Factory fifthwheel prep or not

Get the Ford prep kit. Holes are drilled EXACTLY where they are sposed to be.

It also includes the electrical plug-in in the fender.

And you get a smooth bed when not using the hitch.

I really like mine.

Grodyman wrote:
I think there is an adapter (Reese 30156) that fits in the factory pucks that utilizes any conventional 5th wheel hitch. That's what I would do. I like the smooth bed but not the cost of the hitches that fit it.

Gman

This is correct. E.Trailer can fix you up with this picture frame that drops right in the factory pucks and serves as rails for any hitch that fits standard rails. they also have videos you can watch how its installed in the pucks

I think there is an adapter (Reese 30156) that fits in the factory pucks that utilizes any conventional 5th wheel hitch. That's what I would do. I like the smooth bed but not the cost of the hitches that fit it.

Gman

Yes, wouldn't even think about it twice. As said earlier, Pullrite has a drop in kit (auto-slide) and B&W can hook you up too. I really like my Pullrite autoslide, don't worry about hitting the cab as long as I don't do a 90, backwards or forward.

Definitely get the hitch prep. I love it in mine.

As for the Reese Elite, it is a stout hitch, at least the non-slider is. That is what I have in mine as it was the only one available at the time I bought the truck. On thing I particularly like about it is the arched base lets me put 8' lumber or other long narrow items under the hitch in addition to beside the hitch when hauling that kind of stuff. But now Pullrite, B&W, and maybe others all make good hitches to fit the factory prep system.

I don't know what FW you have, but most newer ones have a rounded front. If you don't need a slider, the B&W for OEM Ford puck system, is a great hitch, at a good price.

I have no problem with my 13 Super Duty standard bed, using a B&W. The B&W arms are adjustable ahead/back.

The OEM puck system is a bargain, and comes with in bed plug in.

Jerry

Buy it with the prep. Why have rails in the bed when everything can be removed for a smooth bed with the factory set up. Later if you want to add the "pucks" or factory prep as it's called, you will be spending that much just to get it installed. If you want to install it later it's a real pita to go in and have to cut the holes in exactly the right places to line up nicely. I know this as I found a truck on the lot and added the puck kit myself. It wasn't the end of the world but the install sucked. They give a template in the kit and you have to cut 4 holes about 2 1/2 in diameter in your new truck bed. Now you have raw metal edges that have to be primed and painted. If you are ordering a truck I would absolutely get the factor prep. Jmo

I ordered the factory prep and got the Demco Hijacker 18k auto slide for 1100.00
I bought the goose neck kit off Ebay for 50.00

Get the prep package--absolutely. DO NOT buy the Reese hitch. Both Pullrite and B&W make prep compatible hitches. Cost around $1000. Get one of those, see my tag for the Pullrite model. Every time you look at your flat railess bed you will be happy. And taking 10 minutes to install or remove your hitch will also make you even happier

After debating over that same question, I decided not to order the 5th wheel prep in my 2015 Ram 2500. My slider hitch is fairly new and in good shape. To use it I would have to buy the "picture frame" adaptor. I don't mind having the rails permanently mounted in bed. They are installing them in the morning, then taking off on the first trip in the new truck. Went from a 6 liter GM gasser to the CTD in the Ram. Can't wait to see how she pulls!