Why Do Reese and B and W Gooseneck Balls for 2025 Chevy Silverado Locate Balls in Different Location

Updated 01/27/2026 | Published 01/26/2026

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs

(4677)

$699.00

Question:

Why on the BandW underbed gooseneck turnover is the ball sitting behind the bed rib, but on the Reese underbed puck system for 2025 chevy Duramax the 5th wheel ball is in front of the bed Rib?

asked by: Aaron

Expert Reply:

Hey Aaron, welcome back! This is a great question but basically the answer is that not every hitch manufacturer locates the ball in the exact same location in the truck bed. The acceptable range is right above the rear axle up to a few inches (nothing specific) forward of it. Both the Reese kit part # RP57KR and the B and W # BWGNRK1020 fall within this range. Is your truck a long or short bed? If its a short bed I would go with the ball further back as that will give you slightly better turning clearance.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Aaron

1/26/2026

My truck is a short bed 2025 Chevy dmax 2500. Thank u for the reply, will I still be able to use the companion hitch with the ball back that far? Or do u recommend the above bed rails with the b&w patriot slider set up. Will that sit a little more over the axel like normal?

Jameson C.

1/26/2026

@Aaron Having the ball back a little further is actually more ideal if the truck has a short bed. Does your trailer have a gooseneck coupler or a pin box?

Aaron

1/27/2026

@JamesonC My trailer has the pin box. I was thinking of going with the turn over ball just to have no rails in my bed which is why I was going to go with the companion hitch as well. Just not sure if it will sit back to far and have issues with the tail gate hitting or coming close while turning.

Jameson C.

1/27/2026

@Aaron I see what you mean now. You would not have tailgate or other bed clearance issues with the B and W part # BW45SR which is the correct rail kit and slider hitch for your 2025 Silverado. Around tight corners you would want to have the hitch slid back so that you have truck cab clearance but it won't slide far enough back to hit the tailgate. They tested this in your truck and determined that the location was perfectly fine.