If you own a Ford Super Duty truck with the factory puck system, you understand the convenience it offers for towing. Choosing the right 5th wheel hitch for this system is crucial for a safe and smooth towing experience.
This guide will help you navigate the options, ensuring you select a hitch that perfectly matches your towing needs. You will discover how a compatible and high-quality hitch can provide peace of mind on the road, protect your truck and trailer, and make connecting and disconnecting your rig significantly easier.
Investing in the proper hitch means investing in the safety and efficiency of your travels, allowing you to focus on the journey ahead without worry.
Top Picks
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Category |
Product |
Score |
|---|---|---|
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🏆 Best Overall |
96/100 |
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🚀 Most Advanced |
88/100 |
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⚡ Best Performance |
86/100 |
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💰 Best Value |
80/100 |
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🎯 Best for Maintenance |
50/100 |
How We Chose the Best 5th Wheel Hitches
To help you find the best 5th wheel hitch for your Ford truck’s puck system, we evaluated products based on several key factors. Our primary focus was on **direct compatibility** with the Ford puck system, ensuring a seamless fit and secure connection.
We also considered the **towing capacity** of each hitch, matching them to various needs from recreational towing to heavy-duty applications. **Ease of installation and removal** was another crucial point, as you want a system that is simple to operate when you need your truck bed clear.
We looked at **durability and build quality**, assessing the materials and construction for long-term reliability and resistance to wear. Important **features**, such as pivoting heads for smoother rides, anti-chucking mechanisms, noise reduction, and the availability of slider options for short-bed trucks, played a significant role. Finally, we took into account **user reviews and ratings** to understand real-world performance and any common issues, alongside the overall **value for money** each product offers, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
5th Wheel Hitch Puck Cover Kit
When you’ve got a Ford Super Duty with the factory puck system, you know how those open holes can look when your 5th wheel hitch isn’t in place. This kit comes to the rescue, offering a complete set of replacement puck covers and trim rings. Think of it as giving your truck bed a tidy, finished look, all while keeping dirt, debris, and whatever else might fall in out of those important slots.
It’s perfect for maintaining that clean, OEM appearance or just replacing old, worn-out covers. If you’re someone who values both functionality and a clean aesthetic in your truck bed, this kit is definitely worth a look.
What People Say
Folks who’ve tried this kit often mention how well these covers fit, saying they feel ‘like factory’ and are nice and snug, so you don’t have to worry about them going anywhere on the highway. They really seem to appreciate how these replacement parts refresh the look of their truck bed.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Mogwai
Snug fit, shouldn’t fear that they’ll blow out on highway. Product as described.
🗣️ Beas
Fit nice and tight.
What It Fixes For You
If your truck’s factory puck system covers are missing, cracked, or just plain tired, this kit is your solution. It brings back that clean, factory-fresh look to your truck bed, and more importantly, it helps keep those crucial pucks free from road grime, water, and anything else that could cause problems down the line.
It’s about protecting your investment and maintaining your truck’s utility.
Getting It Installed
You’ll find these are designed for a straightforward install. While some users mention they fit very snugly (which is a good thing for keeping them secure!), it generally means you won’t need specialized tools or a trip to the mechanic.
You can swap out your old covers and rings with these new ones right in your driveway, saving you time and effort.
Why You’ll Love This Kit
- Keeps your truck bed looking sharp and tidy when your hitch is removed.
- Protects your factory puck system from dirt, debris, and the elements.
- Made with premium, durable ABS material for long-lasting performance.
- Direct replacement for OEM parts, ensuring a compatible and secure fit.
Rating: 3.8 (total: 20+)
CURT PowerRide 30K 5th Wheel Hitch
So, you’ve got a heavy-duty Ford Super Duty and a serious fifth wheel trailer, right? You need a hitch that’s just as serious, and the CURT PowerRide 30K is exactly that.
This isn’t just any hitch; it’s built to handle the biggest RVs and campers, giving you a professional-grade solution for confident towing. Its thoughtful design, like the multi-directional tilting head, means you’ll experience a smoother ride down the road, reducing those jarring bumps.
Whether you’re hauling your home-away-from-home for a long cross-country adventure or just moving it around the property, this hitch aims to make the whole process as seamless as possible. If you’re looking for robust capacity combined with smart, user-friendly features, this PowerRide model could be a fantastic addition to your towing setup.
What People Say
When you look at what real users are saying, a common theme pops up: this hitch is stout and performs reliably. Many have highlighted how well it fits into their Ford truck’s puck system, often mentioning it ‘fit my truck perfectly and worked great.’ Others appreciate its sturdy build and how it handles substantial trailers, ensuring a good towing experience on longer trips.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Raymond H. Shelhart
Fit my truck perfectly and worked great. Once hooked up to my trailer i definitely liked it.
🗣️ natmaw
It seams stout and is easy to take in and out of the truck. Each half is fairly heavy but movable without help.
Solving Your Towing Challenges
If you’re dealing with the challenge of safely and smoothly towing a really large fifth wheel trailer, this hitch is designed to tackle that head-on. Its massive 30,000-pound capacity means you won’t have to worry about whether your hitch can keep up with your biggest rigs.
Plus, features like the self-resetting handle and multi-directional head help smooth out the coupling process and the ride itself, taking away some of the common headaches of heavy-duty towing. It’s all about giving you peace of mind when you’re out on the road.
Setting Up Your Hitch
Getting this hitch ready to go is more straightforward than you might think for such a robust piece of equipment. Users often point out that it’s surprisingly easy to get in and out of the truck, thanks to its one-pin head removal system which allows you to break it down into more manageable, lighter pieces. While some folks noted the initial instructions could be a bit clearer, those with a bit of mechanical inclination found it quite manageable to assemble and install themselves, meaning you can likely get it set up without needing professional help.
Key Features You’ll Appreciate
- Handle heavy loads with confidence, thanks to its impressive 30,000-pound capacity.
- Enjoy a smoother towing experience with its multi-directional tilting cast head.
- Hook up quickly and easily with the self-resetting handle and 3-position coupling indicator.
- Break it down into lighter pieces for hassle-free removal and storage, featuring a one-pin head removal system.
- Designed to seamlessly integrate with your Ford Super Duty’s factory puck system, making installation a breeze.
Rating: 4.3 (total: 9+)
CURT E16 5th Wheel Hitch
So, you’re looking for a reliable 5th wheel hitch for your Ford truck that plays nicely with that factory puck system, right? The CURT E16 5th Wheel Hitch is a solid contender, especially if you’re towing up to 16,000 pounds. It’s designed to make your towing experience smoother and quieter, thanks to features like its dual-pivoting head and anti-rattle skid plate. You’ll appreciate how it just drops into those Ford pucks with quarter-turn anchors, making setup a breeze.
Whether you’re hauling a mid-size RV for weekend getaways or pulling a utility trailer for work, this hitch is built to provide a secure and stable connection, giving you confidence on the road. It’s a dependable option for anyone needing a straightforward and effective towing solution for their Ford.
What People Say
Many folks who’ve used the CURT E16 really appreciate how well it integrates with their Ford truck’s puck system, often saying it ‘fit perfect’ and ‘worked as advertised.’ They also frequently mention the clarity of the instructions and the straightforward assembly process, which is always a plus. While most experiences are smooth sailing, a few users noted potential issues with bed rail clearance on certain truck/trailer combos, so it’s worth double-checking your specific setup to ensure ample room.
Overall, the general consensus is that it’s a solid, reliable hitch for its capacity.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Sherman Thomas
The hitched worked as advertised. The instruction for setting height were spot on and the assembly of legs and attachment to vehicle were simple.
🗣️ A. Garvin Gann Jr.
Was just as advertised.Fit perfect. I am very satisfied
Making Your Towing Life Easier
If you’re looking for a way to easily and confidently hitch up your fifth wheel without a lot of fuss, this CURT E16 is designed to do just that. It handles trailers up to 16,000 lbs, taking a lot of the weight-worry off your shoulders.
The dual-pivoting head and anti-rattle features work together to smooth out your journey, minimizing those jerky movements that can make long drives uncomfortable. And since it’s made to fit seamlessly into your Ford’s puck system, you won’t be struggling with complicated installs, letting you get on the road quicker and with less hassle.
Setting Up Is a Breeze
Getting this hitch set up in your Ford truck seems to be a pretty simple affair for most users. Many reviewers pointed out that the instructions are clear and the assembly is quite straightforward, often describing it as ‘simple’ and ‘easy’. Thanks to its design with quarter-turn anchors, it’s really easy to drop into your Ford’s factory puck system, which means less time fiddling around and more time actually enjoying your travels.
Just remember to verify your truck and trailer’s height requirements for optimal bed rail clearance.
What You’ll Love About This Hitch
- DUAL-PIVOT HEAD: Enjoy smoother, more stable towing with a head that pivots 10 degrees laterally.
- AUTO-LOCK COUPLER: Makes coupling easier and more secure with an automatic locking feature.
- ANTI-RATTLE SKID PLATE: Helps reduce frustrating rattling and vibrations for a quieter ride.
- TESTED SAFETY: Rated to safely tow up to 16,000 lbs gross trailer weight, meeting SAE J2638 specifications.
- FORD PUCK SYSTEM FIT: Designed specifically for select Ford F-250, F-350, F-450 (8-foot bed) with the factory puck system, using quarter-turn anchors for quick installation.
Rating: 4.0 (total: 17+)
B & W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch with Slider
If you’re rocking a Ford with that factory puck system, the B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch with Slider is definitely one to consider. This hitch is designed to slot right into those pucks, making installation super clean without needing extra mounting rails.
That means when you’re not towing your RV or heavy trailer, you can easily remove it and get your truck bed back for other hauling needs. The slider feature is a real bonus for shorter bed trucks, giving you that crucial extra clearance when making tight turns, preventing your trailer from kissing the cab.
It’s built tough and aims to give you a smooth, worry-free towing experience for all your adventures, big or small.
What People Say
Users frequently praise the B&W Companion for its ‘super build quality’ and robust feel, highlighting its ability to handle large RVs with confidence. Many appreciate the slider feature for giving them peace of mind with shorter truck beds, though some with extended pin boxes found they didn’t strictly need it.
A common theme is the hitch’s smooth operation once it’s had a bit of use, with one person noting how a little WD40 can make the slide even slicker. You’ll often hear that it performs well with minimal clunking, making for a quieter ride.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Wary Buyer
Super hitch. Super build quality. You can’t go wrong with this hitch. Bought it to pull 42’ 5th wheel RV. Bought this ‘slider’ version, turns out i didn’t need it. Good insurance to give extras clearance for my short breed pickup. If your 5th wheel has an ‘extended’ pin box, you don’t need this slider, save $400 and get the fixed one.
🗣️ Keith W.
This hitch works great. It was a bit stiff to slide but after some use and a light coating of WD40 it works slick. No sounds of clunking even with my rear window slid open. Slid back is only used when backing at sharp angles to clear the cab from the trailer. Once out of high angle maneuvers you slide it forward so the 5th wheel pin is directly over the axle where it is supposed to be when traveling.
Solving Common Towing Headaches
If you’re dealing with a short-bed Ford and worried about hitting your cab during tight turns, this B&W Companion’s slider feature is a game-changer, giving you that necessary clearance. It also solves the problem of needing your truck bed for other tasks.
Because it drops right into your factory puck system without permanent rails, you can easily remove it and get your truck bed back to flat. This means your truck stays versatile, not just a dedicated tow rig. It’s all about making your life easier and your truck more adaptable.
Simple Setup and Removal
Setting up this B&W Companion is quite straightforward, thanks to its design for the Ford puck system. You simply drop it into the existing pucks in your truck bed.
There are no complicated mounting rails to install, which really streamlines the process. Plus, the ability to release handles and easily convert your truck bed to a level surface means removal is just as simple, allowing you to quickly free up your truck bed when you’re not towing.
Why You’ll Want This Hitch
- DIRECT FORD PUCKS FIT: Seamlessly integrates with your Ford truck’s factory puck system for a clean install.
- SLIDER MECHANISM: Provides essential cab clearance for short bed trucks during sharp turns.
- REMOVABLE DESIGN: No permanent rails means you can easily convert your truck bed back to flat for other uses.
- ROBUST CONSTRUCTION: Made with alloy steel and powder-coated for durability and longevity.
Rating: 4.4 (total: 11+)
CURT A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch
If you’re looking for a serious 5th wheel hitch that integrates seamlessly with your Ford truck’s puck system, the CURT A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch deserves your attention. This beast is built for heavy-duty towing, boasting a 25,000 lbs capacity, perfect for your biggest RV adventures or even commercial hauling.
What makes it stand out is its patented head technology, designed to give you a smoother, quieter ride by cutting down on those annoying jerks and chucking you can sometimes get. Plus, for those of you with short-bed trucks, the integrated slider system is a lifesaver, providing that essential extra clearance to avoid your trailer bumping into your cab during tight turns.
It’s truly engineered to make your towing experience more comfortable and worry-free.
What People Say
Users are consistently pleased with how well this hitch performs, especially for short-bed trucks, noting its perfect fit with the factory puck system. You’ll hear praise for its fast delivery and how robustly it’s packaged.
While it’s certainly a heavy piece of equipment, making a two-person lift into the truck bed a smart move, users report a smooth experience once it’s in place. Many have highlighted using it multiple times without any issues, reinforcing its reliability for regular towing.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Francisco DeArce Jr
This sliding 5th wheel hitch works perfectly for short bed pick ups with the puck system. Delivery was extremely fast and the item was packaged very well to prevent any damage. It will be delivered on a pallet, so make sure you have room for the delivery person to maneuver when they drop it off. It is extremely heavy and the installation goes much easier with a second person to help lift it into the bed of the truck. I’ve already used it several times with no issues or complaints.
Solving Common Towing Headaches
This hitch is a problem-solver if you own a short-bed Ford and worry about cab clearance during tight turns. The integrated slider moves the coupling point by 12 inches, giving you the space you need to maneuver without fear.
It also addresses the issue of uncomfortable, noisy towing; its patented head technology and poly-torsion inserts work together to absorb shock and reduce chucking, making your ride smoother and quieter. Plus, the self-resetting handle and coupling indicator simplify the hitching process, taking away some of the common frustrations of connecting your trailer.
Simple Setup and Removal
While it’s a hefty piece of equipment (you’ll probably want a buddy to help you lift it into your truck bed), getting this CURT A25 set up is pretty straightforward. It’s designed to drop right into your Ford truck’s OEM puck system using simple quarter-turn anchors.
This means you skip the hassle of installing separate mounting rails, making the initial setup much quicker and cleaner. Once it’s in, the slider system’s lift-style lever is easily accessible, and it latches automatically in both directions, so you don’t have to fiddle with it repeatedly.
Why You’ll Want This Hitch
- SELF-RESETTING HANDLE: Makes connecting your trailer incredibly easy, as the handle automatically resets to the ready position after uncoupling, saving you time and hassle.
- FULL ARTICULATION FOR SMOOTH TOWING: Offers a remarkably smooth and quiet ride thanks to its patented head technology and poly-torsion inserts that absorb shock and reduce annoying chucking.
- COUPLING STATUS INDICATOR: Gives you clear, at-a-glance confirmation of your hitch status, letting you know if you’re coupled, uncoupled, or ready to tow.
- IMPRESSIVE TESTED STRENGTH: Built to handle serious loads, tested and rated for 25,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, so you know it’s ready for your heavy hauling needs.
- OEM PUCK SYSTEM FIT: Designed to seamlessly integrate with your Ford (and select Chevy/GMC) truck’s factory puck system, ensuring a secure and straightforward installation.
Rating: 4.8 (total: 6+)
FAQ
What Is the Ford Puck System and Why Is It Important for 5th Wheel Hitches?
The Ford Puck System is an integrated fifth wheel and gooseneck preparation package installed directly into your truck bed by the factory. It typically includes four receiver pucks and a central gooseneck ball opening.
This system is important because it allows for direct, tool-free installation of compatible 5th wheel hitches without the need for aftermarket rails or drilling, providing a cleaner truck bed when the hitch is removed. Hitches designed for this system simply drop into the pucks and lock securely into place, making setup and removal much more convenient for you.
How Do I Choose the Right 5th Wheel Hitch for My Ford Truck with the Puck System?
When selecting a 5th wheel hitch for your Ford truck with the puck system, you should primarily consider your truck’s bed length and your trailer’s loaded weight. For **long-bed trucks** (typically 8-foot beds), a fixed 5th wheel hitch is usually sufficient, as you have ample clearance between the truck cab and the trailer during turns. Examples include the CURT PowerRide 30K, which offers robust towing capacity. You must ensure the hitch’s gross trailer weight (GTW) and vertical load (VL) capacities significantly exceed your trailer’s maximum loaded weight to guarantee safety.
If you own a **short-bed truck**, a sliding 5th wheel hitch is often a critical choice. This type of hitch, such as the CURT A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch or the B&W Companion Slider, allows the hitch head to move rearward, creating necessary clearance for your truck cab during sharp turns and preventing costly damage. Always verify the specific hitch’s compatibility with your Ford truck’s model year and bed length.
Additionally, look for features like a multi-directional pivoting head for a smoother ride and an easy-to-operate handle for simplified coupling and uncoupling.
What Are Common Installation and Usage Tips for These Hitches, and How Can I Address Height Clearance Issues?
Installing a 5th wheel hitch for the Ford puck system is generally straightforward as it’s designed to drop right in. However, these hitches can be quite heavy, so you might find it beneficial to have a second person assist you or use a lifting aid to safely position the main body into your truck bed.
When first assembling the hitch and its legs, it’s often helpful to leave some bolts slightly loose until the unit is fully seated and locked into the pucks, then tighten everything down securely. A frequent concern you might encounter is maintaining adequate height clearance between your truck’s bed rails and the underside of your fifth wheel trailer.
You typically want at least 5.5 to 6 inches of clearance to prevent contact and damage, especially when driving on uneven terrain or going over bumps. Many hitches offer multiple height adjustment settings; make sure to utilize these to achieve the optimal clearance.
If, even at the highest setting, your clearance is insufficient, you may need to adjust your trailer’s pin box height, if that option is available on your specific trailer, or explore other hitch models that offer greater maximum height. Always double-check your measurements before heading out on your first trip.
For sliding hitches, practice operating the slide mechanism to ensure you are comfortable with its movement and that it locks securely in both forward (towing) and rearward (maneuvering) positions. Regular lubrication of all moving parts will help ensure smooth operation and extend the life of your hitch.
Hitch Favorites
Hitch Favorites suggests what stands out to you when making a choice. For serious towing power, youll find the CURT PowerRide 30K a top pick, offering robust capacity and advanced features.
However, if you prioritize ease of use and reliable performance for everyday hauling, the CURT E16 is a clear favorite, and adding a 5th Wheel Hitch Puck Cover Kit is always a popular choice for keeping your system clean and protected.
Wrapping Up
Selecting the ideal 5th wheel hitch for your Ford truck’s puck system is a decision that significantly impacts your towing adventures. You have explored a range of top contenders, from the robust CURT A25 Sliding Hitch offering advanced features and high capacity, to the economical CURT E16 providing solid performance for its price point. Whether you prioritize maximum towing power, the convenience of a slider for a short bed, or simply great value, there is a hitch designed to meet your specific requirements.
By considering the factors of capacity, features, and user experiences, you are now well-equipped to make an informed choice that enhances your towing safety and overall enjoyment on the road.
| Product | Image | Rating | Weight | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th Wheel Hitch Puck Cover Plug Trim Ring Kit Replacement for Ford F-250 F-350 F-450 F-550 Super Duty Trucks 2011-2023 |
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3.8/5 (20 reviews) | 5.9 ounces | Metal |
| CURT 16594 PowerRide 30K 5th Wheel Hitch |
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4.3/5 (9 reviews) | 116.8 pounds | Cast Steel |
| BKDK CURT 16031 E16 5th Wheel Hitch |
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4.0/5 (17 reviews) | 56 pounds | Carbide |
| B & W Companion 5Th Wheel Hitch with Slider for Ford Pucks |
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4.4/5 (11 reviews) | 70 pounds | Alloy Steel |
| CURT 16057 A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch |
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4.8/5 (6 reviews) | 165.7 pounds | Carbon Steel |
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