The gooseneck trailer hitch is much stronger and much more maneuverable than many others with a capability of handling up to 30,000 pounds. In fact it is the second strongest next to the 5th wheel. Gooseneck trailers are very common in trailers used to haul livestock such as horse trailers.
They are much more maneuverable than a ball hitch, allowing the driver to make sharper turns than with a ball hitch. All you have to do is drill a hole in the middle of your truck bed to install it. It’s fairly easy to remove when you aren’t using it and there are also fold down styles available that allow you to use your entire box without removing them. You do need to make sure your truck is rated for handling the weight of your trailer.
Although similar to a fifth wheel and often mistaken as such a gooseneck hitch is not a fifth wheel and functionality is much more limited. It is also much more difficult to install than a fifth wheel. Here are just a few of the gooseneck hitches on the market.
1. Draw Tite
Has a 25,000 pound capacity and is one of the easier goosenecks to install and remove. It gives you complete access to your truck bed which is a real bonus. It has a durable black paint with powder coat and uses a 2 5/16” heat treated ball.
2. Hitch Hunter
Doesn’t include the rails or installation kit but never the less it is a good buy. The tab distance is 11 ½” from outside to outside and this is a versatile gooseneck that’s relatively easy to install. Price is comparable to other ones on the market.
3. Cody
This is said to be the most convenient and versatile of the goosenecks and it is distributed by Rocky Mountain Transfer Co. Built to last and certainly worth every penny the Cody gooseneck won’t let you down.
4. Reese Economy
This style has the ball permanently bolted to the plate in the truck bed. It’s a very economical method to haul your gooseneck trailer but there are no alterations or adjustments, just the basics. Rated for 30,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 7500 pounds vertical load it’s as good as any other hitch on the market.
5. The Goose
The Goose will work in conjunction with your Reese 5th wheel hitch so you don’t have to cut your truck bed. It uses the same rails as your 5th wheel hitch and it’s easy to remove. Rated a little lighter at 25,000 pounds gross trailer weight.
A gooseneck trailer hitch is a functional choice for trailers such as a horse trailer or other livestock trailers and it’s a hitch you can rely on.
