Who installed your hitch?

[rctoyguy]

We are planning to trade our TT for a 5er - my truck does not have the fifth wheel prep or whatever (not predrilled for hitch).
Would you allow the camper store to install a 5th wheel hitch, or better off going to like a U-Haul or somewhere? Small mom and pop camper dealer or mega-store?
I absolutely want it done correctly.

[mileshuff]

Went to AZ Hitchman in Phoenix. Far more knowledgeable than dealers. They also have a far greater selection of hitches, rails etc. Every RV dealer I've been to seems to push low end hitches they can slap in quickly often 'free' with RV purchase. Absurdly high prices on any quality hitch and often they do not stock them so long delays.

Go to a Hitch specialist, not an RV dealer for best prices, installation and knowledge!!

[Jim2007]

Hi.. I did have the trailer store install. A 5th wheel hitch in my 2004 Dodge and pulled a 5th wheel trailer for 11 years . No problem with it. Jim2007

[ksbowman]

I always install all my hitches, then I personally know it is done right. I know every bolt is torqued correctly and I can come back and recheck after some mileage. It is not rocket science and you don't have to wonder if it was done right. If you want some instruction there is a plethora of good instruction videos on line.

[Halmfamily]

The dealer I purchased my truck through installed our B&W Turnover as part of the deal. They are an authorized dealer as well.

[maskins]

I had mine installed at a local hitch dealer. They were way cheaper than the dealer for the B & W patriot for a reese hitch. I thought about doing it myself but their price was about what I found it for online after shipping so it was a simple decision.

[Sonora108]

We have the B&W Companion Hitch on our 2002 Ford F350 and I installed it all myself. Really wasn't to hard, I managed it with no help just me is all. Like mentioned before, drilling the 4" hole in the bed was a little scary. If you screw that up there's no fixing it, I guess you might re-drill another hole or something but it will be ugly!
Bill

[Hammerboy]

My last truck I installed a Pull rite super glide and did it myself with the custom fit brackets. Current truck I had the dealer install my B&W Patriot, mistake, I told them I wanted the custom no drill brackets and what do I get? I get the universal drill the frame brackets, I was not happy. Next truck, doing it myself again. I may not install them every day but its not rocket science and I am a little more fussy about the install plus I'll get what I am wanting.

Dan

[1jeep]

I don't hate my dealer but when it comes to my vehicle I like to do my own service and that includes installing accessories. Then if it falls apart I know who to blame!..oh yeah im also frugal!

[justafordguy]

It amazes me that anyone likes a dealer. I've never found one that I trusted.

[ford_truck_guy]

For those of you that said not to let your dealer do it, It would be horrible to have such little faith in a company.. Back in 07 , I purchased my first fifth wheel, had the dealer install my hitch and never an issue..

It really amazes me just how many people dislike dealers . :h

[laknox]

rctoyguy wrote:
We are planning to trade our TT for a 5er - my truck does not have the fifth wheel prep or whatever (not predrilled for hitch).
Would you allow the camper store to install a 5th wheel hitch, or better off going to like a U-Haul or somewhere? Small mom and pop camper dealer or mega-store?
I absolutely want it done correctly.

I installed my B&W Turnover Ball base by myself. Besides the physical labor part, the hardest part was drilling that 4" hole in the middle of my bed, as it's NOT fixable if you FUBAR it. :B The 4 1/2" holes for the safety chain loops were a piece of cake after that. I also helped my brother install is TO Ball, but I made =him= drill that hole so he couldn't blame me for any f'up. :B

Oh, and I also assembled my B&W Companion by myself.

Lyle

[huntram]

Originally trailer life did it as it was featured in the June 2011 issue. When I got my 2014 I had to pay an RV repair shop to move it to the new truck in Wenatchee, Wa.

[Durb]

I installed Curt bed rail brackets myself. The 90 minute job took close to six hours! In hindsight I would have paid to have it done. The job would have gone a lot faster with a lift and a helper.

[1jeep]

on my 2011 I bought the proper brackets from etrailer and did it myself, I like knowing it was done right as most places aren't going to have their best person install a hitch!

AS was already said, take your time read the directions and recheck your measurements before drilling the bed holes.

[LIKE2BUILD]

rctoyguy wrote:
We are planning to trade our TT for a 5er - my truck does not have the fifth wheel prep or whatever (not predrilled for hitch).
Would you allow the camper store to install a 5th wheel hitch, or better off going to like a U-Haul or somewhere? Small mom and pop camper dealer or mega-store?
I absolutely want it done correctly.

Do you have the skills to do this yourself? If yes, then go to Etrailer.com, buy the hitch you want and knock it out.

If you don't........hmmm. Most RV places will do hitch installs. You might see if the place you're buying the 5er will make it a package deal? I've always done this kind of stuff myself so I can't really say which is best.

One question you must answer is if you want the bed completely clean when the hitch is out or if you don't mind having 5er rails there permanently.

Your truck will have to use an aftermarket 5th wheel mounting system. Starting in '14 RAM introduced the factory 5th wheel prep and gooseneck packages. Regardless of what anyone tries to tell you, the factory 5th wheel prep WILL NOT fit your truck.

Now that we have that clear let's get to your options. For a clean bed when the hitch is removed I'd suggest the B&W sliding hitch with Gooseneck combination. The advantage is you have gooseneck towing capabilities if you need it. If you have a buddy that can help you this hitch only requires drilling ONE 4" hole in the middle of the bed of the truck and four 3/8" holes for the safety chain u-bolts. All mounting points on the frame use OEM holes so no drilling required there.

If you don't mind having permanent rails then the B&W Patriot sliding hitch with custom rail kit will suit you just fine.

Your signature doesn't say what bed length you have but I assume it's a 6' bed. If so you really should get a sliding hitch like the ones I linked above just in case you might need it. If your bed is 8' your options are much cheaper.

KJ