5th Wheel Prep Option
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Lol, I understand what your saying, but, technically, it was, in fact, "installed". I could have done it, but didn't have to...as for reese, the only experience I can speak from is the 16k reese slider that was installed on my 09 f350 CC SRW Lariat SB for only $1150, that did include the instal kit. It was my first F350 and my first 5ver, and I made some poor choices on my tow vehicle, (it did the job but a LWB would have been better) But I used that hitch for 5 years and hated every mile of it. The Slider always hung up and was hard to slide, reeses own instruction suggested you put the landing gear down and take some of the weight off of it so it would slide easier, really?!, try that making a u turn on a 4 lane hwy...I know reese makes a good product, generally, but I didn't want another one due to the frustration I experienced with my old ....jmo. I am very happy with the setup I have now tho, the 09 and the reese taught me alot, just glad I made it 5 years and 60k miles without taking out the back window of my cab...lol
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
I too didn't want a slider. The manual ones as you learned are a pain and the auto ones are expensive + very heavy to take in and out... or install as you put it... LOL. Anyways, I bought an 5ver that was made to be short bed towable without a slider. Great price on the hitch you got though. Cheaper than the equivalent Reese and if it was available when I bought mine, I'd have considered it to go with my factory prep...
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
Most of the goose adapters void the Lippert frame's warranty but the Reese Goose Box is Lippert approved and although I have no personal experience, they seem to be held in very high regard. Lots of fans on the forums.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,536
Likes: 200
From: southeast PA
I'm thinking he may be referring to the Andersen Ultimate hitch. I'm not sure how that one falls as far as Lippert warranty goes. There are a few guys on here that have them and hopefully they will chime in.
I really question my decision to not get the goose box. It would have cost about the same as the Reese Elite 5th wheel, but have a lot less in the bed once the trailer is dropped. I have no chucking or anything odd with the 5th wheel, but less mass to move in and out of the bed would be great. But the one issue I have with the Reese goose ball is the round shank. It spins in the hole, and I don't really care for that. Preferred the B&W with the square shank.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
Good catch Scott. You might be right there. The Anderson 5th Wheel Connection is OK I believe. Not sure about their Ranch Hitch Adapter though?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,536
Likes: 200
From: southeast PA
That one word is a red flag I believe.........."adapter". That looks like a fancier version of every other adapter out there, and for that I'd bet warranty voiding.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 10,107
Likes: 96
From: Hempstead, TX
I bought the Andersen based on a strong recommendation from a member here who pulls professionally for the manufactures to deliver to dealers. If it was a risk of voiding warranties, he should know since he delivers for several manufacturers. I haven't pulled with mine yet, but I like the concept.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
Doug, they make two. Did you buy the "5th Wheel Connection" or the "Ranch Hitch Adapter?" I'm not understanding how the driver you talked to used either for delivering trailers though. They both require drilling the factory pinbox for installation which no manufacturer would allow?
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
Ah, I thought that one required drilling too as for permanent installation you have to drill for the remote release. I guess you could skip that for temp. applications. It still seems like a lot of setup for each new trailer you swap it to. I certainly wouldn't want to do through that every time I hooked up to a delivery unit. To each their own though...
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 10,107
Likes: 96
From: Hempstead, TX
I would agree that it seems as if it would be a pain for a delivery to swap the adapter each time. My thought was that I could let my dad tow as well, since he has a GN ball, but no 5th wheel prep or hitch. Of course, I still don't actually have a 5th wheel yet, but that was the plan for the future when I bought it.