Factory puck system Vs Rails, Thoughts, 2019 ram 2500

[dwayne564]

Just getting some more input on getting my Ram 2500 ready for my Cougar Fifth wheel, Have had a 2004 ram, just upgraded to a 2019, without the ram puck system, debating on if I should put in the puck system, or go with the classic rails, does anyone still prefer the rails, or the new puck system, also, Its a 6.4 , never had to get a new fifth wheel with sliders because my cougar has a extended neck , Got it off a older fifth wheel that had a longer tongue with its kingpin,

[rklus16]

I personally looked for a truck with the puck system. I think it looks cleaner and when I don't need my hitch the bed is flat and fully available.

You'll still have to buy a rails adapter to work with the fifth wheel hitch unless you go with a hitch built for the puck system. Just another thing to think about while deciding. I believe my adapter is 80ish pounds itself.

[Fishsizzle]

Added the puck to my ford. I love it for ease of install and like mentioned, bed is flat when hitch is out. However, goose box all the way next go round.

[Big1]

I have the puck system on my 2018 3500 and love it but when I had my 2017 2500 it didn't so I had the B&W Companion gooseneck install my bed.

Congrats on your new 2019.

[rhagfo]

Our 2016 Ram 3500 has the puck system, something that I wanted in a new to us TV.

[Racebug]

If you end up going with the puck system, I have a new, never used mopar 20k 5th wheel hitch/puck adaptor that I give a good deal on.

[Park1911]

We bought a 2018 Ram 3500 short bed off the lot without a puck system. I have an older automatic sliding hitch from previous truck. I decided to go with rails. The rails don't stick up that far(about 1 inch). Plus, I leave my hitch in my truck bed all the time so a smooth bed floor is not that big an issue to me.

[midmo]

I also enjoy having the puck system in the truck. It does limit the hitch options some but it works great.

[JRTJH]

I had a rail system in my 2010 tow vehicle, and in 2013, when I bought a new F250 gas truck off the lot, it had a puck system. I was reluctant, but chose to buy a Reese adapter frame (rather than a new hitch). I really liked the "clean bed" without the rails. It made hosing out dirt, gravel, etc much easier. (I use my truck "as a truck" to haul all kinds of cargo, it's not just a tow vehicle or grocery getter)

When I bought the 2015 diesel, a "mandatory inclusion" was the puck system. I also bought the "CURT Puck leg system" for my hitch and converted it, to eliminate the Reese adapter frame. That lowered the hitch nearly 2", gave me one less "think" attached between the truck and the trailer (to me the fewer mechanical connections the less chance of something breaking or coming unhooked).....

At this point, having towed for about 5 years with a puck system, I don't think I'd buy any tow vehicle without that option. Just the ability to clean gravel out of the bed easily makes it a worthwhile option to me.

[tech740]

I love the puck system in my 2019. I use and Andersen ultimate 5th wheel connection. So I use the gooseneck ball and the tie downs for the chains.

[rhagfo]

I stated earlier, our new to us 2016 Ram 3500 DRW came with the puck system. What I noticed when installing my VIAIR tank and compressor, is that the pucks are located directly on top of the frame rails, can you say SOLID!

[Brentw]

Had rails in the last one, pucks in the new one. Line up and attaching to truck is easier, and I like the flat bed when it is out.
Pucks for me.

[slimchancepistolero]

we have the B&W Companion in our 2019 Ram 2500 using the puck system ..... it was easy for me to install myself and does not really get in the way for day to day stuff .... i was new to 5th whl trailers and i really noticed the difference with stability .... easy to hook up even when crooked .... with the 8' bed and the 5er hitch the overall bed size is about the same as a 6'4" just with a divider

[Spletbr]

Originally Posted by slimchancepistolero

we have the B&W Companion in our 2019 Ram 2500 using the puck system ..... it was easy for me to install myself and does not really get in the way for day to day stuff .... i was new to 5th whl trailers and i really noticed the difference with stability .... easy to hook up even when crooked .... with the 8' bed and the 5er hitch the overall bed size is about the same as a 6'4" just with a divider

No problem lifting the Companion? I assume you separate head and body. I like the idea of the Andersen for removing but would prefer the solidity of a standard hitch like the Companion if I can get it in and out myself. And yes, I’m in decent shape ��

[Frank G]

Get a B&W turnoverball gooseneck hitch, Then either use the Anderson style hitch or install a Reese Gooseneck hitch on the fifth wheel. Simple, light weight, safe, and no chucking...ever. The Reese gooseneck hitch provides a air cushion between the truck and trailer. Only one ball removal away from a clean smooth bed and you are equipped to tow a goose neck trailer.

[slimchancepistolero]

the companion comes in two pieces bottom is about 125# and top is about 75# ... i know this because UPS lost the bottom piece for 4 days and they said it was 125#s ... i don't ship UPS anymore .. the base unit is very awkward and heavy for a 70 yr old man but i did have the DW there for coaching

edit: UPS lost the hitch NOT FED EX, FED EX NEVER lost anything for me
NOTE: it takes USPS 5 days to deliver mail just 2 miles from where i work to where i live

[notanlines]

“ i don't ship FED EX anymore .”. I’m sure at 70 that USPS has never lost anything for you either. Hmmmm....

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by notanlines

“ i don't ship FED EX anymore .”. I’m sure at 70 that USPS has never lost anything for you either. Hmmmm....

Not since yesterday !!!!!

[skipbizzle]

I have a 2018 ram 2500 and pull my cougar with a reese 16k hitch and OEM rails (no drilling except though the bed). It works just fine. If buying new I would have opted for the puck system tho just for ease of use. Puck system install is like 30 minutes where as the rail system is like 4-8 hours.

[Roscommon48]

go with puck system.


you can use a non slider hitch but you always have to aware of your situation.