2012Coleman wrote:
You can have a reputable hitch/welding shop install the fifth wheel prep package for you. The part is available through the dealership. The dealership should be able to install it as well.
Exactly. I purchased the
Ram OEM 5th wheel prep kit from MoparPartsOnline.com last year for $225. It's still the same price.
Here is my thread about
installing the Ram 5th wheel prep kit.I believe on some trucks you have to lift the bed. On my 2500 I was able to slide everything into place without raising it.
The B&W under bed gooseneck hitch installs directly into the OEM location. For that hitch and the B&W sliding companion you're looking at $1850 plus the cost of installing the under bed hitch if you can't do it yourself.
For the OEM 5th wheel prep kit you're at $225 for the kit, and $1550 for the hitch....Total $1775. Not a huge difference. It's only drilling 4 holes in the bed and installing 4 brackets. Any quality shop should be able to do this in about 2 hours. If you go with the Curt hitch the total price decreases to $1250. I can't vouch for the quality or operation of the Curt slider compared to other sliding mechanisms. I'm happy with mine, you'll just have to decide for yourself on price.
Like was said previously, I too like the placement of the hitch weight on 4 corners and all of the weight sets directly over the frame.
KJ
