Can B&W Patriot Slider Be Used With Ford Puck System?

Updated 02/06/2026 | Published 01/08/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Demco 5th Wheel Rail Adapter for Chevy/GMC OEM 5th Wheel Towing Prep Package - 6-1/2' Bed - 21K

(90)

$679.00

B&W Companion OEM 5th-Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5563)

$1199.00

Adapter Rails for Curt 5th Wheel Hitch - Ford and Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package

(730)

$476.95

Question:

I have a patriot 18k slider hitch and recently bought a 2022 f450 with the 8 foot bed. Do they make an adapter from rail to puck system for my truck

asked by: Kevin S

Expert Reply:

Hello Kevin, thanks for reaching out. So, there are rail adapters that will fit into the puck system in your 2022 Ford F-450. The problem is that none of them will work with the B&W Patriot slider.

For example we have the Curt Adapter Rails # C88KR which fits into the Ford puck system, but the placement of the turn handles and the crossmember connecting both rails obstructs the Patriot slider, so they will not work together. Sadly, there is no way to use the patriot slider with the Ford puck system.

I know this is probably not what you wanted to hear, but your best option here will be to get a new 5th wheel hitch made for the Ford puck system. For that I recommend the following:

- B&W Companion OEM 5th-Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs # BWRVK3300

This is a fixed hitch (non slider). Turning clearance will not be an issue with the 8' bed so the slider is not required.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Jesse M.

11/3/2025

Hey Kevin, how did things go with the B&W Companion hitch for your F-450’s puck system? I’m curious if it gave you the solid connection and easy hookup you were looking for. Your experience could help others switching from a rail-mounted slider setup.

Ryan C.

2/6/2026

Same type of question. I have a fixed rail system for a 18k slider for an 2024 gmc 2500. and purchased a 2026 f350 short bed. Same thing, adaptor won’t work for puck system?

Jesse M.

2/6/2026

@RyanC Yea unfortunately the rail adapters for the Ford puck system are not compatible with the 18K Patriot slider. The sides of the adapter "frame" obstruct the sider base, so they can't work together. A new hitch will be the best option. As far as a slider, the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package # BWRVK3370 is what I recommend for the 2026 F350 short bed. This goes directly into the puck system - no adapters needed.

Ryan C.

2/6/2026

@JesseM thank you! Hypothetically if the truck would have had no puck system and they had to drill into the bed. Would the rail system worked?

Jesse M.

2/6/2026

@RyanC Yes! Without the puck system you could install a rail kit and use the Patriot slider. I have heard of people removing the factory puck system on certain trucks so it technically would be possible. We have an install kit and rails for the 2026 F350 short bed: - B&W Custom Mounting Brackets for Patriot 5th Wheel Above Bed Base Rails # BWRVR2402 - B&W Universal Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10 Bolt # BWRVR3210 You'd really just need to weigh the time and cost of doing the swap versus the cost of a new hitch. Especially if you needed to take your truck to a shop to have the puck system removed and the rail kit installed. Might end up being less expensive to just get a new hitch.