5th Wheel Hitch Installation ?

[John Berger]

I'm shopping for 5th Wheel Hitches. I've found a couple of good hitches online, but want to know what I should make sure is included in the kit before ordering. I have no experience with 5th wheel hitches. Does the bed have to come off of the truck for installation? Is it a fairly easy do it yourself job? Any and all info would be appreciated. TIA



John

 

[Dieselnerd]

I did my own. The bed does not need to be removed but if you have a 4x4 like me, the wheel well liners have to be removed. The hitch dealer wanted to weld the hitch on and I wanted it bolted to the frame. I have to confess I took 3 days to install it but it was mostly measuring and being very careful using the old adage "measure twice, cut once" as my guide. I didn't work on it that many hours a day, I just took my time and was careful. It could be easily done in a day if you were in a hurry. I installed a "Lil Rocker" hitch and the instructions were clear and easy to figure out.

 

[JPS]

5TH WHEEL HITCHES

I would certainly consider some type of air ride hitch if at all possible. They are a little spendy! jps

 

[klenger]

I installed my Drawtite (same as Reese) in about 6 hours. Not a big deal, just be carefull. I found it easier to get the hitch in the correct spot by installing the forward brackets to the frame, and then drilling up through the bed to locate the rails. The instruction tell you to locate the rails by measurement, and then drilliing down to mount the brackets. In the case of my setup, there is only one place where the brackets can be mounted, so it worked well for me.



Good luck.

 

[Jammar9082]

I have a B&W Turnover Ball hitch (gooseneck) in the bed and the Companion 5 'th wheel hitch. I think it is a good design and does provide for a fullflat bed when the other hitches are not needed. Installation was done by my son and took about three hours with me being the "gopher". The hitch bolted in without any difficulties and has performed well. The instructions were clear and you can read or download them online at www.turnoverball.com You do need a torque wrench of 150 foot pound capacity. My son also has the same setup.

 

[Ron Bissett]

Fiver hitch

Yea the easy to instal hitches are a fact , what ever you do not weld on the frame that is a no no . use the instructions and sharp drill bit and pilot hole each hole first make sure that you will not hit into the lines or wires on other side of frame or the fuel tank ect use dept mark ,tape ,paint drill stop ect. and if possible a back up stop on other side of frame next to fuel tank ,I use a thin ply wood scrap as a back stop. Do it your self and save . Ron in LOUISVILLE KY. Oo. Oo. Oo.

 

[jbone]

You might want to bargain with the trailer seller when buying--mine was willing to include the installed hitch as part of trailer buy, and custom install shop really new there stuff... . just another option you may have..... R, J. B.

 

[John Berger]

I got the financing taken care of ahead of time and I deliberately limited the amount I wanted to go in hock. The dealer would have put the hitch in, but at a cost of 1000-1200 bucks. I'm getting one put in for $550 on Friday. I'll pay for that and not get hit on the interest. I found a 2001 Montana 2955. I got a helluva good deal on it. They even sold me a 3 year bumper to bumper warranty for $500, which I was pretty happy with. The original warranty didn't transfer to a second owner. I thought about doing the hitch myself, but it really comes down to not having the time. Everything is hectic this week, what with the truck coming out of the shop and then picking up the trailer on Friday. I appreciate all of the good advice. This board is still the best.

 

[Ron Bissett]

Now that you have solved the hitch question , thought about a exhaust brake you will see that it is almost a manditory thing , you got the go now you will need the whoooooo. The brakes are all good and easy it install . your choise ,read about them on this board . Did not see in your sig a brake listed. Ron in LOUISVILLE KY LOL.