Can I have 5er hitch installed
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New User
Joined: Mar 2011
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Can I have 5er hitch installed
I have a 2011 Super Duty 350 swb which did not come with a 5th wheel hitch prep package installed when I bought it off the lot (new). Can I have the prep package installed now without it looking all hacked up in the bed of the truck?
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
Reese, who also makes the factory Ford 5th setup, makes an underbed kit for your truck. Fifth Wheels - Reese
How good and neat the installation depends on who puts it in.
How good and neat the installation depends on who puts it in.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
I suppose that depends on who does the install. 
Here is a link to e-trailer with the Reese Elite series prep package. It is the same one FORD uses at the Factory.
Reese Elite Series Under-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Ford Super Duty - 25,000 lbs
Part #RP30138-26
Reese Elite Series Under-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Ford Super Duty - 25,000 lbs Reese Gooseneck RP30138-26
biz
Here is a link to e-trailer with the Reese Elite series prep package. It is the same one FORD uses at the Factory.
Reese Elite Series Under-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Ford Super Duty - 25,000 lbs
Part #RP30138-26
Reese Elite Series Under-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Ford Super Duty - 25,000 lbs Reese Gooseneck RP30138-26
biz
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
That is an excellent question. I would think it would be a bed off install but thats only a guess. The rails mount to the frame, and they would drill five holes in the bed. One for the goose and four for the fiver hitch. Come to think of it the corrogated bed is flat where the mounting holes are and I don't know if the non prep beds are. Hmmmm...
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 55
To answer your question - Yes you can install the "prep package" after the fact. As others have pointed out, the Reese system is the same.
That having been said, this is the most expensive rigid hitch you can get - both the in-bed components and the pin box. If you got it from the factory I believe it wasn't much more than about $3-400 as an option.
What you might look in to is the B&W Turnover system. It is a goose neck as a base kit but they make a pin box that uses the same hole where the ball goes. The pin box sits on the truck bed and is anchored in place with the part that goes down in to the hole. This Turnover system is the route I'll go.
One drawback to the Turnover system - they don't make a slider. Depending on the 5th wheel you will be towing a slider may not even be needed.
That having been said, this is the most expensive rigid hitch you can get - both the in-bed components and the pin box. If you got it from the factory I believe it wasn't much more than about $3-400 as an option.
What you might look in to is the B&W Turnover system. It is a goose neck as a base kit but they make a pin box that uses the same hole where the ball goes. The pin box sits on the truck bed and is anchored in place with the part that goes down in to the hole. This Turnover system is the route I'll go.
One drawback to the Turnover system - they don't make a slider. Depending on the 5th wheel you will be towing a slider may not even be needed.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 298
Likes: 5
From: Northwestern Ontario
If I remember correctly, the facatory package was only with long box trucks, and not short box.
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Gordon
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Gordon
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,839
Likes: 2
I have a 2011 F350 CC SB truck. I use the B&W Companion hitch. Great hitch from a great company. It is one of the very few products that when opinions are asked for about the B&W setup, not one owner complains. In the many times the B&W question has come up on the fifth wheel forum at RVnet, I have never seen one comment that was not positive.
I have towed my Heartland Big Horn over 10,000 miles with this setup. I have never needed a slider.
Regards
I have towed my Heartland Big Horn over 10,000 miles with this setup. I have never needed a slider.
Regards
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Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
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From: Western MA
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
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From: North of Salt Lake City
I got a B&W on Rick's recommendation and have really enjoyed it. It's easy to put in and take out of the bed with one person. It has workd flawlessly.
Fifth wheel B&W Companion Hitch Install on a 2011 Ford Super Duty F350 6.7L diesel - YouTube
Fifth wheel B&W Companion Hitch Install on a 2011 Ford Super Duty F350 6.7L diesel - YouTube
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
From: Stafford Virginia
That is an excellent question. I would think it would be a bed off install but thats only a guess. The rails mount to the frame, and they would drill five holes in the bed. One for the goose and four for the fiver hitch. Come to think of it the corrogated bed is flat where the mounting holes are and I don't know if the non prep beds are. Hmmmm...
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
From: Stafford Virginia
To answer your question - Yes you can install the "prep package" after the fact. As others have pointed out, the Reese system is the same.
That having been said, this is the most expensive rigid hitch you can get - both the in-bed components and the pin box. If you got it from the factory I believe it wasn't much more than about $3-400 as an option.
What you might look in to is the B&W Turnover system. It is a goose neck as a base kit but they make a pin box that uses the same hole where the ball goes. The pin box sits on the truck bed and is anchored in place with the part that goes down in to the hole. This Turnover system is the route I'll go.
One drawback to the Turnover system - they don't make a slider. Depending on the 5th wheel you will be towing a slider may not even be needed.
That having been said, this is the most expensive rigid hitch you can get - both the in-bed components and the pin box. If you got it from the factory I believe it wasn't much more than about $3-400 as an option.
What you might look in to is the B&W Turnover system. It is a goose neck as a base kit but they make a pin box that uses the same hole where the ball goes. The pin box sits on the truck bed and is anchored in place with the part that goes down in to the hole. This Turnover system is the route I'll go.
One drawback to the Turnover system - they don't make a slider. Depending on the 5th wheel you will be towing a slider may not even be needed.
These questions are in part due to some research I've done on tow ball hitches. I have learned that most ball prep are 2" or larger but one also needs to be aware of the height of the trailer you are towing hence the adjustable height and multiple ball options. Just trying to get educated.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
I got a B&W on Rick's recommendation and have really enjoyed it. It's easy to put in and take out of the bed with one person. It has workd flawlessly.
Fifth wheel B&W Companion Hitch Install on a 2011 Ford Super Duty F350 6.7L diesel - YouTube
Fifth wheel B&W Companion Hitch Install on a 2011 Ford Super Duty F350 6.7L diesel - YouTube
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,839
Likes: 2
How does one know in this situation if they need a slider or gooseneck? I do not tow anything yet that requires this much support. I know the answer partially lies with knowing what type of fiver you will tow. I wonder if there are 5th wheel devices that have both configurations. I am also curious what is most commonly used.
These questions are in part due to some research I've done on tow ball hitches. I have learned that most ball prep are 2" or larger but one also needs to be aware of the height of the trailer you are towing hence the adjustable height and multiple ball options. Just trying to get educated.
These questions are in part due to some research I've done on tow ball hitches. I have learned that most ball prep are 2" or larger but one also needs to be aware of the height of the trailer you are towing hence the adjustable height and multiple ball options. Just trying to get educated.
The slider issue with a SB truck and a Companion Fifth Wheel will be dependent on the front cap configuration of the new fifth wheel camper. Many of the later models of most manufacturers have scalloped front corners that provide enough clearance for near 90 degree turns when backing into a campsite. I have yet to arrive at a campground that I have not been able to get my rig into the assigned campsite. If I did find this to be a problem, I would ask for a different site...so far...so good
I hope this helps
Regards
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
How does one know in this situation if they need a slider or gooseneck? I do not tow anything yet that requires this much support. I know the answer partially lies with knowing what type of fiver you will tow. I wonder if there are 5th wheel devices that have both configurations. I am also curious what is most commonly used.
Maybe you seek this option. Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th wheel to goose neck adapter. See link...
Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter - 12" to 16" Tall - 20,000 lbs Convert-A-Ball Trailer Coupler CAB-C5G
Watch video...
Fifth Wheel-to-Gooseneck Trailer Coupler Review - etrailer.com - YouTube
Hope this helps...
biz