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ThirdSpaceCO · 07-30-2020, 03:37 PM

I was messing around on the GM website doing a build of my dream Silverado 3500 truck for pulling a 5th wheel. Going through the options I added the "Gooseneck/Fifth Wheel Prep Package" which is like a $500 option.

Gooseneck / 5th Wheel Prep Package:

Hitch platform to accept Gooseneck or Fifth-wheel hitch
Hitch platform with tray to accept ball and stamped bed holes with caps installed
Bed mounted 7-pin trailer harness

The other option I saw is called "Trailering wiring provisions for camper, 5th wheel and gooseneck trailer" but if I pick that it deletes the much more expensive 5th Wheel Prep Package above.

So what gives? Which one is essential for those intending to pull a 5th wheel RV? Can I still mount a Fiver hitch in the bed if I don't get the Prep package or is it a huge PIA to do?

Just trying to learn these things for maybe towing a Fiver one day.

Skilletface · 07-30-2020, 04:15 PM

I just purchased an F-250 with the prep package. When it came to matching the gooseneck/fifth wheel it was to easy, made me wonder if I missed something. That option will be a none starter for future truck purchases.

NewBlackDak · 07-30-2020, 04:23 PM

“Bed mounted 7-pin” means all the wiring is already there, so the higher package includes it.

tuffr2 · 07-31-2020, 05:18 AM

Ford talk - the Ford 5th wheel prep package puts the puck system in for either a 5th wheel hitch or the Goose Ball. It also adds the connection on the bed wall of the truck for the brakes and lights.

So for Ford you get 5 pucks. 4 for a 5th wheel traditional hitch. Or a bigger center cut out for the Goose Ball and you use two pucks that are also for the 5th wheel for the chain connectors.

I looked at a Ram and GM trucks with the puck system. All had the same set up. 5 pucks and a connection in the bed for the 5th wheel.

I got a price to add an after market Gooseball and chain connections and it was just under $1,200.

Sorry I can not really answer your GM truck build question. I do not know what that option is and why it cancels the 5th wheel prep package.

JDT · 07-31-2020, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThirdSpaceCO

I was messing around on the GM website doing a build of my dream Silverado 3500 truck for pulling a 5th wheel. Going through the options I added the "Gooseneck/Fifth Wheel Prep Package" which is like a $500 option.

Gooseneck / 5th Wheel Prep Package:

Hitch platform to accept Gooseneck or Fifth-wheel hitch
Hitch platform with tray to accept ball and stamped bed holes with caps installed
Bed mounted 7-pin trailer harness

The other option I saw is called "Trailering wiring provisions for camper, 5th wheel and gooseneck trailer" but if I pick that it deletes the much more expensive 5th Wheel Prep Package above.

So what gives? Which one is essential for those intending to pull a 5th wheel RV? Can I still mount a Fiver hitch in the bed if I don't get the Prep package or is it a huge PIA to do?

Just trying to learn these things for maybe towing a Fiver one day.

Having built the different brands of trucks a gazillion times before I ordered my Ford last year here is my guess. On the build sites some options are part of a package deal. The fifth wheel prep includes the wiring provisions which if you select as a stand alone option makes it assume you don't want the whole package. I found that to be pretty much a standard practice across the brands. If you select something individually that is part of another package it will delete the package. What you are telling the system is I just want the wiring and I'll install my own hitch hardware.

My advice is to get the fifth wheel prep package. You are money and convenience ahead.

ThirdSpaceCO · 07-31-2020, 09:48 AM

Got it...thanks for all the replies. Seems if I plan on towing a 5th wheel then getting the prep PKG from the factory is the way to go otherwise it's much more expensive aftermarket.

xc-mark · 07-31-2020, 04:09 PM

with GM trucks one option adds the under bed steel and the pucks to grab a aftermarket hitch system , this option incl the in bed 7 way RV trailer plug. The other way you can buy it you doent get the puck system and you would need to get ISR rails to pin your old style hitch into the bed. You will find that most brands of hitch offer a set up to the pucks , if they dont Demco makes a Puck to ISR rails adapter that I think is rated at 25,000lbs .

rblanch · 07-31-2020, 04:10 PM

I have a 2020 GMC 3500 you want the goose neck 5th wheel prep package. It comes with the wiring and puck mounts. The other option is for the wiring only

waterjosh · 08-06-2020, 02:14 PM

When I got my Ram 2500 it didn't have the 5th wheel prep package... I couldn't find anyone that would install it for less than 1k, no one wanted to risk drilling holes in a brand new truck. I ended up doing it myself but it was scary as hell drilling holes that big in my brand new truck(if I had farted only dog's would've been able to hear it). Pay for the prep package and do it happily imho

buc1908 · 08-06-2020, 04:38 PM

I install on on my 2017 F350 not bad at all is hard labor to install it but you save a lot of money.

**Spdracr39** · 08-07-2020, 06:52 PM

Get the prep with the pucks. It costs more to have rails installed after the fact and they aren't as seamless to use. I would get it simply to add to resale value down the road.