5th Wheel Prep Package

wbdvt · 02-28-2016, 08:07 AM

Hello,
I am researching a new tow vehicle as DW and I are discussing a small 5th wheel in the future, so the 1/2 ton won't do. I will be buying the TV first as right now the TT works for us and plan on some longer trips in it. Eventually with the 5th wheel longer cross country trips!

So, I have decided on a diesel, long bed (based on discussions in this forum, Thank You!) but need some information on the optional 5th wheel prep package. Is it absolutely necessary?

The reason I ask is I have found what I would like but it does not have the 5th wheel prep. It does have a Camper Prep but that is more for the slide in truck bed campers.

Thank you in advance for all replies.

Tinman97423 · 02-28-2016, 08:22 AM

The 5th wheel prep is not necessary. With out the prep kit you will be able to use any hitch system you want. I would never have a rail type hitch again so just have any under bed system (NO BED RAILS) mounting system you want. I am now using a Reese 18K hitch from Ford mounts (narrow than the Curt system that RAM uses) with a Reese wider leg system that will fit Curt pucks in the Ram hitch kit.

Laredo291OH · 02-28-2016, 09:26 AM

I'm also looking for a new TV, GM just started offering the 5th wheel prep package for the 2500 and 3500 HD trucks (just started offering it, as in this week). Curt offers a 5th wheel to fit the GM puck system, not sure about any of the other hitch manufacturers. I'm willing to wait for factory 5th wheel prep, because I just don't like the idea of cutting on a brand new $60k truck.

But that is just me. A friend of mine has a Ford with the factory prep system, after seeing that, I don't want anything else.

**JRTJH** · 02-28-2016, 09:40 AM

I installed a fifth wheel rail system in the bed of my F150. It was ALWAYS a hassle trying to use the bed for most anything. You can't haul a load of dirt or gravel and easily empty the bed. Hauling a load of plywood always "scraped/marked" the bottom sheet. Forget trying to slide 2x4's into the bed without "levering them over the rails, forget hauling a snowmobile "head first", etc.

Our 2013 F250 had the factory puck system. After using it for 2 years, the only "mandatory option" on our diesel (other than the obvious stuff) was that it had to have the factory puck system or it wasn't considered. I won't own another truck with "in bed rails".

nellie1289 · 02-28-2016, 10:30 AM

factorty puck system may be the best option I have seen on my 2014 ram. with the BW companion, I have my bed back in less than 2 mins. Also, you get the in bed fiver 7 pin plug in so hooking up is a breeze. easily the best $400 option ever.

SADLY · 02-28-2016, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nellie1289

factorty puck system may be the best option i have seen on my 2014 ram. With the bw companion, i have my bed back in less than 2 mins. Also, you get the in bed fiver 7 pin plug in so hooking up is a breeze. Easily the best $400 option ever.

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hdxbonez · 02-28-2016, 03:33 PM

The B&W turnover ball and companion hitch combo will allow you to purchase a truck without factory 5th wheel prep. Add a bed mounted 7 pin connector as well for convenience.

wbdvt · 02-28-2016, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdxbonez

The B&W turnover ball and companion hitch combo will allow you to purchase a truck without factory 5th wheel prep. Add a bed mounted 7 pin connector as well for convenience.

Excuse my ignorance in the world of 5vers but what is B&W?

cant_remember_ID · 02-28-2016, 06:32 PM

My next truck will have the prep package in it. Better to have it and not need it. Can't add it later for Ford that I'm aware of. I wish I spent the extra $400 and got it on my current truck.

cant_remember_ID · 02-28-2016, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wbdvt

Excuse my ignorance in the world of 5vers but what is B&W?

B&W is a hitch manufacturer, great hitches. They make a hitch for Dodge and Ford prep packages. Highly recommended.

http://www.turnoverball.com

Pmedic4 · 02-28-2016, 06:39 PM

We have the RAM fifthwheel hitch, puck mounts, and have a Curt Q16 hitch. I will admit it is heavier than a rail mount hitch. Still easier to install and remove. Importantly as other's have pointed out, there is nothing left in the bed - other than plastic covers which go over the mount points - and usually I don't even put those in.

The cost is well worth it. There are many things I will do for service and repairs on my 5ver and truck, but putting in a hitch rail mounts is not something I'd attempt.

hdxbonez · 02-29-2016, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cant_remember_ID

B&W is a hitch manufacturer, great hitches. They make a hitch for Dodge and Ford prep packages. Highly recommended.

http://www.turnoverball.com

They also make a hitch for the non-prepped trucks. Their Turnover gooseneck ball mounts under the bed and also recieves their Companion 5th wheel hitch. The bed is clean when the hitch is not in use. This is the setup I have in my non prepped Ram.

wbdvt · 02-29-2016, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdxbonez

They also make a hitch for the non-prepped trucks. Their Turnover gooseneck ball mounts under the bed and also recieves their Companion 5th wheel hitch. The bed is clean when the hitch is not in use. This is the setup I have in my non prepped Ram.

Thank you for that information. From my research only 2 makes have a 5th wheel prep package: Ford and Ram. Unfortunately I have ruled Ram out since they only offer a regular and crew cab. As I am looking for a long bed, I want a quad or super cab. So Ford would be the only option, not liking only having one choice!

So, your info has gotten me back to wider search as I do want the option of a flat bed.

**JRTJH** · 02-29-2016, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laredo291OH

I'm also looking for a new TV, GM just started offering the 5th wheel prep package for the 2500 and 3500 HD trucks (just started offering it, as in this week). Curt offers a 5th wheel to fit the GM puck system, not sure about any of the other hitch manufacturers. I'm willing to wait for factory 5th wheel prep, because I just don't like the idea of cutting on a brand new $60k truck.

But that is just me. A friend of mine has a Ford with the factory prep system, after seeing that, I don't want anything else.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wbdvt

Thank you for that information. From my research only 2 makes have a 5th wheel prep package: Ford and Ram. Unfortunately I have ruled Ram out since they only offer a regular and crew cab. As I am looking for a long bed, I want a quad or super cab. So Ford would be the only option, not liking only having one choice!

So, your info has gotten me back to wider search as I do want the option of a flat bed.

Good Luck on your search for a new tow vehicle. But, according to Laredo2910H, GM started offering the puck system very recently. Your search may not be confined to Ford. Check with a GMC or Chevrolet dealership, you may now be able to order a factory installed puck system. Also, Reese markets a "under-bed rail system, and if I'm not mistaken, that's what is installed by Ford. But, that would include drilling 5 "YUGE" holes in your bed, something none of us would look forward to doing.

Laredo291OH · 02-29-2016, 06:07 AM

The GM dealers I had talked to in the last couple of months didn't know the 5th wheel prep was coming, but I got an email from GMC that is option code Z6A. It also now shows up on the GM websites when you do a "build and price". The 5th wheel prep from GM does give you the 7 pin adapter in the bed and a spray in bedliner. The 5th wheel prep is about a $400 option, but the spray in bedliner adds another $4-500, so it's close to a $1000 option with GM.

wbdvt · 02-29-2016, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laredo291OH

The GM dealers I had talked to in the last couple of months didn't know the 5th wheel prep was coming, but I got an email from GMC that is option code Z6A. It also now shows up on the GM websites when you do a "build and price". The 5th wheel prep from GM does give you the 7 pin adapter in the bed and a spray in bedliner. The 5th wheel prep is about a $400 option, but the spray in bedliner adds another $4-500, so it's close to a $1000 option with GM.

Thank you. I was planning to go to the GM dealer here. I will inquire about that option and I was going to do a spray in bedliner anyhow.

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