2020 F-250

[mabynack]

I just traded my 05 F-250 for a 2020 model with a long bed. I need to upgrade my hitch, but my truck doesn't have the dealer prep for the puck system. Has anyone installed aftermarket supports for puck mounted hitches or gotten the Ford dealer to install the factory prep?

Is there an affordable aftermarket installation kit that would allow me to use underbed rails?

[Cummins12V98]

Install the pucks and then get the best non air ride hitch on the market.

[MFL]

IIRC...MeAgain, forum member here, installed the puck under bed system, to his Ram, by himself, in about 4 hours. It seems he had to raise the bed a bit, but not a big deal.

Chris is likely a pretty handy guy, with the needed tools, and knowledge, to do this job quicker than most. I think anyone, not afraid to dig into the unknown, and maybe using a handy helper, should be able to do this install. Having to pay a qualified shop, plus the cost of Ford kit ( more expensive, than if factory ordered), would make adding the puck system quite costly.

IMO, installing the fitted frame mounting brackets (no drill), for a standard rail mounted hitch, such as the B&W Patriot, is a good choice too! Having had 3 new trucks with rails in the bed, has been a non issue for me.

I am not a fan of single point attachment style hitches, on late model trucks.

Jerry

[otrfun]

If the Ford's puck system is like the Ram, you can purchase the pucks individually from the dealer. The Ram's pucks mount/bolt on top of the frame rails, right underneath the bed (requires making cut-outs in the bed, too). I also seem to remember a few folks mentioning they had to unbolt and lift up the bed slightly to get the pucks in.

[way2roll]

I looked into it and decided it wasn't worth it. My hitch comes out easy enough and the rails don't add much to the floor of the bed to make it worth my while. Adding the puck system after the truck is built requires pulling the entire bed off, drilling through the bed, mounting the pucks on the frame rails and putting the bed back on. Would have loved to have it from the factory, but too much of a hassle to do it aftermarket for me and not enough benefit.

[stickdog]

I had the B&W turn ball on my previous F350 brought the present one it didn't have Ford prep. Easier to have the B&W installed by a local upfitter than the dealer that seemed clueless about the puck system.

[ksss]

I had the gooseneck package ordered in my pickup. I then ordered the Curt X5 adaptor plate. I really like the set up. I can pull with a gooseneck which I typically use, and when I pulling my Fuzion, install the X5 and Curt 5th wheel Fifth wheel plate. Keeps the bed flat with the turn over ball, and supports the fifth wheel plate with the X5.

[MFL]

Google... Ford Accessories fifth wheel prep kit.

Jerry

[bakedalaskan1]

B&W Turnover ball will do the job. https://www.bwtrailerhitches.com/product/turnoverball-gooseneck-hitch

https://www.bwtrailerhitches.com/5th-wheel-hitch