Hey guys. Thinking of upgrading my truck to a new 350. Was looking at the factory 5th wheel prep. I read that the factory hitch is basically a Reese Elite. Can I order my truck with the factory prep and have a Reese Elite hitch elsewhere match up or does it have to be the Ford branded Reese hitch? Saw a very good deal online for a 18K Reese elite for about $850. Was thinking of picking it up if it is compatible with the hitch prep on the new truck I'm after. Thanks in advance...

 

I have a brand new (never used) factory one available if you're interested. I ordered it when I got my truck and my 5er plans got put on hold.

It is a Reese hitch, nothing different from the regular one, as far as I'm aware, besides some Ford stickers on it.

 

If you look on etrailer's website, they show both the Elite and the slider kit for it available that are direct fits for the Super Duty trucks with the factory prep package.

 

Thanks guys. It looks like I'll be into an Elite hitch but on my current truck. Trade value was crap, so I think the new hitch is going in the old truck.....

 

The studs on the bottom of the Ford factory installed hitch are longer than on an aftermarket Reese Elite. Ford sells a kit to modify the aftermarket that gives you the longer studs.

 

Hey Greg, I haven't seen anything about the longer studs. Do you have a part number or anything like that for the kit?

 

I've seen the Ford part number on this forum someplace, but I can't find it now.

However, check out Reese Signature Series Hitch Adapter for 2011 Ford Super Duty Reese Accessories and Parts RP58419 .

The write-up says:
Because the Ford factory and Elite series rails for the 2011 Ford Super Duty sit lower under the truck bed than the Signature Series rail kits, this spacer kit is needed to provide clearance for the Signature Series fifth wheel hitches to seat properly in the under-bed rails. Without the spacer kit, the signature series legs would make contact with the truck bed floor before it can reach the rail kit. The Elite Series fifth wheel hitches have the adapter built in. The adapter is only needed on 2011 Ford Super Duty pickups when using a Signature Series branded fifth wheel hitch.

 

Greg, unless I'm misreading, the article you just posted is saying the "signature series" needs an adapter and the the Elite and factory are the same.

 

I'm not sure what Reese has done. The Signature series and the Elite series look identical from the topsides - I had the Signature in my 2006, and the 2011 has the Elite.

You may be correct - I noticed it after I hit "post". Worst case - buy the Elite series and if it needs the spacer kit, you've got the number. ;-)

 

Ford : F-350 Ford : F-350 | eBay

This truck has it if you want to see pictures.

 

Damn good of you to post it. Thanks brother! Looks like I'll be seeing it in person in 8-10 weeks!!!

 

@2000silverbullet: You still intrested in selling your 5th wheel hitch? Let me know.

Rick
rickdsoto@gmail.com