Cost of a 5th wheel hitch

[Chewie]

I've been tossing around the idea of selling the TT and going to a 5th wheel. Looked at a 14 Heritage Glen 356qbq today and its pretty nice. Dealer says trailer weighs about 12k as it sits now. I'm figuring ill be in the 16k weight hitch range. How much does one of these things cost to install. Dealer quoted me 1500 for a Reese 20k, or 1200 for the 16k. Installed.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Chewie

I've been tossing around the idea of selling the TT and going to a 5th wheel. Looked at a 14 Heritage Glen 356qbq today and its pretty nice. Dealer says trailer weighs about 12k as it sits now. I'm figuring ill be in the 16k weight hitch range. How much does one of these things cost to install. Dealer quoted me 1500 for a Reese 20k, or 1200 for the 16k. Installed.

I hope he kisses you if you go for either price.

[Chewie]

Lol. That's why I thought. Now what kind of ballpark is normal?

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Chewie

Lol. That's why I thought. Now what kind of ballpark is normal?

Google both hitches and you will find prices from $300-$600 for non sliders. It took 1 guy about 1.5 hrs to install mine. At approx. $100/hr for most rv shops it shouldn't cost over $175-$200 labor. You might find a regular garage that can do it cheaper.

[Chewie]

Would I need a slider for an 8 ft bed?

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Chewie

Would I need a slider for an 8 ft bed?

No. Now I did pay about that for my B&W Turnover and Companion hitch. But, it's more expensive than most.

[Blaster 84]

When we bought a fifth wheel a few months ago part of the negotiations was they would provide and install a fifth wheel in my truck. They agreed to that without hesitation.

[OldCoot]

The dealer threw in the 16K Reese and the installation in the deal. No doubt I paid for it, but they hid it well.

[Blaster 84]

I tried to also get slider toppers, but couldn't make that deal.

[Chewie]

The dealer just called crying about how much I already beat them up. I told them I can't buy it without a hitch, otherwise I have no way if pulling it. I told them I'd sleep on it, see whether or not I wanted to do the deal. The financing is approved so I'm trying to beat them up for the hitch and install.

[Tiggerdad]

Let the dealer sweat a little and then tell him that he has to include at no extra charge. If he does, then there was wiggle room in his price. If he says he can't do it, then you probably got a very good deal.

Google the hitch as was said by another poster. Figure that price and a couple hundred more for install. When I bought my new truck I removed the old rails from the old truck. When I had the bed lined, the guy asked for my rails so he could pre drill the holes before lining. He offered to install the old rails for $150. and I was to provide the new brackets because the old would not fit.

[dcheatwood]

Originally Posted by Chewie

The dealer just called crying about how much I already beat them up. I told them I can't buy it without a hitch, otherwise I have no way if pulling it. I told them I'd sleep on it, see whether or not I wanted to do the deal. The financing is approved so I'm trying to beat them up for the hitch and install.

Make em sweat. Check another dealer and tell the first that you are shopping. Rule #1 for car or RV buying. NEVER buy on first visit. They'll always call in a day or 2 with a sweeter deal. I got free hidden hitch and 7 pin plug on one truck, spray in Bedliner on another. Last dealer added all the undercoating, fabric protection, paint sealant to my truck after we made the deal by internet and phone. I walked out refusing to pay for it. Manager followed me. Bingo. Got it free.
So wait em out. Good luck

[OldCoot]

Let the dealer sweat until he relents and gives you the hitch and labor. He is not going to loose the deal for $500 or $600 his cost. It may take several days or a week or two, but stick to your guns regardless of your own anxiety on getting the new unit. You can't make $1200-$1500 any easier.

[TURBS]

Paid 800.00 for an installed 16k slider.

[Rugged Brown]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Paid 800.00 for an installed 16k slider.

Ditto

[Chewie]

Thanks everyone, I'm in no hurry to buy. This is a huge purchase so I want to really think about it. Got the green light from the wife, shocked! I figure to let them call me and throw in the hitch. I made it quite clear on the phone with them. They said they had 0 room to move anymore, but we'll see what 24-48 hours can do. They are giving me an awesome trade deal on my Salem though. Probably more than I could sell it for.

[5erDriver]

See what they say when they stew for a bit. If you are handy the hitch is not hard to install if you are willing to give it a go. I bought my hitch used and bought new rails and brackets and installed with a friend in a couple of hours. Just some careful measuring and drilling. Brackets custom for your truck will likely require no drilling at all although will be a few more bucks to buy. Don't need a slider for a long bed and for alot of newer units not even for a short bed.
Go for the 5er! You'll love it.

[Chewie]

I'm really leaning towards the 5er. Something I've wanted for years.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Chewie

I'm really leaning towards the 5er. Something I've wanted for years.

I never dealt with it, but from what I see on here- I'm glad to not deal with any kind of WDH or sway control (I had sway control with my PUP). And worrying about dialing it in right. And the work that it seems hooking up is (mostly imagined, I know). Plus, everyone says how much better fivers tow. I know you can get a TT good and stable for towing, but it just seems like it takes more work to get it there. And, lets not talk about having to duck anytime you walk thru the TT exterior door. :-)

Ok, maybe I'm *very* biased!

[5erDriver]

Chewie, I think we were all in the same boat. It's the natural progression from TT if it fits your need and budget. We had a 25" Jayco Jay Flight TT and went to a 41' 7" Sandpiper 365 SAQ 5er. I know you don't need convincing. Lol! From a towing standpoint they tow way nicer. Also, when you think about the length. My 25ft TT was 29'11" from taillight to hitch. So almost 30ft behind the truck. The 5th wheel, although longer, because of where it's hitched, is only about 34 ft behind the truck cause of the portion of the length over the truck and what would be between the ball and the TT. So it's not really much longer to tow and turns so much nicer and better cause of the pivot point Go for it. As my friend says. " just friends helping friends spend money"