B&W OEM Ball & Safety Chain Kit - Fits Ford/GMC/Chevy/Nissan Puck System

The B&W OEM Ball & Safety Chain Kit is a factory-style gooseneck coupling kit designed to integrate with truck OEM “prep package” puck systems (i.e. the in-bed square receiver “puck” holes that many modern trucks provide for gooseneck towing). 

Typical parts included in the kit:

• A 2-5/16″ gooseneck ball (standard size for many gooseneck trailers) 

• A grip latch handle to allow inserting/removing the ball without touching a greasy surface 

• Safety chain anchor points / attachments compatible with standard safety chain hooks

• Rubber plug / hole cover to close off the puck hole when the ball is removed 

• Hardware and internal/external components often plated or made from stainless or corrosion-resistant materials. 

B&W provides installation instructions in their product documentation. 

The kit is rated for substantial towing loads:

• Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) of about 30,000 lbs

• Vertical Towing Weight (VTW) of about 7,500 lbs 

Key Features & Benefits

Other benefits / practical advantages:

• Because it’s made for OEM “puck” style systems, it integrates cleanly without needing large aftermarket rails or crossmembers (if the truck already has puck prep).

• The design tends to be more user-friendly (less muck, easier to install/remove) than older drop-in or bolt-on ball systems.

• Since the ball is removable, when not towing you can eliminate interference or obstruction in the bed.

Ideal Use / Fitment

This kit is ideal when:

• Your truck has OEM gooseneck puck holes / a factory prep package (common on Ford, GM, Nissan, Ram-series heavy trucks). 

• You want a clean, OEM-style gooseneck hookup without installing large aftermarket crossmembers.

• You regularly tow gooseneck trailers, particularly those matched to 2-5/16″ balls, and you want a robust, dependable coupling.

• You desire convenience (easier to insert/remove) and cleanliness (less grease contact).

• Your towing needs fall within the kit’s rated limits (e.g. GTW ≤ ~30,000 lbs, vertical ≤ ~7,500 lbs).

Care, Maintenance & Best Practices

To ensure longevity, safe operation, and avoid failure, here are recommended care and maintenance tips:

1. Regular inspection

   • Check for cracks, wear, deformation, especially on the ball shank and latch components.

   • Inspect the safety chain anchors, welds, hardware for corrosion or looseness.

   • Ensure the latch mechanism still locks securely and freely.

2. Lubrication

   • Apply a thin film of grease to the ball surface (unless your trailer coupler uses a different lubrication method) to reduce friction and wear.

   • For the latch pivot, pins, and moving parts, use appropriate grease or anti-seize to prevent seizing or rust.

3. Corrosion management

   • Since many parts are plated or stainless, they resist corrosion, but washing off road salt, mud, and moisture helps.

   • Touch up scratches or chips in plating where bare metal is exposed, using appropriate rust inhibitor or paint.

4. Torque check

   • If installed with bolts (some systems may bolt to a crossmember), periodically check torque on mounting hardware per the manufacturer’s spec.

   • Ensure that any fasteners remain tight.

5. Clean debris

   • Keep the puck hole and surrounding area clean. Use the rubber plug when not towing.

   • Remove grit, sand, or dirt that could cause wear on the ball or mechanisms.

6. Storage / removal

   • When you remove the ball, store it properly to avoid dropping or damaging it.

   • Use the latch handle mechanism correctly—don’t force it if jammed; clean and lubricate first.

7. Replacement when needed

   • If you see excessive wear (ball flattening, cracks, latch failure), replace the ball or the kit rather than attempting to operate beyond safe limits.