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Old 12-18-2020, 06:51 PM   #1
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5th Wheel Prep

If we purchase a truck that is not “prepped for 5th wheel” from the factory, what exactly do we need to get done in order to accommodate the fifth wheel? Who does what needs to be done and how much should it cost?

In other words, in order to go pick up the new 5th wheel at the dealer, what do I need to do to my truck in order to make that happen?
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Old 12-18-2020, 06:53 PM   #2
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I had mine installed at the rv dealer. About $2500 installed.
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Old 12-18-2020, 07:03 PM   #3
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Don't forget the 7 pin electrical outlet for trailer lights.
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Old 12-18-2020, 08:47 PM   #4
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If you want a 5th wheel you want a truck with the 5th wheel prep package. From the factory it costs $500. After market cost 2 to 3 times more.

Just pass on the truck your are looking at and look for one with the factory 5th wheel prep package.
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Old 12-18-2020, 09:13 PM   #5
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X2 truffr 2
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Old 12-18-2020, 10:07 PM   #6
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Don't know for sure but just about every truck will come with a 7 pin trailer plug.
So you need.
7 pin plug.
Trailer brake controller.
Fifth Wheel mount kit.
Fifth Wheel hitch.
Kinda like this,
https://www.etrailer.com/5w-2019_Che...t+OEM+Prep+Pkg
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Old 12-19-2020, 06:53 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tuffr2 View Post
If you want a 5th wheel you want a truck with the 5th wheel prep package. From the factory it costs $500. After market cost 2 to 3 times more.

Just pass on the truck your are looking at and look for one with the factory 5th wheel prep package.
You can buy parts for Ram for about $500 then either install yourself or pay to have installed, don’t know the cost for GM or Ford.
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Old 12-19-2020, 07:18 AM   #8
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Well to answer the OP question, you could have the rails installed but now you have a permanent thing in the bed which may cause a problem if you need a flat bed for hauling stuff when the hitch is out. There is also the B&W turnover ball mount, which mounts under the bed to the frame and utilized the B&W Companion 5th wheel hitch, or others possibly. Advantages it gives you a flat bed for cargo when not towing but will limit the use of certain types of pivoting king pin setups. Or get the puck system installed after the fact which will limit you to certain puck style hitches.

If you do not yet have a truck and are intending to get one for towing, as recommended above, get one with the towing setup you'll need. Easier and cheaper if it's factory installed rather than doing it all after market.
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Old 12-19-2020, 07:32 AM   #9
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I priced rails at my local Trailer Accessory place and rails were $800 then I priced ab B&W turn over ball and that was $1,197. From the factory the option of 5th wheel prep is $500.

If you install the hardware you still will need to cut big holes in the bed of your truck. That is the part that makes me quesy. Plus it is $500 to $600 just for the hardware.

Most trucks that can tow a 5th wheel like the 350/3500 series trucks and just about all dually trucks already have that option.
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Old 12-19-2020, 08:14 AM   #10
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When I ordered my 2015 ram 2500, it was $400 for the fifth wheel and goose neck and plug in bed. Now its over $500.
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Old 12-19-2020, 08:27 AM   #11
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Our 2012 3500 wasn’t “prepped” and Mark installed Pullright Clearbed system. It took him the better part of the day to install but rails can be easily removed when not towing.
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Old 12-19-2020, 11:47 AM   #12
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You will need a hitch mounted in the bed of the truck. Sounds simple? not so much.

You need to determine what type of pin box is on the trailer as they are not all the same. Some pin boxes exclude certain hitches. For instance, some trailers may have a pivoting type pin box. If you are buying used there could even be a Goosebox installed which will require a different mount.

People here want to help. Better to bounce back and let us know which trailer you are considering, year and make of truck, and bed length. You will then get some good recommendations. Welcome to the forum.
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Old 12-19-2020, 12:55 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nomad_Haabs View Post
If we purchase a truck that is not “prepped for 5th wheel” from the factory, what exactly do we need to get done in order to accommodate the fifth wheel? Who does what needs to be done and how much should it cost?

In other words, in order to go pick up the new 5th wheel at the dealer, what do I need to do to my truck in order to make that happen?
No disrespect meant, but based on your questions, I would highly recommend reading through a few hours of stuff in both the towing vehicles (this section) and 5th wheel sections. Payload questions should be adressed.

I'd highly recommend you know this stuff before pulling the trigger on the truck. Many people make a 10 000$+ mistake when ignoring this.

If you had specifics on your exact truck (VIN recommended) and 5th wheel trailer you'd get better answers.
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Old 12-19-2020, 01:12 PM   #14
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My truck did not come with the prep group. I need the option to tow a gooseneck. So it was the turnover ball for me. Not sure where a pp priced the turnover ball but they are nowhere near $1100. I paid $ 450 for mine. I then purchased the companion hitch which was in the 1100 range. I also added an in the bed 7 pin plug cost another 50 or so
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