GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE BEST TRUCK FOR 5TH-WHEEL TOWING
5
What Factory Prep Packages and Fifth-Wheel Rails are Available ?
Typically , to install a fifth-wheel hitch , you also have to purchase and install hitch rails in your truck bed . However , many manufacturers are now saving you the hassle of purchasing and installing aftermarket rails ( or paying to have them installed for you ) by offering fifth wheel factory prep packages with their trucks .
There are two types of installation rails : those that install above the truck bed , and those that install below it . Factory prep kits come pre-installed below the bed and are visible as a series of small pucks that sit flush with your truck bed , where the hitch is installed .
Pictured : an underbed rail system and an above-bed rail system .
Factory 5th-Wheel Prep Packages One important thing to note is that these prep kits are custom-designed , so you will need to purchase a hitch compatible with your manufacturer ' s kit . For instance , this B & W Companion Hitch is custom-designed to work with new Ford Super Duty trucks with the prep package , while this B & W Companion Hitch is compatible with new Ram prep packages . These custom hitches will drop directly into the pucks in your truck bed , making for a quick and painless installation . With a prep package , dropping a hitch into the truck bed takes an average of 30 minutes , compared to the 4 or more hours it usually takes to install a hitch and aftermarket rails on a truck without a prep package . If you already have a hitch you want to use with your fifth wheel , but the hitch is not compatible with your factory prep kit , you don ' t have to throw out your perfectly good hitch . Instead , you ' ll just need an above-bed adapter like this Reese adapter for Ram trucks . Adapters behave like standard , above-bed rails and mount into the factory pucks in your truck bed , allowing you to use a standard , above-bed hitch . Whenever possible , it ' s best to use a compatible hitch designed for your under-bed rails for the best fit and minimal contact with your truck bed , but adapters are a good solution if you do end up with an incompatible hitch and rail system . The best way to find a hitch compatible with your factory prep package is to use our fitguide and select your year , make , model , and vehicle options . From there , you can select above-bed or below-bed rails to filter your options . If you choose below-bed rails , you will be presented with options that fit your OEM prep package . If you select above-bed rails , all of your hitch options will include the rail adapter that will allow you to use the hitch with your OEM prep kit .
E3CAMPING . COM 55