5th Wheel/Gooseneck prep package

[shulette]

We are fortunate enough to own both a 2020 and a 2021 2500HD. The 2020 is about 6 months older than the 2021. The trucks could not ride any differently. The 2020 has a much 'softer' ride than the 2021. The 2021 is so stiff you break your teeth on the broken pavement remaining from the winter roads. The only difference is the 2021 has the 5th Wheel/Gooseneck prep package on it. Since we will never haul either a gooseneck or 5th wheel I am considering have the package removed. Does anyone know the level of effort involved in removing that package?

 

Thanks,

Steve

[RugbyRef]

Just out of curiosity...why would you remove it?  That question out of the way - I suppose it wouldn't be too difficult to remove, but what are you going to do about the holes in the bed?  I, too, have the package in my 2021 and the holes are covered with plastic inserts when I'm not towing the 5th-wheel.  I couldn't find any install or removal videos or information regarding the 2021 GMC, but I have installed a gooseneck/5th-wheel package on a previous truck (Ford) I owned.  In short, it was a PITA.  Had to lift the bed off the frame, etc.

 

Good luck @shulette!

 

 

[mrjulian416]

I can't imagine the 5th wheel/gooseneck package would affect ride quality.  It's essentially a plate welded to the frame rails.  There must be something else going on with tires, tire pressure, or...?

 

 

[03 Cobra]

Or maybe do you have the snowplow prep package with stiffer front springs or the off road package with the stiffer Rancho shocks?  You know your trucks better than anyone else but unless I am wrong the 5th wheel package has the component between the frame and the bed and nothing that should affect ride.  Again, not trying to act like I know more about your trucks than you...that's just my understanding.

[nutdriver]

What is the gross vehicle weight rating for each truck?  Perhaps the 2021 has the higher capacity.  Not all trucks come with the same rating.  Even the new 3500 I just upgraded to was offered in at least 2 different GVWR levels. 

 

I think that if you wanted to change the ride you would need to change suspension components such as springs rather than removing components that make it prepped for a 5th wheel.

Edited June 3, 2021 by nutdriver
Typo

[Guest Phobby]

I agree with some mentioning above, the prep package does not affect the truck at all. Removing it welded to the frame would not help anything and decrease the trucks value.

Honestly, comparing ride quality on a truck that's been broken in a little and a new one is useless. Take the new truck for some real drives and make the suspension work for the first time. Mine rode different after a couple pot hole gravel roads, railroad tracks crossings, and a 100 mile trip with the 30' gooseneck to pick up some things.