IdaD wrote:
I don't think the factory prep kit is any stronger than a set of custom rails. With either setup you're attaching the hitch directly to the truck frame. My truck didn't come with factory prep so I installed rails, and they don't bug me. In fact they make handy tiedown points. I'd do whichever costs less but that's just my approach.
My 2015 3500 RAM had everything I wanted but the pucks, so I installed them along with the 7 pin outlet in the bed wall. 4.5 hours working by myself.
To the op, if the truck is of a year that had the puck option, get them and install them or have someone install them for you. No after market system attaches to the frame rails as sturdy as the factory setups. Biggest issue is drilling the BIG holes in the bed floor. For RAM I had to order a hole saw size that is not available at the box stores.
