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

jus2shy
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
If your truck didn't come with factory 5th wheel prep, you can add it after the fact. Part number is 82213665AB. You also need to get the cable that goes into your bed as well (It just plugs in to the trailer harness). No big deal. Kit typically sold for 250 bucks. People have installed it themselves, but it requires unbolting and lifting the bed a little bit to get the Puck mounting system in there. I plan on going this route myself.
DakotaDad
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
Thank you for the replies, everyone. Really useful information. I appreciate the time all of you took to add your input. It saves me a lot of indecision and makes sure I follow the best path. Thanks again.
ib516
Explorer II
Feb 26, 2015
jtallon wrote:
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.

They are. Just easier. There are no issues putting a hitch in a truck that didn't have the factory prep. Mine has it, and all it consists of is the holes and corresponding plugs in the bed floor, some heavy steel under the bed to make the installation of a 5th wheel hitch a no tool affair, and the in bed 7 pin connector.
azrving
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
The link Cumminsdriver posted shows the black "puck" mounts. I bought a truck without the kit and installed it myself. You loosen the bed and raise it enough to slip the pucks in between the factory frame brackets. They give you a template in the puck kit and have to cut out the holes in the bed. If die grinders etc are not your thing, get a price on someone doing it. The picture frame then lays on the bed and they 4 lever arms with "keys" that go down into those 4 pucks and turn 90 degrees and lock. The hitch then mounts on the picture frame. You can remove 4 pins from the hitch and let it hang on the king pin and then drive out from it. You then need to swing the 4 release arms and the picture frame can be removed. You need to lock your release lever when hanging so someone doesn't have 200 pounds of metal on their toes. The bed ends up with no obstructions in it other then the plastic debris caps that snap in the puck holes.
Bamaman11
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
kmbelt wrote:
Option 3 - I chose to purchase and install my hitch myself as all i had to do was purchase the rails and vehicle specific install kit. It went pretty quickly compared to my previous GMC. I have rails with my install as all my vehicles have, so i'm used to them.

I bought Curt custom frame mounts for my F250 that were supposed to mount to the current holes in my frame. Although some drilling was required, they were easy to mount to new Curt rails in my truck bed. My hitch is a B&W Patriot 16K hitch--great unit. All supplies were bought on Amazon.com, and the prices were really good vs. the local hitch/rv dealerships.

While I was getting dirty, AirRide air suspension was also installed on the rear.
DakotaDad
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
Thank you kmbelt and CumminsDriver. That's great information. That gives me solid options, and a good starting point to properly research what I need/want.
Rich1961
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
jtallon,

You can add the factory hitch prep to your truck. Others have done it. Go here for more information.

Rich
kmbelt
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
I have a 14 ram with the 6.4 also. Mine came without the 5er prep package too.

Option 1 - The factory package includes the puck system which allows you to maintain your bed like normal. It will have no rails bed-mounted. You install what people refer to as the picture frame adapter that is attached underneath the bed, followed by the 5er hitch itself. Mopar Accessories for towing.

Option 2 - Install the B&W turnover ball and get the Companion to go with it. This will also be recessed underneath and give you a flat bed with no rails. This is a fantastic product and is highly regarded.B&W Turnover ball

Option 3 - I chose to purchase and install my hitch myself as all i had to do was purchase the rails and vehicle specific install kit. It went pretty quickly compared to my previous GMC. I have rails with my install as all my vehicles have, so i'm used to them.

Factory is not required to have. Just choose wisely in looking.

I bought all of my kits from E-trailer
DakotaDad
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
Thanks, NC Hauler.

We try to use both dry and gv weights when looking at specs, mostly because carrying capacities vary so hugely. For example, a while back we saw two similar rigs with similar gvwr ratings. One had almost 3k of cargo capacity, the other had about 1200lbs. So despite the similar ratings one was starting heavier than the other. Dry weight isn't the answer, but it's a published spec, so it's a comparison point. Just not the most important one. We look at dry weights but gross weight still rules over all.

We'll watch all weights closely, and stay within spec, plus a safety margin. We're not looking to push any boundaries. The ones we're most strongly considering have gvwr ratings from 9800 to 11,000 lbs. A few even less. None more. I've got a gas engine, and live in the Black Hills, so light weight is a distinct advantage that will make towing easier.

Edit : And thanks for the info on the hitches. Good to know not having the prep kit isn't a deal breaker.
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
donn0128 wrote:
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.

Donn, looks like you and I were thinking the same thing and posted close enough to not see the others post:)