5th wheel package
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara, CA
quick question
looking to eventually getting a 2017 F350 LB:
Wife doesn't like the Ford GN setup and she is leaning towards the B&W turnover ball we currently have on a 05 F350. I personally think it's also easier than the Ford/Reese one: turnover ball and spring loaded chains hookups, versus storing the ball and screwing in the hooks for the chains.
The GN package comes with the prep kit but also the bed mounted brake plug: any way of getting the plug from the factory?
any pros of having the Ford solution instead of aftermarket B&W installation?
thanks
Wife doesn't like the Ford GN setup and she is leaning towards the B&W turnover ball we currently have on a 05 F350. I personally think it's also easier than the Ford/Reese one: turnover ball and spring loaded chains hookups, versus storing the ball and screwing in the hooks for the chains.
The GN package comes with the prep kit but also the bed mounted brake plug: any way of getting the plug from the factory?
any pros of having the Ford solution instead of aftermarket B&W installation?
thanks
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
No way to just get the plug.
On pros of the factory system, there are a few. The holes in the bed are precisely cut before painting. Less likely to have corrosion start. Yes, it's aluminum but it will corrode if exposed for any length of time and start peeling the adjacent paint. Second is cost. It's 300 or so invoice to have it factory installed with the in bed wiring too. I understand why you like the BW setup but I personally couldn't skip the factory install for the cost.
On pros of the factory system, there are a few. The holes in the bed are precisely cut before painting. Less likely to have corrosion start. Yes, it's aluminum but it will corrode if exposed for any length of time and start peeling the adjacent paint. Second is cost. It's 300 or so invoice to have it factory installed with the in bed wiring too. I understand why you like the BW setup but I personally couldn't skip the factory install for the cost.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara, CA
Thanks
as for your points:
-corrosion: we'll get a spray-on bed liner, but would the wrty on the Ford one be voided if you basically install an aftermarket GN kit?
-cost: Would it be feasibly to get the GN prep kit and basically re-shape the holes for a B&W? they should pretty much be in the same place in the bed
as for your points:
-corrosion: we'll get a spray-on bed liner, but would the wrty on the Ford one be voided if you basically install an aftermarket GN kit?
-cost: Would it be feasibly to get the GN prep kit and basically re-shape the holes for a B&W? they should pretty much be in the same place in the bed
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 481
Likes: 1
I'm a B&W man myself.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 317
Likes: 1
I talk with the dealer and they want 950 for installation but I don't like that because they will use hole saw to drill for the pucks and that is not laser cut.I don't know what to do Ford mess it up bad
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 872
Likes: 4
From: Greene, NY
Lots of folks that never leave the blacktop. And aren't in places where there is snow...
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 566
Likes: 4
I don't go in mud or snow....I don't want extra parts... extra weight I don't need... Extra drag I don't need... I want my truck lower... I don't want "death wobble" in a few years...
Happy
Happy
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,775
Likes: 7
From: Lewisberry, Penn
nother feature that should be standard on all pickups. Why do people by 4x2
Even if you go off road, 4x2 works just fine in most settings except snow and very wet areas, generally both of those make poor driving locations anyhow. Folks like me have other tools for when you need more traction (like a tractor). I realize the less space you have the more you need one tool to do the job, but I would never get my money out of 4x4. Commercial applications often have no need for it either. They drive on the pavement and just off enough to get to a job site. A rear locker would do the job for 10% of the cost.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 812
Likes: 4
Yes, lets make it a requirement to spend thousands more so you don't have to feel like your paying for an option you always get!
Even if you go off road, 4x2 works just fine in most settings except snow and very wet areas, generally both of those make poor driving locations anyhow. Folks like me have other tools for when you need more traction (like a tractor). I realize the less space you have the more you need one tool to do the job, but I would never get my money out of 4x4. Commercial applications often have no need for it either. They drive on the pavement and just off enough to get to a job site. A rear locker would do the job for 10% of the cost.
Even if you go off road, 4x2 works just fine in most settings except snow and very wet areas, generally both of those make poor driving locations anyhow. Folks like me have other tools for when you need more traction (like a tractor). I realize the less space you have the more you need one tool to do the job, but I would never get my money out of 4x4. Commercial applications often have no need for it either. They drive on the pavement and just off enough to get to a job site. A rear locker would do the job for 10% of the cost.