5th Wheel Hitch Install

[Cfd225]

Good afternoon,

I am looking to see what the average price I can expect for a 5ht wheel install. I am looking at Reese R20 with the 2010 Ford F-350.

I am thinking of purchasing the hitch and have someone install it.

Pro/cons of doing this.

I am not sure if I want to install it myself. Would like the warranty of a company installing it.

Thanks

[Ustabslim]

Here in Austin a rail kit and installed is $350 at discount hitch.
You can pick up a fiver head off craigslist normally $150 to $250.
I have one rated to 12,000 pounds I don't use anymore. $100

[Wrascal]

A few months ago I had a complete install: rails, Husky 16K hitch and slider. As I recall it was $809 + tax. Then I needed tow mirrors, another $250 to the internet world.

[Clayton4971]

A year and a half ago I purchased a new truck I left the bed rails in and took the hitch . Went online and picked up new bed rails with heavy duty one piece frame brackets that we're supposed to be bolt on easy fit. Long story short I had a heck of a time, drilling bolt holes cutting clearance for others think it took me most of the week. Turned out great but I don't think I would do it again .too much work for a old guy

[UPCamper]

When I moved my hitch from my last truck to the current one, I did the install myself. There are basically two types of rail kits, universal mount and specific. The universal require drilling into the frame, which I wanted to avoid and what most dealers do. I opted for the specific style that came with mounting brackets made for my truck. Bolt on. Rather easily to install if you are a mechanical type person. The worst part is getting your hands where they need to be with tools to grip the fasteners and such. Also some drilling through the bed is required as well. But they provide instructions on how to mount it in the right location. Lots of videos online. Also, a torque wrench is needed.

The other reason I opted to do the install myself is I wanted to make sure that when they drilled holes in the bed, the primed, painted and sealed the now exposed metal to prevent corrosion.

I spent about 300-350 for the rail kit from the etrailer website. My advice would either be to install yourself or find a dealer who will get you the truck specific mounting brackets.

[Quahog]

If you have the 5th wheel/Camper package, you can buy a hitch that will fit right into the puck system. Mine is the B&W and I love it. It's very convenient for removing the hitch when you need the full bed for other work.

If you don't and you need to do the whole job, try Discount Hitch... they have good prices and I've had good luck dealing with them. Just makes sure your hitch is rated for the load you're planning to pull.

[tinlizzie23]

I'm with UPCamper on this one. I purchased a used Reese 16K hitch for about $300, and a new set of frame brackets for about $100 which were made to fit my 2003 F350. Holes in the bed were the only drilling needed. Did the installation myself, and it took about 3 hours. Many miles later, everything still works fine, but once a year I check all bolts with a torque wrench. Saw no point in paying someone else to do the job, when it is relatively easy if you are mechanically inclined.

[krsmitty]

Bought and had installed our Husky 16k at U-Haul.