Fifth wheel prep package
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More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2017
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Fifth wheel prep package
Looking at a 450 and since the prep package comes with it , what are my options for a conventional 5th wheel hitch using the rails ?
Can I install my rails like normal ? I guess not
Some kind of adapter that will raise my already high hitch ?
Can I install my rails like normal ? I guess not
Some kind of adapter that will raise my already high hitch ?
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,217
Likes: 4,223
From: Kaysville Utah
Ford sells a hitch that drops into the pucks that come with the GN/5ver prep. If you don't want to buy the Ford product there are aftermarket hitches that still use the pucks as mounting points.
You will have to check with your hitch mfg and see if they have a rail system uses the pucks
You will have to check with your hitch mfg and see if they have a rail system uses the pucks
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 419
Likes: 3
Lots of aftermarket 5th wheel hitch manufacturers make hitches for the Ford puck system. If you buy a used hitch, be aware that puck systems between different brands (Ford, Dodge, GM, Nissan, etc) are not interchangeable. You must get one for a Ford. You can use a rail style hitch (minus the actual rails) in a newer Ford with a puck system. You must use an adapter that Reese sells. I would not attempt to put rails in a truck with a puck system.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 996
Likes: 132
From: Oklahoma
I'm pretty sure you can't install conventional rails with the puck system already in place, at least I wouldn't want to do that. You have a couple of options: (1) Sell your hitch and get one works with the puck or gooseneck connections or (2) get an adapter plate that mounts to the pucks and has the slots for a conventional hitch (see Reese R-30156 or Demco 6175). Downside is the Reese will raise your hitch by 3 1/4 inches and the Demco less than 2. The Reese is the lighter of the two. I got the Reese when I had my 17 F350 dual to use with a Trailer Saver BD3 air ride hitch. I had to lower the hitch to its lowest setting and my pin box to its highest and I was still just a bit nose high.
I just sold my BD3 and got a Reese Goose Box to go with my new truck. I'm in the process of getting it mounted on my fifth wheel now. The only thing that will be in my bed is a 5 pound gooseneck ball.
I just sold my BD3 and got a Reese Goose Box to go with my new truck. I'm in the process of getting it mounted on my fifth wheel now. The only thing that will be in my bed is a 5 pound gooseneck ball.
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More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2017
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I'm pretty sure you can't install conventional rails with the puck system already in place, at least I wouldn't want to do that. You have a couple of options: (1) Sell your hitch and get one works with the puck or gooseneck connections or (2) get an adapter plate that mounts to the pucks and has the slots for a conventional hitch (see Reese R-30156 or Demco 6175). Downside is the Reese will raise your hitch by 3 1/4 inches and the Demco less than 2. The Reese is the lighter of the two. I got the Reese when I had my 17 F350 dual to use with a Trailer Saver BD3 air ride hitch. I had to lower the hitch to its lowest setting and my pin box to its highest and I was still just a bit nose high.
I just sold my BD3 and got a Reese Goose Box to go with my new truck. I'm in the process of getting it mounted on my fifth wheel now. The only thing that will be in my bed is a 5 pound gooseneck ball.
I just sold my BD3 and got a Reese Goose Box to go with my new truck. I'm in the process of getting it mounted on my fifth wheel now. The only thing that will be in my bed is a 5 pound gooseneck ball.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
Seems very overpriced for what it is. I bought my Curt 25k hitch that drops into the Ford pucks complete for under $700. As said before, you can often find them used and in perfect condition from Reese or Curt for well under $500. I sure wouldn't spend $500 for an adapter to use an old hitch when you can go new or almost new for around the same money. Then sell your old hitch and you'd come out ahead... Just my thoughts...
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2013
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OR you can use a 5th wheel that uses the gooseneck ball in your prep package. The Pullrite Superlite 20 k does, its what I used for my 5th wheel.
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More Turbo
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Seems very overpriced for what it is. I bought my Curt 25k hitch that drops into the Ford pucks complete for under $700. As said before, you can often find them used and in perfect condition from Reese or Curt for well under $500. I sure wouldn't spend $500 for an adapter to use an old hitch when you can go new or almost new for around the same money. Then sell your old hitch and you'd come out ahead... Just my thoughts...
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More Turbo
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Does the prep package come with a ball ?
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,221
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I have a hensley TS3 that I ordered with their version of a puck adapter plate.
That adapter is a drop in plate for the pucks and then gives you standard reese rail mounts. And it is probably no more then maybe an inch higher then reese rails bolted down flush to the bed.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2013
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It came with my '15, '19 F 350's and my '20 F 450. That said you ONLY get it if you got that on the option sheet, if not then its a NO...