Are all puck systems the same?

Ford, GM (Chevrolet/GMC), and Ram all use similar puck patterns, but there are slight differences. Most aftermarket hitches are designed to work with all three, but always verify compatibility with your specific truck.

Can I use a puck-mount hitch if my truck doesn't have pucks?

No, puck-mount (OE-mount) hitches require the factory puck mounting points. If your truck doesn't have pucks, you'll need a rail-mount hitch, an under-bed gooseneck kit, or you can sometimes retrofit the factory prep package through your dealer.

Can I convert my truck to a puck system after purchase?

Some dealers can retrofit the factory puck prep package, but it's not cheap or simple since it involves reinforced frame mounting points. A more common alternative is installing an aftermarket mounting system like B&W Turnoverball (gooseneck) or ISR rails, which give you different hitch options without factory pucks.

Do Ford, GM, and Ram pucks work the same way?

The concept is identical — four puck-style mounting points in the bed for drop-in hitches. However, the exact dimensions and bolt patterns differ slightly between manufacturers. Most major hitch brands (B&W, CURT, PullRite) design their puck-mount hitches to be compatible with all three. Always verify fitment for your specific truck year and make.

What is a Puck System?

Q: What is a puck system?

A puck system is a factory-installed towing prep option that uses four hockey puck-sized mounting points in your truck bed. It allows for quick installation and removal of fifth wheel hitches and gooseneck balls without drilling.

Q: How do I know if my truck has a puck system?

Look in your truck bed for four round covers or holes arranged in a rectangle pattern. They're typically located toward the front half of the bed. You can also check your window sticker for terms like 'Fifth Wheel Prep Package' or 'Gooseneck/Fifth Wheel Prep'.

Written by a towing industry expert

The short answer: Your truck might already have the best mounting system built in. Here's what puck mounts are and why they matter.

The Short Answer

A puck system is a set of four mounting points built into your truck bed from the factory. Instead of drilling holes and bolting in rails, you just drop a compatible hitch into the pucks and you're ready to tow.

How Do I Know If My Truck Has a Puck System?

Check your truck bed

Look in your truck bed. If you have a puck system, you'll see four round covers (or open holes) arranged in a rectangle pattern. They're usually located in the front half of the bed, roughly between the wheel wells.

What to Look For:

• Four round holes or covers — About 4 inches in diameter, arranged in a rectangle
• Location — Front half of the bed, between the wheel wells
• Window sticker terms — "Fifth Wheel Prep Package," "Gooseneck/Fifth Wheel Prep," or "Factory Puck System"

Want the full walkthrough — pucks vs. dimples, the codes to look for, and how to check by VIN? See Does My Truck Have the Prep Package?

Which Trucks Have Puck Systems?

Heavy-duty trucks from the Big 3

Most heavy-duty trucks from Ford, GM, and Ram offer a factory puck system as an option. It's usually part of a towing package or prep package.

Ford

F-250, F-350, F-450 Super Duty trucks with the "Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck Hitch Prep Package"

Chevrolet/GMC

Silverado/Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD with the "Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package"

Ram

Ram 2500 and 3500 with the "Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Group"

Each brand's pattern is a little different — and the spacing even changed by year. Dig into your truck: Ford, GM (Chevy/GMC), or Ram — or compare them side by side in Puck System Dimensions & Fitment.

What Are the Advantages of a Puck System?

Why it's the easiest setup

No Drilling

Mounting points are already there

Quick Install

Most hitches in/out in minutes

Clean Bed

Remove hitch, get full bed back

Factory Strength

Engineered by the manufacturer

What Hitches Work With Pucks?

Three options

Drop-In Fifth Wheel Hitches

These are 4-point fifth wheel hitches — they plug directly into your pucks (four points of connection). Brands like B&W Companion and CURT Q-Series are popular choices. This is the easiest option if you're towing a fifth wheel trailer.

Gooseneck Ball Adapters

These convert your pucks to a gooseneck ball. From there you can run a single-point fifth wheel hitch (like the PullRite 3900, which mounts to the ball and keeps your trailer's kingpin), or swap your trailer's pin box for a gooseneck pin box. Great for a flush ball and a clean bed.

Puck-to-Rail Adapters

These give you standard rails on top of your pucks, opening up compatibility with any rail-mount fifth wheel hitch. More options, but adds some height and complexity.

Not sure which one fits your truck?

Enter your year, make, model, and bed — we'll show only the hitches that actually bolt on.

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Ready to shop? See the best puck-mount fifth wheel hitches, or learn how to install one.

What If My Truck Doesn't Have Pucks?

No problem

If your truck doesn't have the factory puck system, you have two main options:

Install Aftermarket Rails

Universal mounting rails bolt into your truck bed and work with rail-mount hitches.

Get a Complete Kit

Some kits include rails and a hitch together for a simpler purchase.

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Community

Questions & Answers

StupidHitches answered: That screech is normal and easy to fix. It's just metal twisting on metal down in the puck holes, usually because they're dry or a little dirt got in. Do this: Clean first. Pull the rubber puck covers and wipe or blow out any dirt or sand. Grit is usually the real cause of the noise — lubing over it doesn't help. Spray, don't grease. Hit the levers and puck holes with a dry spray lube (look for "dry PTFE" or "dry lithium" at any auto parts store). Skip thick grease — it grabs dirt and the squeal comes right back. Optional, for winter: A thin wipe of anti-seize on the metal legs keeps them from rusting and sticking in the pucks. That's it. The squeal should be gone. Heads up: This is just for the pucks in your bed where the hitch locks in. It's a different spot than the top of the hitch head where your trailer rides — that part gets grease or a lube plate, not this.

Jun 18, 2026

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