5th Wheel Prep Option
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
That's not correct. I just bought a short bed with the fifth wheel prep.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Mojave Desert, CA
I have a Signature 18K hitch which I moved from a '05 F250 to the F350. It cost more to do that move at a Reese Authorized installer then the cost of the Factory Prep, and it was labor only, the frame is the same, so the rails swapped. Looking at a 2012 F350 Lariat FX4, CC, DRW 3.73 limited slip in the near future. Wish the extended track front axle on the "Tow Boss" was still available, but a F450 is a bit of overkill, even for me!
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,229
Likes: 64
Another option you all have is that Hensley makes an adapter plate for their air ride hitch.
The adapter allows standard slotted hitches to work with the Ford factory prep.
The adapter may be pricey but it is a heavy well made piece.
The adapter allows standard slotted hitches to work with the Ford factory prep.
The adapter may be pricey but it is a heavy well made piece.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,402
Likes: 0
From: Upstate, NY
I bought the Hensley adapter just before the price increase in May. Very solid and well built piece. Saved me a boatload by being able to use my old RBW Lil' Rocker hitch.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,402
Likes: 0
From: Upstate, NY
Yep...was $500 plus freight...I think it went up $60.
New User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: California
2013 f250
I just picked up my 2013 Lariat 4X4 with the camper package and the 5th wheel prep on a 6 3/4 bed. Don't know what that means for a F350, but I had to look all over for it.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 110
Chief,
Unless you go chassis-cab model, all you get on today's DRW 450 is the 4.30 rear end(s), wide track front, and lights on top of the cab. It is the gear ratio that adds a bit to the theoretical tow power - but it is only Ford's theoretical. Your rear axle and payload are still in the DRW 350 range and will be what limits you.
Unless you go chassis-cab model, all you get on today's DRW 450 is the 4.30 rear end(s), wide track front, and lights on top of the cab. It is the gear ratio that adds a bit to the theoretical tow power - but it is only Ford's theoretical. Your rear axle and payload are still in the DRW 350 range and will be what limits you.
I have a Signature 18K hitch which I moved from a '05 F250 to the F350. It cost more to do that move at a Reese Authorized installer then the cost of the Factory Prep, and it was labor only, the frame is the same, so the rails swapped. Looking at a 2012 F350 Lariat FX4, CC, DRW 3.73 limited slip in the near future. Wish the extended track front axle on the "Tow Boss" was still available, but a F450 is a bit of overkill, even for me!
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Florida
B&W OEM 5th Wheel Hitch
I am the proud new owner of a '14 F350 CC Lariat 4x4 dually (2 weeks). It has the factory 5th wheel/gooseneck prep package. I purchased the new B&W Companion 20K# OEM Hitch for the new factory prep package. It was the first one my dealer had sold and installed.. Very nice unit, solid build, easy to remove. Head removes separate from the base section with removal of 2 pins, lift 2 handles on each side and lift it off. Then the base is light enough for 1 person to lift it out. I've towed my 5ver a couple short pulls, this unit is quiet, I have to look in the mirror to see if my 5ver is still back there...Having come from a Reese Slider in a '09 short bed F350, this is a HUGE improvement! Best part, it was $985 installed....oh...and it's 100% made in USA!
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,247
From: Western MA
I am the proud new owner of a '14 F350 CC Lariat 4x4 dually (2 weeks). It has the factory 5th wheel/gooseneck prep package. I purchased the new B&W Companion 20K# OEM Hitch for the new factory prep package. It was the first one my dealer had sold and installed.. Very nice unit, solid build, easy to remove. Head removes separate from the base section with removal of 2 pins, lift 2 handles on each side and lift it off. Then the base is light enough for 1 person to lift it out. I've towed my 5ver a couple short pulls, this unit is quiet, I have to look in the mirror to see if my 5ver is still back there...Having come from a Reese Slider in a '09 short bed F350, this is a HUGE improvement! Best part, it was $985 installed....oh...and it's 100% made in USA!
Not sure if you know but the BW companion is just a copy of the Reese Elite which is the same as the Ford hitch. Good stuff but not ground breaking. Also, curious what you mean about the "installed" price? They didn't install anything. They put the hitch in the bed and turned the locks. Same thing you will do when you take it out and put it back in. Do it on mine all the time.
