Are you looking for a reliable hitch that can tow up to 30,000 pounds?
Then, you probably need a gooseneck hitch to facilitate your towing process. Choosing the right hitch from different types of gooseneck hitches can be difficult for anyone. Each hitch is designed to serve the specific need of a towed vehicle. Some of them install under the bed, while others install above the bed of the pickup truck.
So, if you are confused about the types of gooseneck hitches and where they can be used, then we will simplify it for you. Here, you will get complete information on gooseneck hitches types and how to select the best one for yourself.
What Are The Various Types Of Gooseneck Hitches?
There are various models of gooseneck hitches available in the market. The classification of these hitches is based on the type of installation. Selecting the right one mainly depends on several factors. Here are the three major types of gooseneck hitches:
Above-Bed Gooseneck Hitch
It is a hitch that installs above the bed of the pickup truck. This type of gooseneck hitch is similar to the fifth-wheel hitch that fits in the bed of the towing vehicle. The hitch attaches to the truck’s rails at the time of installation.
It is one of the popular hitches due to its easy installation process. The above-bed gooseneck hitch is suitable for those who need more space at the back of their pickup truck. One of the major benefits of using this hitch is that you can easily remove it.
Read Also:- Affordable Gooseneck Hitch Installation Glendale
Under-Bed Gooseneck Hitch
Under-bed, as the name implies is the hitch that installs below the bed of the pickup truck. It covers the major part of the truck’s floor and provides stability during the towing process. This gooseneck hitch requires a complex installation process. During the under-bed installation, it requires you to drill a hole in the bed of the truck.
This hole is used to insert the gooseneck hitch ball that will extend into the cargo area. As the drilled hole size should be at most 4 inches, you will need professional help installing this hitch.
Fold-Down Gooseneck Hitch
A fold-down gooseneck hitch mounts on the bed of the truck by folding down. This gooseneck hitch is similar to the above and under-bed gooseneck hitches. Its installation process also requires you to drill down the hole to install the railing on a pickup truck. The feature that makes this gooseneck hitch different from the other two is its hitch ball.
It allows you to fold down the hitch ball when you are not using it. By doing this, you can use the entire bed area of a pickup truck for other activities. However, you need to purchase the custom rails for the truck separately to get the benefits of its folding-down feature.
Popular Type Of Gooseneck Hitches For Towing Process
The above three types of gooseneck hitches have their subtypes. Investing in the right hitch will benefit you in the future. Here are the popular types of hitches that are suitable for towing process:
Rail-Mounted Gooseneck Hitch
During the hauling process, the hitch experiences the load and vibration of the trailer. A rail-mounted gooseneck hitch is one of the best hitches that provides reliable support during the towing process. In this hitch, you will get four pins and clip attachments that help during installation and removal. You only have to remove the pins and hitch to remove it from the truck’s bed.
Specifications
- Built-in chain attachment for safety.
- Loading capacity up to 25,000 pounds.
- Tongue weight capacity of 6,200 pounds.
- Four pins and assembly of clips for easy installation and removal.
The rail-mounted gooseneck hitch can handle trailers, gravity boxes, flatbeds, and many more.
Trailer Gooseneck hitch
This gooseneck hitch is specifically designed for different sizes of trailers. It is built from sturdy material and can tow heavy loads. A turnover ball in this hitch makes it a universal fit for most trailers. The ball is fit underneath the truck’s bed, protecting it from theft. The best part of this hitch is that it doesn’t include any welding installation. You can easily install this gooseneck without removing the bed of the truck.
Specifications
- Perfect for towing trailers.
- Install easily in all models of truck models.
- Solid steel body.
- Weight 92.2 pounds.
- Included mounting hardware.
Turnover Ball Gooseneck Hitch
This gooseneck hitch follows the modern pattern of towing heavy loads in a coastal region. The turnover ball hitch is designed to haul heavy trailers in a sloppy mountain. It has the latest locking mechanism that is easy to manipulate without damaging the knuckles.
Anyone with basic mechanical skills can install this gooseneck hitch by following the DIY process. You can easily fit it in the cross-section of the truck’s inner bed with few attachments. Once the hitch is installed, you can easily remove its turnover ball from the socket.
Specifications
- Easy installation process.
- Supports the 2013 and newer models of pickup trucks.
- Have a solid machined receiver socket.
- Manufactured in the United States.
- Powder-coated finish with solid steel construction.
Where Can Gooseneck Hitches Be Used?
The gooseneck trailer hitch are mainly used in towing vehicles, including pickup trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. It is widely used for towing heavy loads along with the primary vehicle. These hitches install either under or above the truck’s bed. The gooseneck hitch has its links mounted directly at the truck’s rear axle.
As a result, modern trailers are larger in size so that hitch can provide more space for other activities. These hitches are also used in towing heavy equipment and multiple vehicles. Their loading capacity lies between 20,000 to 30,000 pounds, depending on the model of hitch you use.
Its uses vary according to the needs, but common uses of gooseneck hitch lie in towing trailers and recreational vehicles. The material used in designing these hitches is sturdy; it is used for carrying heavy trailers full of gravel, coal, and building materials.
How Does Gooseneck Hitch Work?
Before selecting the gooseneck hitch, you must be specific about your trailer needs. Each type of gooseneck hitch is designed to be attached to a particular area of towing vehicle. That’s why experts suggest the right hitch based on the pickup truck and trailer model. Here is the working process of the gooseneck hitch:
- The trailer meets the pickup truck through a stinger that goes into the assembly of the gooseneck hitch. Due to this, the whole weight of the trailer transfers to the rear wheels and axle. The role of the rear axle is to distribute the weight by moving the connection point.
- Based on towing load capacity, the hitch is divided into classes. Gooseneck hitch comes in the higher class with a load capacity of 30,000 pounds. These hitches are anchored into the bed of the pickup truck.
- It has a hitch ball that locks into place and holds the trailer in position. The front part of the trailer has a gooseneck coupler. It moves at the top of the truck bed and covers the hitch ball for mounting. As a result, a pickup truck can tow the heavy trailer during bumps and turns smoothly.
What Is The Difference Between A Gooseneck And A 5th-Wheel Hitch?
Both hitches look similar, but their working and overall designs differ from each other. Here are the key differences between gooseneck and fifth wheel hitches:
| Gooseneck Hitches | Fifth Wheel Hitch |
| It uses a hitch ball to connect with a couple of trailers. | It uses a funnel plate to connect with a kingpin of a fifth-wheel trailer. |
| Gooseneck hitch fix on the right side of a hitch ball. | A fifth-wheel hitch is secured around the connecting link of the trailer. |
| It has a towing capacity of up to 30,000 pounds. | It has a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds. |
| The cost of gooseneck hitches is low compared to the fifth-wheel hitches. | The fifth-wheel hitch cost is low compared to the gooseneck hitches. |
| You can easily fold down and remove the hitch ball when not in use. | You must remove the additional hitch hardware in order to remove the fifth wheel hitch. |
To know more about the fifth wheel hitch and its working, read our blog: What is Fifth Wheel Hitch, and how does it works.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using Gooseneck Hitches?
Like any other towing hitch, gooseneck trailer for sale also have their pros and cons. You need to know everything about it before investing money in it.
Pros Of Gooseneck Hitch
The pros of the gooseneck hitch are as follows:
- It allows you to tow heavy load trailers and cargo with your pickup truck. The gooseneck hitch is designed to easily pull the load up to 30,000 pounds. You can also tow large generators, horse trailers, boats, and heavy equipment by setting the gooseneck hitch in the right position.
- Another advantage of using the gooseneck hitch is its stability. Unlike the other bumper hitch, it anchored on the central section of the truck’s bed. The gooseneck hitch allows you to perform the installation using the rails frame.
- When you use the gooseneck hitch, it evenly distributes the trailer load evenly. It also has a hitch ball that locks with the trailer to secure the link. These hitches give you an extra edge over the ordinary trailer hitch regarding the towing capacity.
Cons Of The Gooseneck Hitch
The cons of the gooseneck hitch are as follows:
- One of the major cons of using a gooseneck hitch is that it is not suitable for bumper pull trailers. As these hitches pull the heavy loads, a gooseneck hitch costs more than an ordinary hitch. The reason behind this is the higher fuel consumption and towing setup.
- The gooseneck hitch’s installation process is complex and requires professional assistance. If you don’t have mechanical skills, it is harder for you to install this hitch.
- Another limitation of using a gooseneck hitch is the storage issue. It takes up the larger space in the truck’s bed and limits the storage. However, some gooseneck hitches allow you to remove their hitch ball easily.
What Is The Size Of Balls Used In Gooseneck Hitches?
One of the important parts of the gooseneck hitch is its ball, also called the hitch ball. The major component of the hitch is designed explicitly for the gooseneck towing process. The hitch balls’ diameter is 2-5/16 inches and rated based on their loading capacity.
The average weight each ball can support is between 6,000 to 40,000 pounds. However, the size of the shank diameter of hitch balls is between 1 to 1-1/4 inches. These balls are available in regular, forged, and stainless steel. The advantage of stainless steel hitch balls is their corrosion-resistant properties.
How To Choose The Best Gooseneck Hitch For Your Towing Vehicle?
Once you know the types of gooseneck trailer , the next step is choosing the best one. As you see, there are different gooseneck hitches based on the trailer needs and installation process. It would help if you determined your towing needs in advance. Another thing that plays an important role is the trailer you used for the towing process. Here are the things to keep in mind for selecting the best gooseneck hitch:
Calculate The Weight Of The Trailer
Most of the gooseneck trailer hitch are designed for towing a specific load. Calculate the weight of your trailer before selecting a gooseneck hitch. The capacity of the hitch is the sum of the fully loaded trailer and hitch. Before selecting the right gooseneck hitch, you must consider the overall weight for towing.
Type Of Installation
The gooseneck hitch mainly divides into three major types. Each type is based on the type of installation it supports. You have to determine from under-bed, above-bed, and fold-down hitches. Another aspect you need to consider is professional assistance. Most hitches support the Do It Yourself(DIY) installation process. Always select the ease of installation before selecting the best gooseneck hitch.
Cost of the Gooseneck hitch
The last important thing to consider is the cost of the gooseneck hitch. There are different brands of gooseneck available in the market. The cost also involves the installation cost in case you hire professional assistance. Determine your overall budget for the gooseneck hitch and towing process. You should also perform market research to get the best hitch at an effective price. Many companies provide gooseneck hitches at an affordable rate.
Conclusion
A gooseneck hitch allows you to tow a heavy vehicle smoothly. It is also one of the popular hitches used in heavy-duty vehicles. Different types of gooseneck hitches are based on the type of installation it supports. Some popular hitches are under-bed, above-bed, and fold-down gooseneck hitches. These hitches support a load of up to 30,000 pounds. Some factors to consider for the best hitch are cost, type of installation, and weight of the trailer.
If you have difficulty choosing the right gooseneck hitch, you can take our expert’s help. Bills Mobile Hitch and Tow Bar Installation sell all types of hitches and tow bars. We have a team of experts who have deep knowledge about gooseneck and other hitch types. Once you visit our store, we will help you select the right hitch per your towing needs. We also provide installation service with same-day assistance. To discuss your requirements with us, call (623) 210-5427.
FAQs
What Is The Cost Of A Gooseneck Hitch?
The cost of the gooseneck hitch depends on its type of towing capacity. These hitches are classified into three major types based on their installation process. The average cost of a gooseneck hitch is around $800-$2500.
How Long Does It Take To Install The Gooseneck Hitch?
The total time required to install the gooseneck hitch is approximately two hours. It also depends on whether you hire a professional or install the hitch yourself.
Do I Need To Remove The Truck’s Bed To Install A Gooseneck Hitch?
The gooseneck hitches install above and under-bed of the pickup truck. If you use the hitch that requires the under-bed installation, you have to remove the bed of the pickup truck.