5th Wheel Prep Package

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Mar 31, 2011 | 04:02 PM

Northbrook

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5th Wheel Prep Package

I am thinking about buying a F350 Lariat SWD 4X4. We plan to use it to pull a 5th Wheel. I know that Ford offers a 5th Wheel Prep Package. HOWEVER, I was told that if I got a 5th Wheel Prep Package that I had to buy a Ford 5th Wheel hitch made by Reese. Today I was informed by the salesman that if I ordered the hitch from Ford, it would cost around $2700 in addition to the Prep Package.
I have priced Reese hitches and you can get a top end Reese hitch for under $1200.
QUESTION: Is it true that if I do not get the 5th Wheel Prep Package and $2700 Ford Reese hitch, that it would void any warranty? According to the Ford booklet, a F350 with SWD 4X4 qualifies for a 15,800 5th tow. As long as I stay under 15,800 and use a non-Ford 5th Wheel Prep Package and hitch, will I have a problem with Ford?

Paul

Mar 31, 2011 | 06:01 PM

don.joyce59

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You do not have to get Ford's hitch. Reese's "Elite" hitch is designed to fit the Ford Prep. A "Signature series" hitch will fit with an adapter. Using a hitch other than Ford will not void the warranty.

Apr 1, 2011 | 04:07 AM

glsurratt

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Joined: Jul 2006

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First, the msrp on the hitch assembly is only $1695. Work downwards from there.

Second, you can buy any Reese Elite series hitch and then get a Ford conversion kit which extends the legs on the standard hitch so they reach down through the bed to lock into the Ford prep package holes.

And if you just plain old don't like the Reese hitches, other manufacturers are starting to build adapter plates that will lock into the Ford prep package.