How to Install Gooseneck Ball and Safety Chain Anchors in Ram Bed
There’s a moment every Ram owner faces when they first pull the gooseneck ball and safety chain anchors out of the box — they look simple enough, but you want to get it right because your trailer depends on it.
The good news is that installing the gooseneck ball and safety chain anchors on a Ram with the factory puck system or OEM prep package is genuinely one of the easiest towing setup tasks you’ll do. No welding. No bed removal. No lowering the exhaust or spare tire. Most of the work is done standing in the bed or reaching under it .
TL;DR: On Rams with the factory puck system or OEM prep package, the gooseneck ball and safety chain anchors are drop-in components. The ball goes into the center puck and locks with a quarter-turn. The safety chain anchors go into the rear-most pucks, rotate 90 degrees, and secure with pins and lynch pins. The whole process takes minutes and requires no tools for installation . For trucks without the factory prep package, an aftermarket under-bed gooseneck hitch must be installed first — a more involved job that still typically doesn’t require bed removal .
Key Takeaways
- Factory puck system installs are tool-free — the ball and anchors drop in and lock with pins
- Safety chain anchors always go in the rear-most mounts — this is a critical safety requirement
- The gooseneck ball locks with a quarter-turn latch — no side handle needed on OEM-style kits
- Aftermarket under-bed hitches (B&W, Curt) install without bed removal on most Ram trucks
- Lubricate the pins and ball base regularly with silicone spray to prevent rust and wear
- Remove and store the ball and anchors when not in use to keep your bed clear and components protected
- Always verify your trailer weight and hitch rating before towing heavy loads
Understanding the Two Installation Scenarios
Before you start, you need to know which setup you have.
Scenario 1: Factory Puck System or OEM Prep Package. Your Ram came from the factory with the gooseneck prep package. This means the under-bed structure is already installed. You’ll see four or five round mounting points flush with the bed floor. Your job is simply to insert the ball and safety chain anchors into those pucks .
Scenario 2: No Factory Prep Package. Your truck doesn’t have the factory mounting points. You’ll need to install an aftermarket under-bed gooseneck hitch first — something like a B&W Turnoverball or Curt OEM-Style hitch. This involves mounting crossmembers and sideplates under the bed, and cutting a hole in the bed floor for the ball . It’s more involved, but still doesn’t require removing the bed on most Rams .
The good news: even the more involved installation is designed for one-person work. Curt specifically markets their OEM-Style Ram hitch as a one-person install with no exhaust or spare tire lowering required .
Installing the Gooseneck Ball (Factory Puck System)
This is the easy part.
Step 1: Locate the center puck. It’s the large round receiver in the center of your bed, usually marked with a cover or sitting flush with the bed floor .
Step 2: Prepare the ball. Lift the handle on top of the ball from its seated position and rotate it 90 degrees. This retracts the locking mechanism so the ball can drop into the receiver .
Step 3: Insert the ball. Drop the gooseneck ball into the center puck. It should seat fully into the receiver tube .
Step 4: Lock it in place. Rotate the lift handle back to the locked position and flip it down into its seat. You should feel it engage. If the handle doesn’t freely rotate into the locked position, rotate the ball slightly while applying light pressure to the side of the handle until it locks .
Step 5: Verify the lock. Give the ball a firm pull upward. It should not move. The latch pin must fully engage through the ball and receiver .
On Curt OEM-style kits, this patented latch-locking system eliminates the need for a side handle mounted under the wheel well. Everything is controlled from above the bed .
Installing the Safety Chain Anchors (Factory Puck System)
The safety chain anchors are just as simple, but the placement matters.
Critical rule: Always install both safety chain anchors in the rear-most under-bed mounts . This is not a suggestion. The rear position gives the chains the correct angle and keeps them clear of the trailer’s path during turns.
Step 1: Locate the rear-most pucks. These are the two mounting points closest to your tailgate, on either side of the center ball receiver .
Step 2: Insert the anchors. Lower each safety chain anchor into its under-bed mount. They should drop in without force .
Step 3: Rotate 90 degrees. Once inserted, rotate each anchor 90 degrees toward the center of the truck (or toward the taillights, depending on the specific kit) so the chain loop is positioned correctly .
Step 4: Secure with pins. Insert the provided pin (12mm on most Curt kits, 10mm on others) into the top of the safety chain anchor. Then lock it in place using the 5mm lynch pin .
Step 5: Verify the pins. Both the main pin and the lynch pin must be fully inserted and engaged. Tug on the anchor to confirm it’s secure .
The safety chain anchors on OEM-style kits are designed to accept heavy-duty hooks and are rated for the load capacity of the hitch. Curt’s 5/8-inch safety chain loops are built to handle serious weight .
What If You Don’t Have the Factory Puck System?
If your Ram didn’t come with the prep package, you’ll need to install an aftermarket under-bed hitch before you can add the ball and anchors.
The good news: On most Ram trucks, this still doesn’t require removing the bed . The installation involves:
- Marking and cutting a 4-inch hole in the bed floor for the ball receiver
- Sliding crossmembers between the bed and frame from inside the wheel wells
- Mounting sideplates to the frame rails using existing holes
- Drilling holes for the safety chain U-bolts through the bed floor
- Installing the ball and safety chain brackets
Key warnings from the installation manuals:
- Check for fuel lines, brake lines, and electrical wires before drilling or positioning components. The fuel tank vent is especially vulnerable .
- On short bed trucks, verify turning clearance between your trailer and the cab before finalizing the install .
- Use a plywood drilling guide when cutting the 4-inch bed hole to keep the hole saw from wandering .
Curt’s OEM-Style Ram hitch is designed for one-person installation and uses pre-existing factory holes in the frame. The only drilling required is for the gooseneck ball hole and safety chain holes in the bed itself .
Maintenance and Storage: Keeping Your Setup Working
A gooseneck hitch is a simple system, but it still needs care.
Lubricate regularly. Keep the safety chain anchor pins and the base of the gooseneck ball lubricated with silicone spray or equivalent. This prevents wear and rust .
Clean the mounting points. Keep the anchors and under-bed mounts free of dirt and debris. When the anchors are removed, place the puck system hole covers back in to keep grime out .
Store properly. When not in use, remove the ball and safety chain anchors and store them in a dry, clean area. Curt kits include a storage case for this purpose .
Check before every tow. Ensure all fasteners are tight, the pins are fully engaged, and the structural components are sound. Do not tow with worn or damaged parts .
Failure to maintain your towing system could result in poor performance or catastrophic failure. The maintenance is simple, but it matters .
Before You Tow: A Quick Safety Checklist
Once your ball and anchors are installed, run through this checklist before hitting the road:
- Verify turning clearance between the truck cab, box corners, and trailer
- Check bed rail clearance — there should be a minimum of 6 inches between the trailer overhang and the top of the box sides
- Verify all anchors are properly installed and secured with lynch pins
- Check trailer safety chain length — too much slack can prevent maintaining control if separation occurs. Leave only enough slack for full turning
- Ensure safety chains and hooks are rated to the load capacity of the trailer
- Confirm the gooseneck ball is locked and cannot be pulled free
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need tools to install the gooseneck ball and safety chain anchors?
On Rams with the factory puck system, no tools are required. The ball and anchors drop in and secure with pins .
Can I install the safety chain anchors in any of the pucks?
No. Always install them in the rear-most under-bed mounts. This is a safety requirement .
Do I have to remove my truck bed to install an aftermarket gooseneck hitch?
On most Ram trucks, no. The B&W Turnoverball and Curt OEM-Style hitches install without bed removal on 2002 and newer Rams .
What if I have a plastic bed liner?
You can install the hitch without fully removing the bed liner. You’ll need to trim around the ball hole and safety chain holes so they’re accessible .
How do I know if my Ram has the factory puck system?
Look in your truck bed. If you see four or five round mounting points flush with the bed floor, you have the factory prep package .
Can I leave the gooseneck ball installed all the time?
You can, but it takes up bed space. Most owners remove it when not towing and store it in the included case. The ball hole should be covered with a rubber plug to keep debris out .
What is the weight capacity of the OEM gooseneck ball?
Curt’s OEM puck system gooseneck ball is rated for up to 30,000 lbs GTW and 7,500 lbs vertical load, limited by your vehicle’s stated capacities .
The Bottom Line: Simple System, Serious Capability
Installing the gooseneck ball and safety chain anchors on a Ram with the factory prep package is one of the easiest towing tasks you’ll ever do. Drop them in, lock them down, and you’re ready to hook up.
If you don’t have the factory prep, the aftermarket installation is still manageable — and still doesn’t require removing the bed on most Rams .
The system is simple by design. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. These components are what keep your trailer connected to your truck at highway speed. Install them correctly. Maintain them properly. And check them before every tow.
What’s your favorite Ram truck feature or upgrade? Share your experience in the comments below.
References:
- CURT Manufacturing — Ram Factory-Style Safety Chain Anchors Installation Instructions (60617)
- CURT Manufacturing — OEM Puck System Gooseneck Kit Installation Manual (60639)
- Advance Auto Parts — CURT OEM-Style Gooseneck Hitch for Ram (60633)
- Etrailer — B&W Turnoverball Installation: Bed Removal Not Required
- CURT Manufacturing — OEM Puck System Gooseneck Kits Overview
