Ford's Fifth Wheel prep package

[hikerdoc]

I just ordered a new F350 and ordered the fifth wheel prep package. The hitch that is purchased from Ford is a pricey $1500. Do any of you have the package? Is it worth the upcharge? I certainly liked the idea of a flat load floor and no one drilling into my new bed. Is this a Reese Elite or is it a unique hitch you can only purchase through Ford? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Bill

[1retired06]

I just bought a 2011 in November; I passed on the package, as I thought out of line in terms of price. Dealer did send me to hitchking and they deinstalled/reinstalled my old hitch with new rail kit and in-bed wiring hock and picked up the cost of that. This was after all the negotiations and contract signing, so thought that was nice, as it was their idea, not mine, and they didnt have to do it. By the way, I traded in a 2005 also with the "infamous 6.0" and like you, I had no problems with it. Never in the shop even once. Assuming you are getting the 6.7, you will love that engine!

[BB_TX]

I looked at one on the Ford lot a couple days ago. It is the B&W turnover ball hitch. Looked really nice sitting there in that F350 King Ranch.
I will get one if/when I trade up.

[southern thunder]

I had a friend who got the package and loves it. He said if there was any problems with the hitch there could be no finger pointing and passing the blame. It might seem pricy, but so is the truck and when you neogotiate the price the hitch is part of the package. I whish my Ram had this option.

[capn chris]

I got the prep on my 2012, and the Reese Elite hitch. Very nice! Dealer cost was $1,400, I think. You can get them from RV dealers, too, and maybe a bit cheaper. Reese is the only one making the Ford drop-in hitches, I believe. Nice clean bed w/no rails!

[BB_TX]

quote:Originally posted by capn chris

........ Reese is the only one making the Ford drop-in hitches, I believe. Nice clean bed w/no rails!

That is what I had thought I remembered reading before. But the one I saw was a brand new F350 King Ranch CC LB SRW and it had the B&W turnover ball hitch in it. Is that also an option? Or maybe the dealer had put it in?

[seahunter]

When you do the numbers it is well worth factory ordering. Paying invoice ($307) or less, you can't buy the rail kit and have it installed for less. And the hitch is only $1407 which I could not find cheaper when I looked - they go for about $1550. Plus it is covered by your Ford warranty as a factory install. It is the Reese Elite 25k, not the 18k.

[troutchasers]

I bought the hitch option for my 2011 F350. I'm buying a Trailersaver hitch to tow our 3582RL. Trailersaver makes an adapter that drops right into the bed holes, locks and receives the Trailersaver hitch which breaks down into two pieces that one man can install. There are YouTube Videos on the Trailersaver site that show just how easy it drops in and locks. I should not have to have anyone install the hitch and I can remove it myself. It's quite simple to do. Given the popularity of the Ford option, you may find several hitch manufacturer's doing the same.

[stiles watson]

When I traded for my 2011 F350, I already had a B&W Turnover Ball and Companion Hitch. I passed on the factory option and had the dealer install the new Turnover Ball under the truck and dropped in my old Companion Hitch. Cost was about $250 parts and labor. The dealer sold so many that he had an onsite tech who was quick and efficient.
Can't speak to the Ford/Reese combo, but I am completely satisfied with the B&W product.

[Parts Ed]

Everytime we get a new one on the lot, I look to see if they have it outfitted for me , but for some reason they never order trucks in with at least the 5th wheel prep package or factory spray in bedliner. So I guess I will have to special order one. (when the time comes)

[seahunter]

quote:Originally posted by Parts Ed

Everytime we get a new one on the lot, I look to see if they have it outfitted for me , but for some reason they never order trucks in with at least the 5th wheel prep package or factory spray in bedliner. So I guess I will have to special order one. (when the time comes)

Definitely order and get what you want. You will always regret not getting exactly what you want and kick yourself everytime you send in that payment. It is worth the wait to order. Just my opinion.

[hikerdoc]

quote:Originally posted by 1retired06

I just bought a 2011 in November; I passed on the package, as I thought out of line in terms of price. Dealer did send me to hitchking and they deinstalled/reinstalled my old hitch with new rail kit and in-bed wiring hock and picked up the cost of that. This was after all the negotiations and contract signing, so thought that was nice, as it was their idea, not mine, and they didnt have to do it. By the way, I traded in a 2005 also with the "infamous 6.0" and like you, I had no problems with it. Never in the shop even once. Assuming you are getting the 6.7, you will love that engine!

Same here on the 6.0, replaced an alternator due to wear and tear and a lot of towing, but that was it. It has been bulletproof. My last fifth wheel was a Cougar that weighed 10K fully loaded, but when I stepped into a Montana, I stepped out of the range of my last truck. Was pushing the weight limit a little too close for my comfort. Cannot wait to start pulling with this new engine.

[Bruce Lenhardt]

I ordered the hitch prep and Reese Elite hitch form Ford when I ordered my truck. I like the hitch and prep and am happy with it especially the flat floor of the bed. It is easy to remove and reinstall.

[1retired06]

Hitch prep is a factory order unless they have one on the lot where the deal went south.

[Jay Bird]

I have the hitch and I am very pleased with it. I saw the truck on the lot with the hitch (25K) and spray in bedliner. I got an excellent deal from my dealer for the whole package, truck and all.

[Recumbent]

Previously had a B&W Companion 18K in our F250 which we liked. Got the Reese 25K as part of the trade along with the factory prepared bed, and we like it just as well. You will be able to 5th wheel, flat bed, or gooseneck as needed.

[jmi]

I bought the prep kit and hitch from the Ford dealer. Had them show me how it was put together and was sold. Having all included my truck warranty was a plus. I just finished towing 4K miles and really like both the truck and setup, no regrets.