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First post here- I just installed in my F350 a couple weeks ago. Give yourself around 3 hrs. The kit consist of the center section (massive), 2 angles, plastic bed plugs, and bolts. They provide bolts, nuts for replacing the bed bolts and for the puck pieces. The bed does need to be lifted about 3-1/2" minimum to slip the center piece in. I took all the bed bolts out and pried/blocked each side of the bed to get the height. Instruction also say to disconnect some wire connections and remove the fuel inlet connections. I did neither and had no problem getting the height. I also cheated and put the same bolts back in the bed. They seemed pretty tight to me. you have to assemble everything loosely lower the bed, make adjustments, raise the bed, tighten and torque the frame parts, then replace the bed. I just made a special tool to access the center peice frame bolts so I didnt reaise the bed again. I ran out of time as it was getting dark and the truck is my only transpotation so left the prep kit loose and tightened the bed down. After making a special tool I went back and tightened everything up. I would have been cheaper and easier to have made it part of the buying process but didn't think of it.
This is what I am looking for! Just to confirm, you installed the Ford kit (BC3Z-SF057-A)?
Scraprat, the one picture you posted has an "alert number" on it. This means there was something different with that particular part that made it "not to print", but the Ford engineers approved it for use. I have access to the system that tracks alerts. I will try to look up that number.
Found it. The manufacturer temporarily changed the top coat for some reason.
Just to clear things up.... and I think I know where the confusion comes from.
First, the Ford Accessories prep kit is exactly identical, and is in fact the very same part that is installed if ordered at production.
As far as comparison to the Reese stuff. Reese belongs to Cequent Brands, who manufactures the prep package for Ford, and nearly all other trailer hitches for other Ford vehicles.
The kit that Ford uses is based on the Reese Elite Underbed Gooseneck. This is in fact very different from the Reese Elite 5th wheel mount kit, which is I'm sure the confusion in this thread is coming from. So if you're comparing the Ford kit to the Reese 5th wheel prep, then yes you are absolutely correct that they are completely and totally different.
Now is the Ford kit exactly identical to the Reese Elite Underbed Gooseneck? No, there are a few modifications. But now you know what it's based on. And as I said earlier, it's in essence a re-branded Reese.
Hopefully now this straightens up the confusion.
I think most of us know the difference between a 5th wheel and a gooseneck.
How do you know that Reese manufactures the prep kit for Ford? What if Ford only purchases the pucks, tow hooks, gooseneck ball and sleeve, and 5th wheel hitches from Reese, along with paying a license fee for the system, and then manufacturers their own underbed base apparatus, using Ford's vast internal manufacturing capacity, incorporating the design features unique to their own patents?
The following photo of the Reese Elite Underbed Gooseneck AND 5th Wheel Prep kit is self explanatory, when compared to the factory underbed prep kit photo previously posted.
This is a very different design and mounting structure. The difference is even more remarkable when compared in person.
Thanks for confirming that the kit that Ford sells in Accessories ISN'T the same as the Reese kit. That's what I would have been worried about, because if I had a Ford pick-up, I wouldn't would want the Reese Elite prep kit when Ford offers such a better one.
And here is a photo of the Hitch Prep Kit from Ford. Looks the very similar to me. Ford is a fully welded version. The Ford hitch is now rated for 27.5K might make the difference than the 25K Ford used in the past...
I think most of us know the difference between a 5th wheel and a gooseneck.
Yes I realize that.
However, Ford's kit accepts both.
If you're just looking at Reese and the 5th wheel prep.... it's just for a 5th wheel only. That's why I said in my post that if you're trying to compare the 5th wheel Reese prep to the Ford prep, they are completely different animals altogether.
Originally Posted by Y2KW57
How do you know that Reese manufactures the prep kit for Ford?
Because it's part of my job.
Originally Posted by Y2KW57
What if Ford only purchases the pucks, tow hooks, gooseneck ball and sleeve, and 5th wheel hitches from Reese, along with paying a license fee for the system, and then manufacturers their own underbed base apparatus, using Ford's vast internal manufacturing capacity, incorporating the design features unique to their own patents?
Because when Ford and Ford's distributors/warehouses orders the prep package, it's submitted to and shipped directly from Cequent..... which is in fact Reese for all practical purposes here.
Ford doesn't make it. Ford does specify how it's supposed to be made, but Ford doesn't make it.
Again it's my job, that's why I know this.
Originally Posted by Y2KW57
The following photo of the Reese Elite Underbed Gooseneck AND 5th Wheel Prep kit is self explanatory, when compared to the factory underbed prep kit photo previously posted.
This is a very different design and mounting structure. The difference is even more remarkable when compared in person.
Look again at the picture you posted, and then look at the picture that Strokin posted.
They are actually very similar. Keep in mind I never said they were the same. In fact, my post that you quoted I stated that the Ford kit is modified. One modification that was pointed out already is the center piece is welded in the Ford kit, bolted in the Reese kit.
I also said that the Ford kit is "based" on the Reese Elite gooseneck underbed prep. Same concept, similar design, but not exactly the same part.
Yes my first post I said re-badged Reese, because it really is. But it's also a forum and I really don't like going into long rambling boring explanations. I get boring easy and put people to sleep in a hurry.
Originally Posted by Y2KW57
Thanks for confirming that the kit that Ford sells in Accessories ISN'T the same as the Reese kit. That's what I would have been worried about, because if I had a Ford pick-up, I wouldn't would want the Reese Elite prep kit when Ford offers such a better one.
Your welcome. Anyone would be hard-pressed to find a beefier setup than the Ford one. I agree with you that the Ford prep kit is one of the superior products out there. Yes it's expensive, but well worth the money too.
I installed my B&W hitch myself. It is simple to install. You dont have to lift up the bed. You dont have to unbolt anything. It all installs from under the truck. I have the spray in bed liner so removing the bolts was not good for me. I did have to natch where the fender is spot welded to the bed which isn't much of a big deal. I painted everything so it wouldn't rust. I also painted the hole I cut into the bed. I was 64 when I did mine last year.
More photos
Now if you are installing air bags you will want to install them first because some of the bolts go behind the side plates. if you go with the ford kit looks like you dont.
Anyone would be hard-pressed to find a beefier setup than the Ford one. I agree with you that the Ford prep kit is one of the superior products out there. Yes it's expensive, but well worth the money too.
