Factory 5th Wheel Prep
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 63,187
Likes: 6,646
From: Great Falls, Montana
I have installed 2 B&W Systems.
The latest is on my 2011 F-350. The F-350 had "factory hitch prep".
The under bed part, which also is all that is needed for GooseNeck Towing, is not difficult to install. Of course, the 2nd was "easier" than the first. There is a place in the instructions that calls for cutting a small "V" notch in the sheet metal above the frame to enable a heavy angle iron brace to be slid between the bed and the frame from wheel to wheel. I found that it was still difficult to get the angel iron in place. So..... I unbolted the bed (easy) and lifted it about an inch or two. The angle iron slid in place real easy.
One advantage of installing (or having installed) the B&W system after getting your truck........ There is 1 hole in the center of the bed, over the axle. Not 4. You have Gooseneck capability and 5th wheel.
The latest is on my 2011 F-350. The F-350 had "factory hitch prep".
The under bed part, which also is all that is needed for GooseNeck Towing, is not difficult to install. Of course, the 2nd was "easier" than the first. There is a place in the instructions that calls for cutting a small "V" notch in the sheet metal above the frame to enable a heavy angle iron brace to be slid between the bed and the frame from wheel to wheel. I found that it was still difficult to get the angel iron in place. So..... I unbolted the bed (easy) and lifted it about an inch or two. The angle iron slid in place real easy.
One advantage of installing (or having installed) the B&W system after getting your truck........ There is 1 hole in the center of the bed, over the axle. Not 4. You have Gooseneck capability and 5th wheel.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 740
Likes: 152
From: USA
Epic did a B&W install. Here is the video link.
He has more under "Read First: 6.7L Tech Folder"
Hope this helps.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ion-video.html
New User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Removing the hitch from the truck takes less than a minute.There are two pins that hold the head on,simply remove and lift the head off the base.The head weighs about 50lbs.
There are two pins holding the arms of the base unit.Remove the pins,open the arms and lift the base off the truck floor.The base is around 60lbs.
To re-install just reverse the process.If you can lift 50 to 60 pounds you can re-install the hitch in under 1 minute.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 20,146
Likes: 15,911
From: Wisconsin
That is nicer than the turnoverball installation. You have to loosen the u-bolts and bolt going into the 2 1/2" square shaft and then remove. To reinstall torque the top bolt into the square shaft to 40 ft/lbs and the u-bolts to 80 ft/lbs. Not a big deal, but the OEM B&W looks to be a bit easier.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Does the hitch not come pre-assembled? I would have thought it would have come in maybe 3 pieces. Seems like a lot of liability involved with the cust. having to put the hitch together and then tow (insert weight here)!
New User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
The head comes completely assembled,but the supports need to be installed on the base unit.They have to be torqued to 85 ft.lbs.Also three of the locking arms needed to be adjusted on my unit,two were too tight one was too loose.They are easy to adjust.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Thanks, that helps ease my mind. I am leaning strongly towards the B&W, but I don't know a lot about 5th wheel hitch set-ups. My previous set-up was done at the dealership in a camper hitch package purchase, and the dealer set it up. I am curious about the reese set-up as a believe someone said it installs without tools. I have the torque wrench and tools needed for the install, but tooless sounds sweet.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 63,187
Likes: 6,646
From: Great Falls, Montana
Unpacking and assembling the hitch the first time took me about 1.5 hrs,and two wobbly pops.
Removing the hitch from the truck takes less than a minute.There are two pins that hold the head on,simply remove and lift the head off the base.The head weighs about 50lbs.
There are two pins holding the arms of the base unit.Remove the pins,open the arms and lift the base off the truck floor.The base is around 60lbs.
To re-install just reverse the process.If you can lift 50 to 60 pounds you can re-install the hitch in under 1 minute.
Removing the hitch from the truck takes less than a minute.There are two pins that hold the head on,simply remove and lift the head off the base.The head weighs about 50lbs.
There are two pins holding the arms of the base unit.Remove the pins,open the arms and lift the base off the truck floor.The base is around 60lbs.
To re-install just reverse the process.If you can lift 50 to 60 pounds you can re-install the hitch in under 1 minute.
What does the Deck look like after the B&W Base is removed from the truck ?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,676
Likes: 913
From: Milford, MI
Thanks, that helps ease my mind. I am leaning strongly towards the B&W, but I don't know a lot about 5th wheel hitch set-ups. My previous set-up was done at the dealership in a camper hitch package purchase, and the dealer set it up. I am curious about the reese set-up as a believe someone said it installs without tools. I have the torque wrench and tools needed for the install, but tooless sounds sweet.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
I look forward to hearing/seeing your report Chad149. I am almost ready to order my hitch, but I am trying to wait for someone with the reese to post pictures. Where did you order yours from, price, thoughts etc. once you get it. I want the reese because it is a factory match, however, everyone with the B&W says that it is the only hitch they will ever own and talk about how easy the hook-up/disengage is. The one inch jaws are impressive as well. At this point I will porbably get the B&W unless someone posts something that makes me change my mind. The suspense is killing me.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
Unpacking and assembling the hitch the first time took me about 1.5 hrs,and two wobbly pops.
Removing the hitch from the truck takes less than a minute.There are two pins that hold the head on,simply remove and lift the head off the base.The head weighs about 50lbs.
There are two pins holding the arms of the base unit.Remove the pins,open the arms and lift the base off the truck floor.The base is around 60lbs.
To re-install just reverse the process.If you can lift 50 to 60 pounds you can re-install the hitch in under 1 minute.
Removing the hitch from the truck takes less than a minute.There are two pins that hold the head on,simply remove and lift the head off the base.The head weighs about 50lbs.
There are two pins holding the arms of the base unit.Remove the pins,open the arms and lift the base off the truck floor.The base is around 60lbs.
To re-install just reverse the process.If you can lift 50 to 60 pounds you can re-install the hitch in under 1 minute.
Oh yeah...easy...easy. Looks like a GREAT setup...and really do appreciate you taking the time with the pics!
biz
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,676
Likes: 913
From: Milford, MI
I look forward to hearing/seeing your report Chad149. I am almost ready to order my hitch, but I am trying to wait for someone with the reese to post pictures. Where did you order yours from, price, thoughts etc. once you get it. I want the reese because it is a factory match, however, everyone with the B&W says that it is the only hitch they will ever own and talk about how easy the hook-up/disengage is. The one inch jaws are impressive as well. At this point I will porbably get the B&W unless someone posts something that makes me change my mind. The suspense is killing me.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Thanks to all who repied to this thread. I decided go with the B&W based on the reviews here. Ordered from Tweetys for $799 shipped. I was going to order from Autoanything but called and they said they did not have the RVK 3300 on their parts list??? I may have some setup/installation questions when it arrives, but thanks so much for all of your input. First pull will be May 24th so I still have some time.