Factory 5th wheel prep package

HEPHAESTUS · February 17, 2019

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.

Edited February 17, 2019 by HEPHAESTUS

greatmizzou · February 17, 2019

You should probably find a good trailer/truck shop that specializes in towing. I’d avoid those big box camping world stores for advice. Look for a truck/semi customizing shop that has a couple of fifth wheels and RVs outside

Davidj101 · February 20, 2019

The factory prep package can't be added aftermarket. At least not that I can ascertain.

Which hitch do you currently have?

I have a gooseneck rail adapter for the Curt EZ-Lockr and it worked well with the Curt roller and A16.

I don't use it anymore because I changed the hitch to an Andersen Ultimate aluminum hitch.

If you're set on the turnover ball I'd suggest installing that in your truck and using the rail adapter you linked above.

redwngr · February 20, 2019

GM accessories has a 5th wheel package that is aftermarket style, rather than using the factory prep system.

Don't think they offer the factory version as a 'kit'.

A good parts department person at a dealer should be able to help you order the parts needed to do it yourself.

Seems like it would be a big project to 'home'.

I think if I really wanted the system I'd find or order a truck with it on.

HEPHAESTUS · February 20, 2019

On 2/17/2019 at 10:06 AM, greatmizzou said:

You should probably find a good trailer/truck shop that specializes in towing. I’d avoid those big box camping world stores for advice. Look for a truck/semi customizing shop that has a couple of fifth wheels and RVs outside

24 minutes ago, redwngr said:

I think if I really wanted the system I'd find or order a truck with it on.

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!

51 minutes ago, Davidj101 said:

The factory prep package can't be added aftermarket. At least not that I can ascertain.

Which hitch do you currently have?

I have a gooseneck rail adapter for the Curt EZ-Lockr and it worked well with the Curt roller and A16.

I don't use it anymore because I changed the hitch to an Andersen Ultimate aluminum hitch.

If you're set on the turnover ball I'd suggest installing that in your truck and using the rail adapter you linked above.

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.

Edited February 20, 2019 by HEPHAESTUS

jhplak325 · February 22, 2019

Unless something changed, factory setup is not welded in and guys have added it after the fact - https://www.duramaxforum.com/forum/2011-2016-non-powertrain/775001-2016-factory-5th-wheel-hitch-prep.html

HEPHAESTUS · February 22, 2019

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.

Edited February 22, 2019 by HEPHAESTUS

HEPHAESTUS · February 22, 2019

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

Edited February 22, 2019 by HEPHAESTUS

MrChips · February 26, 2019

On 2/21/2019 at 8:03 PM, HEPHAESTUS said:

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

I installed the factory hitch in my 2018 a year ago and I can tell you that it bolts to the frame. I looked at several new trucks sitting on car lots that came from the factory with the hitch installed and they are identical to what I put on my truck. The install actually was fairly simple, the toughest thing for me was getting past the fact of cutting holes in the bed floor of my brand new truck. GM makes drilling the holes a little bit simpler by putting dimples where the holes go, the first picture is of the slug that came from the hole saw and you can see the dimple indention around the center pilot hole.

After I cut the holes in the bed I painted the edges with some black bed liner to keep it from rusting.

Next thing is I had to remove 8 bolts that hold the box to the frame and then lift the box up about 7" to allow enough clearance to slide the hitch into place.

There's a factory heat shield that has to be removed and it's held in with 4 bolts, the new hitch has a heat shield that fastens to it but it has to be ordered separate.

After sliding the hitch into place it gets fastened into place with (4) bolts on each side, the frame comes with pre-threaded holes in the frame so you don't need nuts.

I just hand tightened the bolts on the hitch and then lowered the bed back down on the frame so I could make sure it lined up with the cut outs in the bed. Once I checked the alignment I torqued the bolts tight.

GM doesn't supply any installation instructions which sucks but I did find a post on another forum from a guy who had made up a step by step process which really helped. I will see if I can find a link to that post and I will share it, here's some pictures of my install. It wouldn't allow me to download anymore than 4 pictures at a time so I will add some more shortly...

Edited February 26, 2019 by MrChips

MrChips · February 26, 2019

Here's some more pictures of the install...

HEPHAESTUS · February 26, 2019

Thanks, that's a really helpful post!

Gmman · April 1, 2019

What size hole saw did you use and did you cut them from the bottom or the top?

MrChips · April 2, 2019

On 4/1/2019 at 6:43 AM, Gmman said:

What size hole saw did you use and did you cut them from the bottom or the top?

I will look when I get home tonight to see what size of hole saws I used, I cut them from the top. If you look closely at the bed floor you will see 5 small indented dimples, they are in the exact location where the holes need to be cut. The pilot drill bit on the hole will center up on the dimple nicely. I will let you know what size of hole saws I used later.