Factory 5th wheel prep package

cub22908 · 03-08-2016, 07:25 PM

Will probably have to order a new 1 ton diesel to get everything I want. What is the opinion on a factory 5th wheel prep? I like the idea but the sales people don't seem to know anything about it. I hate the thought of having someone I don't know start drilling holes in a new $60k+ truck to install a hitch. Are there any drawbacks to a factory prep package? I am tending towards the Chevy but haven't ruled out the others. Thanks again for your help. Dan

Skyliner · 03-08-2016, 07:35 PM

Not sure what the Chevy's package is like but I absolutely love the factory prep package that eliminates rails on top of the deck.

I can unlock, split my 24k hitch in 1/2 to make it easier to carry, and remove it in 10 minutes and have my truck bed back. I love not having visible rails on top.

If the Chevy hitch setup is the same, don't hesitate and get it. I'm using a curt hitch instead of the OEM one and getting it on etrailer saved me a ton of money.

BandJCarm · 03-08-2016, 07:39 PM

Not sure Chevy has a prep package. I just, today, got a B&W Companion installed in new GMC Dually. It was put in by a local truck accessory shop that does zillions of them. I doubt the dealer would have a clue about it.

They did great, and it can come apart so that the head is removed, OR the entire thing can be removed, leaving bed of truck clean other than one hole and two U bolts for safety chains if a Gooseneck was ever used for anything.

Major · 03-08-2016, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyD

Not sure what the Chevy's package is like but I absolutely love the factory prep package that eliminates rails on top of the deck.

I can unlock, split my 24k hitch in 1/2 to make it easier to carry, and remove it in 10 minutes and have my truck bed back. I love not having visible rails on top.

If the Chevy hitch setup is the same, don't hesitate and get it. I'm using a curt hitch instead of the OEM one and getting it on etrailer saved me a ton of money.

X2. I use the B&W Companion with the Ford puck mount and would not trade it for anything.

We ended up NOT buying our RV from a specific dealer simply because he did not know about the Ford puck mount hitches out there. Insisted there was no such thing. His ignorance cost him the sale.

CWSWine · 03-08-2016, 07:53 PM

I would also get factory prep also and I won't let the dealership install the hitch, I would go to someone that does it more then few installs a year. I have the B&W Companion that doesn't take rails and love it. Besides it made in my state and we need the business.

ferguson65 · 03-08-2016, 07:54 PM

Had to order my Ford with it as none of the dealers around here stock trucks.............even duallies with it. They blame low take rate. How can you have a low take rate if you never have any in stock with the option? I wrote one dealer that kept bothering me a long email one night and told them they have no idea how to order trucks. Still never seen one on their lot 3 years later with the prep unless it was special ordered.

That said, I love the prep package in the Ford. I had a gooseneck when I bought the truck, sold that and bought the 5th. The hitch changeover is cake. Flat bed floor when out, super easy in and out. If it's a factory option, do it!

cub22908 · 03-08-2016, 07:55 PM

I have been searching for info on the Chevy 5th wheel prep and coming up with nothing as it is brand new option available this spring for first time. It appears that it must work with curt hitches as that is what GM is offering as an option. I am curious if it will work with other hitches as well. I found that Ford and Ram publish a list of compatible hitches but can't find any info for Chevy.

davel1971 · 03-08-2016, 07:56 PM

I just had to get new side brackets to use the Curt I already had. Great setup.

Jim34RL · 03-08-2016, 08:02 PM

I am not sure on the Chevy/GMC package but the Ram 5th wheel package includes the inserts, punched holes in the bed with rubber plugs, and the 7 blade connector in the bed. This will allow some hitches to be readily adapted to the truck like the B&W Campion hitch.
See attached link:
Companion OEM - 5th Wheel Hitch - Fits Ram Puck System | Puck Mounted Attachment | THE B&W ADVANTAGE

sugarjohnson · 03-08-2016, 08:46 PM

I have a new 2015 Chevy 3500. My 5th wheel prep package is blunt cut wires to tie in bed harness. 2016 package also includes prep for turnover ball but I believe they are using reese products. I'm not knocking reese but I would recommend B&W system over reese. This is what I put in my 2015 with companion. I installed both myself. Not too hard but took me a whole Saturday for both.

cub22908 · 03-08-2016, 09:07 PM

Here is the description from the Chevy website. Sounds like it is a flush mount with bed caps when not in use.

Gooseneck / 5th Wheel Prep Package
Hitch platform to accept Gooseneck or Fifth wheel hitch. Includes:

Hitch platform with tray to accept ball
Drilled box holes with caps installed
Box mounted 7-pin trailer harness
Requires trailering equipment, spray-on bed liner and trailering mirrors

Think I will definitely order it based on every ones suggestions. Thanks!

selkirk awards · 03-09-2016, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferguson65

Had to order my Ford with it as none of the dealers around here stock trucks.............even duallies with it. They blame low take rate. How can you have a low take rate if you never have any in stock with the option? I wrote one dealer that kept bothering me a long email one night and told them they have no idea how to order trucks. Still never seen one on their lot 3 years later with the prep unless it was special ordered.

That said, I love the prep package in the Ford. I had a gooseneck when I bought the truck, sold that and bought the 5th. The hitch changeover is cake. Flat bed floor when out, super easy in and out. If it's a factory option, do it!

I was looking at Weslaco Ford in Weslaco Texas he had about 8 in stock I was getting service on mine F 350 Puck model just love it also just installed the New Demco Hitchhiker Slider 20K puck model. don't know how that is going to go but I have 3600 miles home so I guess I will find out.

W5CI · 03-09-2016, 01:24 PM

My 2015 RAM 3500 came with the Prep Kit, that was a selling point for me, but I did have to get a Picture frame adapter they call it to mount my existing Reece 16K hitch . Or I could have purchased the complete hitch for a $1000 more so i just got the adapter

JohnF · 03-09-2016, 01:24 PM

I ordered it on my F350 and it is slick. Just slid my Demco slider into the holes and turned the pins to lock it in. No dealer needed. I ordered mine from Dyers.

Tude · 03-09-2016, 04:30 PM

I recently purchased a 2500 ram with the 5th wheel prep package, highly recommend it. It is cheaper than aftermarket and looks tons better. Also with the ram it comes with a goose neck hook up.

Hoglou · 03-09-2016, 04:52 PM

I asked pull rite about fitment for a 16 srw 3500 duramax and here is what they said:

We are currently working on a solution for the Chevy prep package. I apologize I do not have a fit up for that system at the moment.

*

Thank you,

Inside Sales Representative

Pulliam Enterprises, Inc.

13790 E Jefferson Blvd

Mishawaka, IN 46545

1-800-443-2307*

pacin · 03-09-2016, 06:51 PM

Can the factory kit be installed after you buy the truck? I just bought a 2015 f250, and have not had the mount installed yet, but the idea of no rails sounds great. I currently have a Reese 16k slider.

CWSWine · 03-09-2016, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pacin

Can the factory kit be installed after you buy the truck? I just bought a 2015 f250, and have not had the mount installed yet, but the idea of no rails sounds great. I currently have a Reese 16k slider.

Check out Turn Over Ball / B&W hitches. They have piece that goes under the bed of your truck for goose neck and the 5er hitch that will fit into the goose neck adapter. That's what I have and it works great...

ferguson65 · 03-09-2016, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pacin

Can the factory kit be installed after you buy the truck? I just bought a 2015 f250, and have not had the mount installed yet, but the idea of no rails sounds great. I currently have a Reese 16k slider.

Yes it can. All it is, when it comes down to it, is a Reese Elite hitch. Buying it aftermarket you have the option to add the goose receiver or not. So pick up a Reese Elite and have the same as factory.

Hutch333id · 03-09-2016, 10:23 PM

My F350 DRW came with the factory installed 5th wheel prep and towing package. I recently had to take the hitch out to have the bed liner sprayed in. It took me only a couple of minutes to remove half a dozen pins holding it in. No rails so I can now use the full truck bed when necessary.

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