5th wheel prep package conversion
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Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 52
Likes: 2
From: Perth Andover
5th wheel prep package conversion
I had the misfortune of having an accident with my 2016 F-250 and the front frame is bent. So i am looking at a new 2017 F-250 Lariat. I REALLY want this one specific truck on the lot. Problem is, it doesn't have the 5th wheel prep package so i can drop my Companion B&W hitch in. And to me this is a big thing since i tow travel trailers for a living and easily removing the hitch is needed sometimes.
Does anyone know if i can buy a kit to convert it to a "prep package" like the factory and just drill holes in the box where the mounting holes would be? I think it's just a special bracket that goes under the box? So essentially a "non prep package to a prep package"?
Does anyone know if i can buy a kit to convert it to a "prep package" like the factory and just drill holes in the box where the mounting holes would be? I think it's just a special bracket that goes under the box? So essentially a "non prep package to a prep package"?
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 61
Likes: 2
From: where we park it
The prep package can be installed after the fact. I know cause had same issue you have loved a truck on the lot it didn't have the prep package. My was a f350 dually without 5th wheel prep! I was going to install it myself but found out you have take entire bed off to do it. I had my dealer do the install, I was worried about damaging the body trying to do it myself.
There is a whole string about the prep package for 2017s on the towing forum
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rep-added.html
There is a whole string about the prep package for 2017s on the towing forum
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rep-added.html
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 119
Likes: 3
The prep package can be installed after the fact. I know cause had same issue you have loved a truck on the lot it didn't have the prep package. My was a f350 dually without 5th wheel prep! I was going to install it myself but found out you have take entire bed off to do it. I had my dealer do the install, I was worried about damaging the body trying to do it myself.
There is a whole string about the prep package for 2017s on the towing forum
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rep-added.html
There is a whole string about the prep package for 2017s on the towing forum
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rep-added.html
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 61
Likes: 2
From: where we park it
I believe I paid about $500.00 with a coupon for 15% off labor they gave me when I bought my truck. The per hour rate here in Northern Virginia is pretty high. They said it was 4.5 hours install time.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 239
Likes: 10
From: Texas
I did mine in my garage too, IMO it wasn't bad. I didn't remove the bed, I simply unbolted it, lifted, put some 4x4 blocks between frame and bed. Went to town. these beds being aluminum, they're pretty light.
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 61
Likes: 2
From: where we park it
Ricohman and BK39,
My hats off to you guys for actually doing this install yourself.
I had every intention of installing the 5th prep package in my garage I even had two the bolts out and already. Fear of my brand new dully bed sliding off the frame and dropping to the ground as I tried to slip wooden 4x4's under each corner one at a time got the better of me this time.
I enjoy doing my own mods and upgrades being doing it for years on all my vehicles. never been afraid to drill holes in my Jeeps and 4WDs. Maybe this being the most expensive vehicle I have ever owned and the first DRW might have something to do with me raising the white flag.
Glad to know folks have done it themselves.
My hats off to you guys for actually doing this install yourself.
I had every intention of installing the 5th prep package in my garage I even had two the bolts out and already. Fear of my brand new dully bed sliding off the frame and dropping to the ground as I tried to slip wooden 4x4's under each corner one at a time got the better of me this time.
I enjoy doing my own mods and upgrades being doing it for years on all my vehicles. never been afraid to drill holes in my Jeeps and 4WDs. Maybe this being the most expensive vehicle I have ever owned and the first DRW might have something to do with me raising the white flag.
Glad to know folks have done it themselves.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
My 2011 F350 dually was purchased off the lot and it didn't come with the fifth wheel prep. I had the dealer install it but I cut the holes in the bed myself before bringing them the truck. That way I didn't have to worry about someone getting that part wrong and Ford made it pretty simple. The dealer charged me $400 for their part and everything worked out great. My 2017 F450 was off the lot too but it came with the fifth wheel prep. I don't know why dealers don't order the prep on all SD's being that it's so cheap.
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 543
Likes: 33
From: Extreme NW Ohio
My 2011 F350 dually was purchased off the lot and it didn't come with the fifth wheel prep. I had the dealer install it but I cut the holes in the bed myself before bringing them the truck. That way I didn't have to worry about someone getting that part wrong and Ford made it pretty simple. The dealer charged me $400 for their part and everything worked out great. My 2017 F450 was off the lot too but it came with the fifth wheel prep. I don't know why dealers don't order the prep on all SD's being that it's so cheap.
I added the prep kit to my 2012 F250. $500 for the complete kit. Used the loader on my tractor to lift the bed off since I had to drill the heads off of most of the bolts, then cut the clip nuts with tin snips. The bolts had threadlocker on them from the factory. Kit included new bolts & clip nuts.
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Northbrook
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Apr 14, 2011 09:31 PM