If you’re the proud owner of a fifth-wheel, this fun addition to your travel plans opens the door to some serious adventure, but even the most seasoned owners can make mistakes with their equipment. 5th wheel puck hitches are one of the most innovative towing systems out there – sleek, secure, and designed for today’s modern trucks.
Still, no system is foolproof if it’s not installed, maintained, or used correctly and with care. In this post, we’ll explore the Common Mistakes with 5th Wheel Puck Systems, how to spot them, and how to avoid them for smoother, safer travels.
Some Serious Hitch Confusion | Using the Wrong System for Your Truck
Unfortunately, not all puck systems are created equal.
Brand favourites like Ford, GM, and Ram all have unique puck layouts, but something important to note is that one brand’s hitch won’t necessarily fit well with another’s setup – which is where installing a hitch that “almost” fits can cause some serious instability, wear, or even damage to your truck bed.
Always confirm your hitch matches your truck’s OEM (original equipment manufacturer’s) puck layout. When in doubt, you can always bring your truck into Calgary Hitch Shop, and our experts will help you find the perfect fit without the shoddy guesswork.
Level the Load | Incorrect Hitch Height Settings
If your trailer’s nose is tilted too high or too low, it can mess with your weight distribution and cause rough handling. It’s one of the sneakiest Common Mistakes with 5th Wheel Puck Systems because the setup may look fine – until you’re on the highway, feeling every bump.
Take time to measure your bed height and trailer clearance. Adjust your hitch so your trailer rides level. A properly balanced rig results in smoother braking, improved stability, and reduced wear on tires and suspension.
Locked or Not? | Failing to Secure the Hitch
A puck hitch may drop right in – but it still needs to lock down correctly. Forgetting to latch or verify your lock points can lead to serious safety issues. A hitch that isn’t fully seated can shift, clunk, or even disconnect under stress.
Always double-check that the handles are locked, the pins are engaged, and the hitch can’t move when you tug on it. That extra minute before driving off is a whole lot cheaper than road repairs.
Clean Sweep | Skipping Regular Maintenance
One of the biggest Common Mistakes with 5th Wheel Puck Systems is treating them like “install and forget” setups. Dirt, rust, and debris can accumulate inside the mounting points, interfering with secure connections and making your next installation more challenging than it should be.
Clean your puck mounts regularly and apply a light lubricant to pivoting parts. Wipe down locking handles and inspect for corrosion. Maintenance doesn’t just extend the life of your hitch – it keeps your travels quieter and smoother.
Adapter Adventures | Mixing & Matching the Wrong Equipment
Trying to make a non-puck hitch work with an OEM puck setup using the wrong adapter (or none at all) is a classic case of “just because it fits doesn’t mean it should.” Unapproved mixes can cause instability, frame stress, or even complete disconnection.
Only use OEM-compatible hitches or certified adapter kits designed for your truck’s brand and model. The Calgary Hitch Shop team carries trusted brands built specifically for Ford, GM, Ram, and Nissan puck systems – so you can tow with total confidence.
DIY Dangers | Skipping Professional Installation
Installing your own 5th wheel hitch might sound easy enough, but precise alignment and torque settings matter – a lot. Misalignment can cause uneven wear, hitch binding, or unsafe towing conditions.
Have your puck hitch installed or inspected by certified professionals (it’s safer that way, and less expensive in the long run). At Calgary Hitch Shop, our expert team ensures everything is torqued, seated, and aligned to perfection, so that you can focus on the road ahead – not the giant thing rattling behind you.
Don’t Wing It | Ignoring Pre-Trip Checks
Even the best puck system can’t make up for skipped inspections. Loose connections, dirty mounts, or uneven setups can cause serious issues mid-trip.
Before every haul, give your system a quick once-over: check your locks, inspect the mounting points, and make sure your hitch height hasn’t shifted. Five minutes of prep saves hours of headache.
Final Thoughts | Hitch Smarter – Tow Safer
Your 5th wheel puck system is built for ease, strength, and precision – but only when used correctly. Avoiding these Common Mistakes with 5th Wheel Puck Systems keeps your adventures smooth, your truck bed clear, and your setup safe for the long haul.
When you’re ready to upgrade or need expert installation, the team at Calgary Hitch Shop has your back (and your bed). We carry OEM 5th wheel puck hitches for Ford, GM, Ram, and Nissan, installed with precision and care.
Visit Calgary Hitch Shop to find your perfect puck system and start towing like a boss.
