Newbie question. Previously we had a TT and Equalizer hitch. With our new truck, we're debating going with a fiver vs. a TT.However, our truck did not come with the factory fifth wheel prep package. It's a 2014 Ram 2500 6.4L. I would assume I can still have a fifth wheel hitch installed, but I'm wondering if there are any negatives to not having ng that factory package.And just to fill in details, the door sticker says my available payload is just over 3k lbs, and rated for 12.5k total. It's only got the 3.73 gears. So we'd be looking at something with a dry pin weight under 1800lbs, preferably closer to 1500-1600. And an actual dry weight (with options included) under 9500lbs, preferably under 9k, with a gvwr under 12k. We've seen several good options that fit in that range. From prior TT experience we pack light, and always traveled with empty tanks. Our trips are primarily weekends within a 100 mile radius, usually less than 50.Back to the main point.. Any downside in not having the factory 5th wheel prep package?Thanks.Jason

It seems reasonable to think there are many after market suppliers and installers who can set your truck up even better than factory. I don't think there are any negatives, keeping in mind the trucks parameters.

What does the 5th wheel package contain? Other than a hitch?

As far as I can tell, the prep kit is basically an in-bed wiring connector, and the disconnect mounts already installed and mounted to the frame. The wiring connector is easily duplicated. I just have no idea if the pre-installed mounts are necessary, superior, or simply the same exact thing I'd get as part of an aftermarket install.

jtallon wrote:Newbie question. Previously we had a TT and Equalizer hitch. With our new truck, we're debating going with a fiver vs. a TT.However, our truck did not come with the factory fifth wheel prep package. It's a 2014 Ram 2500 6.4L. I would assume I can still have a fifth wheel hitch installed, but I'm wondering if there are any negatives to not having ng that factory package.And just to fill in details, the door sticker says my available payload is just over 3k lbs, and rated for 12.5k total. It's only got the 3.73 gears. So we'd be looking at something with a dry pin weight under 1800lbs, preferably closer to 1500-1600. And an actual dry weight (with options included) under 9500lbs, preferably under 9k, with a gvwr under 12k. We've seen several good options that fit in that range. From prior TT experience we pack light, and always traveled with empty tanks. Our trips are primarily weekends within a 100 mile radius, usually less than 50.Back to the main point.. Any downside in not having the factory 5th wheel prep package?Thanks.JasonYou can still get a rail system put into your truck and have conventional hitch put in. Do yourself a favor, or odd's are you'll regret it later down the road...PLEASE use the 5er' GVW. To use a "dry weight" isn't "real world", nor is "dry pin weight".....You'll be carrying "stuff" in your truck and in your 5er....Your best bet is to use the 5er's GVW and go from there...you may not fill to that GVW, BUT it's WAYYY better than using the almost useless "empty or dry weights"....If you want to be closer to "pin weight", (amount of weight you'll put in the bed of your truck, on the hitch, take 20% of the 5er's GVW and that will be real close...Also figure approx. 200# for a 5er hitch....In the long haul, you'll be glad you used GVW of the 5er than "empty" or "dry weights"....just not real world.If you don't have the prep package, really not that big of a deal....I never had prep package until the 2013 truck in my sig...before that, did installs....

Don't fool yourself. Terms like "dry" are pretty useless. Remember towing a fiver loads approx 20% of its actual weight directly over the rear axle. Lacking actual numbers look at GVWR numbers as your base line. At least then there won't be any surprises. To get a true care carrying capacity load your truck up like your going camping and hit the scales. Keep your calculated pin plus hitch weight under your trucks GVWR and you should be OK.

Newbie question: 5th wheel with no factory prep?

15 Replies

donn0128
Explorer II
Feb 26, 2015
Don't fool yourself. Terms like "dry" are pretty useless. Remember towing a fiver loads approx 20% of its actual weight directly over the rear axle. Lacking actual numbers look at GVWR numbers as your base line. At least then there won't be any surprises. To get a true care carrying capacity load your truck up like your going camping and hit the scales. Keep your calculated pin plus hitch weight under your trucks GVWR and you should be OK.
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
jtallon wrote:
Newbie question. Previously we had a TT and Equalizer hitch. With our new truck, we're debating going with a fiver vs. a TT.

However, our truck did not come with the factory fifth wheel prep package. It's a 2014 Ram 2500 6.4L. I would assume I can still have a fifth wheel hitch installed, but I'm wondering if there are any negatives to not having ng that factory package.

And just to fill in details, the door sticker says my available payload is just over 3k lbs, and rated for 12.5k total. It's only got the 3.73 gears. So we'd be looking at something with a dry pin weight under 1800lbs, preferably closer to 1500-1600. And an actual dry weight (with options included) under 9500lbs, preferably under 9k, with a gvwr under 12k. We've seen several good options that fit in that range. From prior TT experience we pack light, and always traveled with empty tanks. Our trips are primarily weekends within a 100 mile radius, usually less than 50.

Back to the main point.. Any downside in not having the factory 5th wheel prep package?

Thanks.
Jason

You can still get a rail system put into your truck and have conventional hitch put in.

Do yourself a favor, or odd's are you'll regret it later down the road...PLEASE use the 5er' GVW. To use a "dry weight" isn't "real world", nor is "dry pin weight".....You'll be carrying "stuff" in your truck and in your 5er....Your best bet is to use the 5er's GVW and go from there...you may not fill to that GVW, BUT it's WAYYY better than using the almost useless "empty or dry weights"....If you want to be closer to "pin weight", (amount of weight you'll put in the bed of your truck, on the hitch, take 20% of the 5er's GVW and that will be real close...

Also figure approx. 200# for a 5er hitch....In the long haul, you'll be glad you used GVW of the 5er than "empty" or "dry weights"....just not real world.

If you don't have the prep package, really not that big of a deal....I never had prep package until the 2013 truck in my sig...before that, did installs....
DakotaDad
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
As far as I can tell, the prep kit is basically an in-bed wiring connector, and the disconnect mounts already installed and mounted to the frame. The wiring connector is easily duplicated. I just have no idea if the pre-installed mounts are necessary, superior, or simply the same exact thing I'd get as part of an aftermarket install.
Terryallan
Explorer II
Feb 26, 2015
What does the 5th wheel package contain? Other than a hitch?
Fiverwheel
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
It seems reasonable to think there are many after market suppliers and installers who can set your truck up even better than factory. I don't think there are any negatives, keeping in mind the trucks parameters.

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Newbie question: 5th wheel with no factory prep?

15 Replies

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