The "prep package" ads an additional brace between frame rails under the bed also.

 

Any pictures of this additional brace? I added the Ford 5th wheel prep kit to my truck & there wasn't any "additional" brace. Just the massive "H" member that contains all 5 pucks for the 5th wheel/gooseneck, angle brackets that bolt to the outside of the frame rails & a full set of bolts for the above mentioned parts, plus bed bolts. I had to drill the heads off of all but 1 of my bed bolts to lift the bed off. They use some heavy duty Locktite at the factory.

 

Agreed. No extra brace that I've ever seen or heard of.

 

it's listed when you look at the provided description on the build website. it's very clear along with all the differences of each available option for any model.

 

I'm far too lazy to look but will take your word for it. It wasn't ever part of the 11-16 prep which is why I'm surprised.

 

Here is what he's referring to I believe on the add'l cross member......

Ooops-added that pic right in the middle of your quote, my bad!

 

I just think that means how it is connected not an additional piece.

 

Agreed. The under bed rails is the the cross brace.

 

I'll chime in here in case others are looking. My dealer or maybe really my salesman was uninformed on the prep package and what is required. I wanted the platinum they had on the lot, the prep pkg was bonus since I have a 5th wheel.

If you are going to reuse your existing 5th wheel like I did, a Reese 16K, you will need to order one of these adapters from your dealer or in my case eBay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161431334102?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
I was surprised that the 5th wheel appears (I didn't measure) to be about 3" forward center of axle. in the 6' 8" bed we need all the distance we can get and that 3" would have allowed me a full jackknife with my 2012 Open Range Camper.

Install... wore me out. Put it together via the Reese instructions, does not fit, pull it out and adjust per instructions, fits in holes but too loose or too tight, out at least 8-10 more times to adjust tension on arms, finally a fit.

Mine was also not absolutely level. I had 1/4" play (tipsy) corner to corner, rotated adapter, same corner to corner so have to assume it was the prep kit.

Note, grease the feet good, this helps a lot locking and unlocking. I used some marine grease I had since I figure it is more waterproof.

Also adapter is tall, plan on dropping the head one or two notches.

 

Thanks for the reply...when I end up getting something for my truck it will be the Anderson Ultimate 5th wheel hitch with the gooseneck adapter.

 

I looked at an Andersen closely today. I went into State Trailer Supply for some new marker lights for the Harley trailer. I can't get over how minimal that design is. It's extremely simple and looks like a bit of a lightweight. I was looking at the steel version and noticed that the welds are just the opposite, very substantial. I am so used to the boxy Curts and Reeses and B&W with all the heavy steel plating and when you look over that simple four tube design it's just a bit unsettling. Not only is the base with the ball different but the king-pin adapter looks lightweight too. If it truly can handle the weights it advertises, it is an ingenious design. But for me, towing that huge and heavy 5th wheel behind me, I would just be nervous. Maybe I'm too slow to adapt but the Andersen is in a different world.

 

I can understand that Epic...it does seem minimalistic in it's design however I have read of lots of people with really heavy toy haulers etc. that swear by it. I think the only difference between the steel frame and the aluminum is the weight. The aluminum version actually is rated 4,000 lbs GTWR higher than the rail version. Every little bit counts right?

 

Key question isn't so much whether something like the Anderson can handle the weight.. that's not really all that difficult. The real question is what happens when the ***** hits the fan. Does your trailer part ways with your truck and come through the back window, or does it stay firmly attached where it's supposed to be.

 

Not to be a Debbie Downer about the Andersen, but where is the lateral load going? Is it going onto the surface of the bed through the base? On the Ford puck system those loads go through four points connected solidly to the frame. Same with rail systems. Does the Anderson rely on the aluminum bed to handle side loads that torque one side or the other? Someone with experience can chime in but it seems like it could easily bend the bed. There must be plenty of people who are happy with them. I just haven't done any research on them.

 

The Anderson has been "tweaking" bed floors since it's inception. You're thinking is not off base Epic... To be fair, the B&W Turnover has been doing the same...