Forum Discussion

Rich_Mar's avatar
Rich_Mar
Explorer
Apr 27, 2015

ford trailer prep pkg is confusing

I get different answers form the twenty something salemen at the dealer regarding the prep pkg above, so am asking those who know. In the bed of the truck there are bolts coming up through the bed.
some say there are clamps or plates on the frame and all you have to do is add rails and hitch. Another issue, some say only certain hitches will fit this bolt pattern and of course they are more expensive. I've had some tell me it is nothing more than just bolts and nothing below on the frame and it's up to you to either drill holes or use clamps or plates. I have a heard time getting up and down under the truck or I'd look myself. Ford 250 2015.
I check the ford website and really couldn't find and answer either. thanks
Tow Vehicles
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Apr 28, 2015
    The FW prep pkg. will also include the in bed 7-pin plug in. It should be on drivers side rear, inside bed.

    I think the nicest hitch for the OEM pkg., is the B&W. It is light wt., and splits easily into two pieces.

    Jerry
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Apr 28, 2015
    agesilaus wrote:
    If you see this:



    Then you have the prep package, if you don't see that you don't have it.

    This is fact. I have it on my 2012 F350. The frame is all under the bed. Special hitches made by Reese, B&W, Curt, and Pullrite have pins at the four corners to drop in the holes and latch. No rails at all in bed.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Apr 27, 2015
    If you see this:



    Then you have the prep package, if you don't see that you don't have it.
  • hawkhill's avatar
    hawkhill
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2015
    If you are seeing bolts in the bed, the truck is not currently set up with a tow prep package. If it was you would see the plugs that Agesilaus mentions.
  • TNRIVERSIDE's avatar
    TNRIVERSIDE
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2015
    Call Ford. I have found them to be very helpful. Have the VIN available. Do not bepend on the salesperson.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Apr 27, 2015
    Ah when you get the truck there will be 5 holes in the bed which will be covered with plastic covers. These are more or less right over the rear axle.

    You buy a hitch designed for the prep packs (B&W, Pullrite or some others). Don't buy the Reese the dealer is selling. You remove the covers from 4 of the holes which are in a rectangle. Leave the center hole covered. You drop your hitch which will have 4 prongs on the bottom into the 4 holes. Follow the hitch manufacturer's directions to lock the hitch down. Reverse to remove. Takes maybe 10 minutes the first time.

    The center hole is for a gooseneck hitch. There are no bolts or rails those are all under the bed and already installed.

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