HEPHAESTUS

Thanks, that's a really helpful post!

Here is the main hitch for a short bed as far as I can tell: https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-parts/gm-f-hitch-84164445 But when I pull it up here it says its discontinued: https://www.gmpartsgiant.com/parts/gm-hitch-asm-box-mounted-trlr-84164445.html Link to diagram with part numbers, but apparently the above has superseded the hitch number in the diagram: https://www.duramaxforum.com/forum/attachments/2011-2016-non-powertrain/889793d1479687661-2016-factory-5th-wheel-hitch-prep-imageandparts_1479687706553.pdf I've already ordered the Reese version for my truck. The 4 pucks will be Ford dimensions but I don't really care about that. In fact, it kind of works out better for my specific hitch because Demco makes a smaller, more efficient adapter to the Ford / Reese system than they do the GM. Here's my eTrailer order that should be here tomorrow: https://www.etrailer.com/Gooseneck/Reese/RP30158-68.html https://www.etrailer.com/Custom_Fit_Vehicle_Wiring/Bargman/50-97-410.html https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories_and_Parts/Demco/DM6033.html

https://www.gmc.com/gmc-life/trucks/sierra-fifth-wheel-prep-package That's where I read it's welded. It's hard to read your link right now on my phone but some of the pics in that thread appear to me to actually be the Reese elite hitch. I'll look closer when I'm near a computer in a bit. Edit: On a computer now. After reading that thread it does appear to bolt-in. And I looked at my frame and see the threaded holes clearly meant for it. Off that gmc.com would state that it is welded.

Man, you guys are so insightful. I'm rushing to the dealership to trade my truck in now! I don't know why I didn't think of just buying a brand new truck to get a trailer hitch!!! The solution was so simple! Yes, I've learned that the factory prep package is welded on the frame from the factory, hence the reason it can not be added after the fact. No big deal though. There's multiple ways to skin a cat. The rail adapter to fit the turnover ball is not to be used with slider hitches. (I have a Demco 21k Auto-Slide.) Don't worry ya'll, I think I have it figured out.

Hi, guys. New 2017 2500 l5P owner here. I've driven diesels my entire life but mostly Cummins. Traded my Ram 3500 recently due to being tired of dealing with all the issues surrounding everything but the Cummins engine. My Chevy did not come with the factory 5th wheel prep package. I am trying to re-use my auto-slide hitch from previous truck in this truck and trying to figure out the best way to install it. I also tow gooseneck trailers so I need that as well. My Ram had the factory prep package and I prefer the square-shank B&W turnover hitch so I easily installed that in the Ram as well. I used both regularly and it was a setup that I liked. What I don't like is having permanently installed rails in my bed. 1. Is it possible to add the factory prep package? If so, what parts do I need? I can't seem to find them anywhere. 2. As another option, I've found this: https://www.etrailer.com/p-RP30868.html It basically gives me a factory prep package, but the 4 holes are factory Ford dimensions, not Chevy. So basically all the hitches meant for the factory Ford package would fit it. But the only GN that works with it is this one: https://www.etrailer.com/p-RP30158.html Which I don't particularly love. 3. I also found this, but it says it doesn't work with slider hitches: https://www.etrailer.com/Gooseneck-and-Fifth-Wheel-Adapters/Curt/16310.html 4. I'm wondering if there are any other options to avoid rails in the bed that I'm missing? Lastly, I did search before posting. I agree, it seems like this topic has probably been covered a million times already. Maybe I'm using the wrong spellings or terms or something but nothing is popping up. Feel free to link me to relative topics if you know of them.