Who makes the Ford puck system?
The Ford puck system is Ford's factory-installed bed mounting interface for gooseneck and fifth-wheel hitches. Ford provides the puck receptacles in the truck bed, while after-market hitch makers supply compatible hitch heads and hardware that secure into those pucks. In practice, the system is Ford’s design, but the actual hitch you install can come from several brands.
What is the Ford puck system?
The puck system consists of four round mounting receptacles embedded in the bed floor that accept compatible hitch heads. This design enables quick attachment and removal of gooseneck and fifth-wheel hitches while keeping the bed usable for other tasks when not towing. The system is part of Ford’s factory gooseneck/fifth-wheel prep in newer trucks, and it is intended to be compatible with a range of aftermarket hitches sourced from different manufacturers.
Who makes the Ford puck system?
Ford manufactures the puck hardware as part of its factory gooseneck/fifth-wheel prep options. A variety of aftermarket hitch makers produce compatible hitch heads and mounting hardware that fit the Ford puck pattern, giving buyers choices in fit, features, and pricing. The brands most commonly associated with Ford puck compatibility include:
- B&W Hitches
- CURT Manufacturing
- Husky Towing
- Reese Towpower
- Draw-Tite
Choosing between these brands typically comes down to weight ratings, ease of use, and whether you need features such as sliding or mounting flexibility. Always verify that the specific hitch model you select is rated for your vehicle and compatible with the four-puck pattern used by Ford.
Installation considerations
Before purchasing or installing a Ford puck-system hitch, consider payload and towing ratings for your exact truck, bed configuration, and year. Confirm with the hitch manufacturer that the model supports the Ford puck pattern in your bed, and check whether any accessories (such as a slider or rotation mechanism) are required for your app (e.g., long-bed vs. short-bed configurations). If you are unsure, consult the dealer or a professional installer to avoid clearance issues or overloading the rear axle.
Summary
In short, Ford provides the bed-mounted puck interface in its gooseneck/fifth-wheel prep packages, while a range of aftermarket brands supplies compatible hitch heads and hardware. This arrangement gives Ford owners a choice of hitch brands while maintaining a standardized mounting system across many models. Always verify year, model, bed type, and weight ratings when selecting a compatible hitch.
