Guides

Rails vs Pucks vs Gooseneck

Figure out what's in your truck bed so you can buy the right hitch.

Quick Identification

1

Four round holes in a rectangle pattern?

You have a puck system

2

Two parallel metal rails running front-to-back?

You have aftermarket rails

3

A ball or ball hole in the center of your bed?

You have a gooseneck setup

4

None of the above?

You have nothing installed — you'll need a complete kit or rails + hitch

Factory Puck System

The easy option (if you have it)

A puck system is a factory-installed option on many Ford, GM, and Ram heavy-duty trucks. It's called a "puck" system because the mounting points look like hockey pucks.

Pros

  • • No drilling — factory installed
  • • Quick hitch install/removal
  • • Clean bed when not towing
  • • Factory engineered strength

Cons

  • • Must be ordered with truck
  • • Fewer hitch options than rails
  • • Puck-specific hitches cost more

Best for: Truck owners who ordered the prep package and want the easiest possible install.

Learn more about puck systems

Aftermarket Rails (ISR)

The universal solution

Rails are the most common aftermarket solution. They bolt into your truck bed (through the floor, into the frame) and provide a universal mounting platform for fifth wheel hitches.

"ISR" stands for Industry Standard Rails — a standardized rail pattern that most hitch manufacturers follow.

Pros

  • • Most hitch options available
  • • Can add to any truck
  • • Hitches often cheaper than puck-mount
  • • Easy to swap between hitch brands

Cons

  • • Requires drilling into bed floor
  • • More involved installation
  • • Rails stay in bed (take up space)
  • • Hitch removal is more work

Best for: Truck owners who want the most hitch options or don't have factory pucks.

Gooseneck Ball

Clean bed, adapter required

A gooseneck setup uses a 2-5/16" ball mounted in (or on) your truck bed. Traditionally used for gooseneck trailers, but you can tow a fifth wheel with an adapter.

Pros

  • • Flush or below-bed storage
  • • Maximum bed space when not towing
  • • Works with gooseneck trailers too
  • • Some find it easier to hook up

Cons

  • • Need adapter to tow fifth wheel
  • • Adapter adds height (cab clearance)
  • • Or need special pinbox on trailer

Best for: Truck owners who also tow gooseneck trailers, or who prioritize bed space.

Gooseneck vs Fifth Wheel: What's the difference?

Nothing Installed (Empty Bed)

Two paths forward

If your truck bed is empty, you have two main paths:

Option 1: Complete Kit

Buy a kit that includes rails and a hitch together. One purchase, one install. This is the easiest route for most people.

Option 2: Rails + Hitch

Buy rails first, then choose any rail-mount hitch. More flexibility, but two purchases and potentially more work.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Pucks Rails Gooseneck
Install difficulty Easy Medium Medium
Hitch options Moderate Most Limited
Bed space (no hitch) Full Rails visible Full
Hitch removal Minutes 15-30 min Minutes
Add to any truck? No (factory) Yes Yes

Know What You Have?

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