Forum Discussion

mtbfamily's avatar
mtbfamily
Explorer
Mar 27, 2020

Sierra 2500 fifth wheel hitch - factory prep vs aftermarket

Hi all,
We are in the market for a TV to haul a Grand Designs 311BHS fifth wheel. A close friend is selling their Sierra 2500 Denali that was equipped to tow a travel trailer. I'm wondering what the difference is between having an aftermarket fifth wheel hitch setup on that vs finding a used vehicle that has the factory prep kit. I read that one potential advantage to the factory prep is that when the hitch is out of the bed, nothing is sticking up...but that maybe those are also available aftermarket. Also the GMC marketing page for the kit implies that the factory prep is stronger and provides a better towing experience. I'd prefer to buy my friend's vehicle, as I know it has been very well cared for (and it's an easy transaction), but not if I'm making a big sacrifice in terms of towing/convenience/utility.
Tow Vehicles
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Mar 27, 2020
    The same side as always. I can see if you have a rail in the bed system then not wanting to pay to change it. But when you are starting out new then why use the inferior system?
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    Mar 27, 2020
    agesilaus wrote:
    People used rail mounted 5th wheel hitches for many years. If you put a lot of things in and out of your bed you might want to put some plywood down to make things level with the rails. I wouldn't let this be a deciding factor.

    So people used a horse and buggy for even longer, so what? The grand dad did it scheme doesn't mean it's better.


    What side of the bed did you get up on? LOL.

    Cost might be a better deciding factor. My old rail system doesn't bother me, even if I am unloading a truck full of mulch.
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2020
    I don't think the factory prep kit is any stronger than a set of custom rails. With either setup you're attaching the hitch directly to the truck frame. My truck didn't come with factory prep so I installed rails, and they don't bug me. In fact they make handy tiedown points. I'd do whichever costs less but that's just my approach.
  • stickdog's avatar
    stickdog
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2020
    10 years ago when we first started with a 5er I went with a B&W turnball install and a Companion 5th wheel hitch. When the hitch removed I have a smooth bed.
    When I upgraded truck and 5er I couldn't find a truck that had the factory installed puck system and met the other requirements we wanted. Found one that met everything but so had a B&W turnball install.
    You didn't mention the year of your friends truck but I believe a dealer can install the factory puck system on years that they were available in.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Mar 27, 2020
    People used rail mounted 5th wheel hitches for many years. If you put a lot of things in and out of your bed you might want to put some plywood down to make things level with the rails. I wouldn't let this be a deciding factor.

    So people used a horse and buggy for even longer, so what? The grand dad did it scheme doesn't mean it's better.
  • Roger10378's avatar
    Roger10378
    Explorer II
    Mar 27, 2020
    People used rail mounted 5th wheel hitches for many years. If you put a lot of things in and out of your bed you might want to put some plywood down to make things level with the rails. I wouldn't let this be a deciding factor.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Mar 27, 2020
    You really want the dealer installed puck system. I'm not familiar with the GM version but I assume it's like the Ford system. You get a flat bed when the hitch is out, and it takes 5 minutes of so to install remove the hitch. You do not want to mess around with in the bed rails.

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