What is the Ford puck system for fifth wheel hitches?

The Ford puck system is a factory-installed towing prep option on Super Duty trucks (F-250, F-350, F-450). It places four hockey puck-sized mounting points in the truck bed that allow fifth wheel hitches and gooseneck balls to drop in and bolt down without drilling. Ford calls it the Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Hitch Prep Package.

Which Ford trucks have the factory puck system?

Ford's puck system is available on F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty trucks. It's an optional add-on, not standard. It became widely available starting with the 2011 model year. Check your window sticker or look in the bed for four round covers or holes to confirm whether your truck has it.

How do I know if my Ford has the fifth wheel prep package?

Look in your truck bed for four round plastic covers or exposed mounting holes arranged in a rectangle pattern toward the front half of the bed. You can also check your window sticker for 'Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Hitch Prep Package' or order code 53G. The VIN decoder on Ford's website can also confirm the option.

Can I add pucks to my Ford truck after purchase?

It's possible but not simple. The factory puck system includes reinforced mounting points in the frame. Adding pucks aftermarket typically means installing a complete under-bed mounting kit (like the B&W Turnoverball or a rail system) rather than true factory pucks. Some Ford dealers may be able to retrofit the factory prep package.

What year did Ford start offering the puck system?

Ford introduced the factory Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Hitch Prep Package on Super Duty trucks starting with the 2011 model year. It has been available as an option on F-250, F-350, and F-450 models since then, with the system remaining largely unchanged across model years.

Do all Ford Super Duty trucks come with pucks?

No, the puck system is an optional add-on, not standard equipment. You have to specifically order the Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Hitch Prep Package when buying the truck, or find a used truck that had it ordered. Many work truck and towing-focused configurations include it, but it's not guaranteed.

Ford Puck System

Q: What fifth wheel hitches fit Ford pucks?

Most major brands make puck-compatible (OE-mount) hitches for Ford. Popular options include the B&W Companion OEM (RVK3300), CURT Q-Series (Q20 and Q24), Reese Goose Box, and PullRite Super 5th. Any hitch labeled as OE-compatible or puck-mount should work with Ford's system.

Written by a towing industry expert

The short answer: Ford's factory prep package is one of the best in the industry. Here's exactly how it works.

What is Ford's Puck System?

Ford's factory fifth wheel/gooseneck prep package installs four puck-style mounting points in your truck bed. These accept drop-in hitches without drilling — making installation and removal a breeze.

Which Ford Trucks Have It?

Super Duty models with the prep package

F-250

Super Duty

F-350

Super Duty

F-450

Super Duty

Important

The puck system is an optional package. Not all Super Duty trucks have it. It must be ordered from the factory — you can't add factory pucks later.

What's It Called?

Look for these on the window sticker

• Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck Hitch Prep Package
• Gooseneck/Fifth Wheel Prep Package
• Factory Tow Prep

Check your original window sticker or build sheet. If buying used, the seller may not know — look in the bed.

How Do I Know If My Ford Has Factory Pucks?

Visual check

Look in the front half of your truck bed. You're looking for four round holes (or covers) arranged in a rectangle pattern.

Ford Puck Layout:

• Four pucks in a rectangle pattern
• Located toward the front of the bed
• May have rubber covers or be open
• Pattern: approximately 39" x 24" (varies by year)

If you see four round openings but they're in a different configuration, it might be an aftermarket setup. Ford's pattern is specific and consistent.

What Fifth Wheel Hitches Fit Ford Pucks?

What works with Ford pucks

Ford's puck pattern is compatible with hitches labeled for "OEM puck systems" or "factory prep." Major brands all make Ford-compatible options:

B&W

Companion series — very popular with Ford owners

CURT

Q-Series puck system compatible

Reese

Goose Box and OEM-compatible fifth wheels

PullRite

OE Series and SuperRail puck-mount

Which Ford Model Years Have the Puck System?

When Ford offered the puck system

Ford has offered the puck system on Super Duty trucks since the mid-2010s. The pattern has remained largely consistent:

• 2017+ — Current generation Super Duty with puck system option
• 2011-2016 — Previous gen also offered it

Always verify your specific truck has pucks before ordering a puck-mount hitch.

What If My Ford Doesn't Have Factory Pucks?

Your options

If your Ford Super Duty doesn't have the factory puck system, you can still tow a fifth wheel. You'll need:

Aftermarket Rails

Install ISR rails in your bed, then use any rail-mount hitch.

Complete Kit

Buy a kit that includes rails and hitch together.

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