What is the Ram puck system for fifth wheel hitches?

Ram's puck system is a factory towing prep option on Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks. It installs four puck-style mounting points in the truck bed for quick-attach fifth wheel hitches and gooseneck balls. Ram calls it the Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Group.

Which Ram trucks have the factory puck system?

The puck system is available on Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 trucks as an optional package. It's been available since the 2013 model year (fourth-generation Ram HD). Not all Ram HD trucks have it — it must be ordered with the Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Group option.

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

Look in your truck bed for four round plastic covers or holes in a rectangle pattern toward the front half of the bed. Check your window sticker for 'Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Group' or order code XHC. You can also check on Ram's website using your VIN to see which packages were ordered.

Does the Ram Multi-Function Tailgate work with fifth wheel hitches?

Yes, Ram designed the Multi-Function Tailgate to work alongside fifth wheel towing. The tailgate's 60/40 split opening allows you to open just one side or swing open the barn-door style while towing. This lets you keep your tailgate on while towing a fifth wheel, unlike most trucks that require tailgate removal.

Are Ram pucks the same as Ford and GM pucks?

The mounting concept is similar — four puck-style points in the bed — but there are slight dimensional differences between manufacturers. Most aftermarket hitches like B&W Companion and CURT Q-Series are designed to work with all three brands. However, always verify compatibility with your specific truck year and make.

Ram Puck System

Q: What fifth wheel hitches fit Ram pucks?

Most major OE-compatible puck-mount hitches work with Ram's system. Popular options include the B&W Companion OEM, CURT Q-Series, and PullRite Super 5th OE Series. Look for hitches specifically listed as Ram-compatible. Always verify fitment for your specific model year.

Written by a towing industry expert

The short answer: Ram's puck-style system has some quirks. Here's what you need to know before buying.

What is Ram's Puck System?

Ram's factory fifth wheel/gooseneck prep group installs mounting points in your truck bed. Like Ford and GM, it allows drop-in hitch installation without drilling — quick, clean, and reversible.

Which Ram Trucks Have It?

HD models with the prep group

Ram 2500

Heavy Duty

Ram 3500

Heavy Duty

Important

The puck system is an optional package. Not all Ram HD trucks have it — it must be ordered as part of a towing package.

What's It Called?

Look for these on the window sticker

• Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Group
• Gooseneck Towing Prep Group
• Bed-Mounted Tow Prep

Ram sometimes offers packages with just the prep, or prep plus hardware. Check what's included.

How Do I Know If My Ram Has Factory Pucks?

Visual check

Look in the front half of your truck bed for the mounting points.

Ram Puck Layout:

• Four pucks in a rectangle pattern
• May have rubber covers
• Front of bed, between wheel wells
• May include center gooseneck ball provision

Ram's pattern is standardized and compatible with most OEM puck-mount hitches. Pattern is similar across years but verify for your specific truck.

What Fifth Wheel Hitches Fit Ram Pucks?

What works with Ram pucks

Ram's puck pattern is compatible with hitches labeled for "OEM puck systems." Most major brands work:

B&W Companion

Ram-specific mounting options

CURT Q-Series

OEM puck system compatible

Reese

OEM-compatible fifth wheels

PullRite

OE Series puck-mount

Which Ram Model Years Have the Puck System?

When Ram offered the puck system

Ram has offered puck systems on HD trucks:

• 2019+ — Current gen Ram HD with puck option
• 2013-2018 — Previous gen also offered prep packages

Ram's puck pattern is standardized, but always verify your specific year has the prep installed.

Does the RamBox Affect Fifth Wheel Hitch Compatibility?

Cargo management system

Some Ram trucks with the RamBox (in-bed storage compartments) may have different bed configurations. Make sure to measure and verify compatibility if you have RamBox.

The puck system is typically available regardless of RamBox, but the bed dimensions and mounting may differ slightly.