My truck came with the 5th wheel prep package, but not the gooseneck ball kit. I've been looking on eBay at the Ford kits and they say for longbed trucks only. My truck is a short bed and I don't see why they would be longbed specific since the prep package is the same with both beds. Am I missing something?

 

 

It will work fine and that link maypo listed is a heck of a lot cheaper than fords.

 

What does your owners manual say? Talk to your dealer? Why would Ford factory install a Gooseneck ball adapter if you can't use it as designed? Just some thoughts.

 

It's the same GN ball kit for long bed and short bed. The listings you are seeing are incorrect.

 

I was thinking the prep package would be the same for both long and short beds and the distance from the hitch to the tailgate was the same. All the eBay ads for the factory ford hitch say the same thing about long beds only. I will probably go with the curt, but was just looking for an explanation. Thanks for the help!

 

ball

 

Ford mentions long beds for the only reason of possible trailer-to-cab contact, and they don't want to be responsible for it.

Also there is a reason for the cost difference between the Ford gooseneck ball and the Curt. Ford's is all stainless steel. Curt's is chrome coated steel.

If you do a lot of towing, you'll be replacing the Curt when that chrome wears off. If you do occasional towing, the Curt will last for a while.

 

Darn, now I wish I did a little more searching, I ordered the dual ball kit (450 specific option) with tge truck and it is like 3 times the price than if i just ordered kits linked to Amazon...

 

The one at Amazon only comes with one ball. The 'dual ball kit' has 3" and 2-5/16" *****, as well as the stronger safety chain tie-down bars to support the 32k trailer tow rating.

 

I bought the one for my 17 off of Craigslist for 75 dollars the ford it brand new never used. Guy lifted his truck and it came with it so it was pointless for him.

 

Been towing a travel trailer for a dozen years with the chrome worn off the ball.. No one has died yet.. It ain't pretty, but it certainly is functional.

 

If anything, I'd buy the Reese Elite on Amazon for $136. The Ford one is just rebranded Reese Elite and market up because it has been assigned a Ford PN.

 

Exactly. I did the same thing. The Reese is top notch and is the same exact kit that Ford sells.

 

Heck I bought my gooseneck kit from ford dealer for $150 plus tax I love the little bag it came with I take it out when not in use so I have full use of the bed