was that the new template was rolled out in products shipped since March 2021 and that I should be fine when I get mine. Think I’ll call back before I cut the hole in my bed to double check!

My installer said this is the second 2022 he's had an issue with, gooseneck hole location being off 1/8-1/4". The supplied jig has two holes, a round and square hole for locating the pilot hole, depending on if the truck has a reinforced piece of steel on the hitch platform. My installer initially pointed the finger at B&W, but I have a hard time believing him becasue he also used a 4" hole saw when the instructions call for a 3-1/2". When i called B&W on Friday, they said they have yet to have a problem on all the installations in their shop. Go figure.