trying to figure out 5th wheel prep kit
 

I bought a 2011 350 SRW off the lot due to it being very close to what I was going to order anyway. The truck did not come with the 5th wheel prep package from Ford. I would like to buy a 5th wheel now, but I really want to use the Ford prep option. I have been reading for days and am getting confused at this point. So I will just ask. Has anyone put the prep kit on after they bought their truck? I believe it is part #BC3Z-5F057-A. Thanks for any help you offer and sorry about bringing this topic up yet again. John

I haven't seen any info like this, but I am interested too.. I think..

Sam

Why get hung up on the prep kit? Just pick a 5th wheel and go for it.

My dealer told me the bed would have to be lifted to install the fifth wheel prep, big $$$ I'm sure. Have you looked at B&W hitches at all? Same idea, easier install...

I watched a video which I believe may have been B&W (not sure now), and it showed a lot of flexing when they were using the gooseneck portion of the hitch. Kinda scared me. Figured I would like to stay with what is available from dealership. Besides Reese is a pretty good and reputable name. Lifting the box an inch or two would be no problem. Especially to save the 700.00 the dealer said he charges to install.

I have the factory hitch prep and in many respects it is not worth it. If you are going with Reese maybe it is a great and the best solution. However, I have an air hitch and the adapter pieces add a lot of weight that would not be needed with a set of aftermarket rails, and if you haul sheetrock and need a flat bed simply put two sheets of 3/4 plywood in the bed and cut out the rail sections.

The old donut holes aftermarket also need only a piece of plywood with 4 two-inch holes to give a flat empty bed. Those also required raising the bed a few inches to install.

Best of luck...

If you already have the fifth wheel prep it is pretty nice and the hitch install and removal is a piece of cake. I bought my truck off the lot with the prep, and then had to buy a hitch to fit it (B&W). IF my truck had not had it, I would have either used my old hitch or if I wanted the flat bed, would have bought and installed the B&W Companion standard hitch. To me, it looks like if the truck wasn't originally built with the prep, it is way easier to install rails, or if you want the flat bed, the B&W companion. The Reece Elite is a nice hitch as well, I just decided I liked the B&W better after some review from other members of this forum. Good luck with your decision.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ion-video.html
here ya go

I would recommend the B&W turnoverball as well. I love it.

I had the factory prep and went with the Reese 18k elite. Nicer than my last hitch for sure-No regrets. Do you need the gooseneck as well? Your going to be drilling holes no matter what so I would consider other options. If you don't need the gooseneck you can always get Reese's install kit as well.

Yes I installed the factory fifth wheel prep kit in my '11. Yes you have to lift the bed 2-3" to install the massive bracket under the floor. The instructions are very clear and it is pretty straight forward. The electrical connections in the bed are not included in the kit but are available.

I wanted the strength and Ford backing when I was researching which hitch to install. The factory piece is made by Cequent. The also make Hidden Hitch, Reese, etc. If you do not want to lift the bed, Reese Elite series is almost the same. It would look like the factory bracket and use the same hitches. All the accessories, hitches, goose balls , etc. fit both factory and Reese Elite series. For me to order the factory bracket was actually cheaper than buying the Reese setup...

Hitch in box:
http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/49...500x500Q85.jpg

Hitch in truck:
http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/47...500x500Q85.jpg

Rescue 1 === Very nice to post up pics! That definitely is a massive piece of hitch.:-X04

Reps given....


biz
:-X22

Yeh I weighed it before I installed it. Between the brackets, my adapter plate, and the Superglide hitch I'm sure I have over 300 lbs of hitch.... without the 5'er attached!

Wow, that does look heavy duty. Thanks for all the input guys. Looking like I'll be going with the factory setup. Nice pictures by the way.