The Best Gooseneck Hitch
Buyer’s Guide, Comparison and Advice
Hitches fall into a number of different categories based on weight and towing capacity; goosenecks are often found in the heaviest category, Category V, meaning they’re rated to handle up to 30,000 pounds towing.
Whether you’re a serious RV enthusiast or a farmer who needs to move large livestock and equipment, a gooseneck trailer hitch may be your best bet.
In this article, we’ll help you decide if a gooseneck hitch is the best hitch for you. We’ll also recommend the best gooseneck hitches available today. If you’re looking for a spoiler – well, here it is: our pick for best gooseneck trailer hitch is –
B&W Trailer Hitches Turnoverball 1384 2013-2018 RAM 2500 Trucks Gooseneck Hitch
This made-in-the-USA gooseneck hitch is heavy-duty and high-quality. The Turnoverball was one of the first “hideaway” hitch designs, and since then B&W have continued to build on their reputation, making their hitches perennial favorites with truck owners.
What is a gooseneck hitch?
What is a gooseneck hitch, and why the funny name? For truly impressive amounts of weight, approaching the 30,000 lb mark, a simple tow-behind trailer starts to become problematic. Weight distribution becomes a problem, as even heavy-duty trucks can have difficulty when a normal hitch puts all the load on the rear wheels. And of course, there’s the weight distribution in the trailer itself, which could be prone to fishtailing.
A gooseneck hitch addresses some of those problems. The attachment point of the hitch to the truck isn’t on the very back of the vehicle, but comes on the bed of the truck, much nearer to the midpoint of the vehicle. During installation, the hitch is actually fastened to the frame of the vehicle.
This centers the weight distribution improves turn radius and handling and strengthens the connection between trailer and truck. These improvements come at the cost of a slightly unusual look; goose trailers are distinguishable by a high extension that reaches out from the front of the trailer and then down into the bed of the truck – much like a goose stretching its neck out for a morsel of food.
Uses and misuses of a gooseneck hitch
Gooseneck trailer hitches can be some of the strongest hitches out there, but they’re not invincible. There are some details that you’ll need to be aware of when deciding on a particular gooseneck hitch.
Location
One detail is the attachment point. Because a gooseneck hitch attaches to the center of a truck, rather than the rear, you’ll need to be extra careful when installing it. Exact instructions will vary based on the model and year of your truck, and you’ll need to be sure there are no critical components that will interfere with the gooseneck, including fuel lines.
Strength
On a related point, while your gooseneck hitch may be strong enough to handle a heavy load, make sure your truck is up to the job! A heavy-duty hitch is only as strong as the truck it’s attached to; know what your vehicle is capable of before you invest time and money in a new hitch.
Differences
Gooseneck hitches are not the same as fifth-wheel hitches. Both kinds of hitches perform a similar role, and they bear some outward similarities. Both hitches attach to the bed of the truck, and both are rated for higher loads (depending on the strength of your truck and trailer, of course). But goosenecks are more often found in industrial or farm settings, while fifth-wheel hitches tend to be more recreational. In some circumstances, fifth-wheel trailer hitches provide a smoother towing experience than goosenecks, but they also tend to be more expensive.
What to look for in the best gooseneck hitches
Quality
First and foremost, you’re looking for hitches built with high-quality components. Some of the leading gooseneck hitch manufacturers, such as B&W, are American-made. Regardless of the company, you’ll want to be sure you’re not skimping on the quality of your new gooseneck hitch.
Reputation and Reviews
Some manufacturers have long-standing reputations for producing high-quality hitches with excellent product reviews. They’re known for holding up to the heavy loads and tough conditions found in industrial settings. Look for manufacturers with excellent reviews and a history of good products.
Installation
Goosenecks can be installed in different ways; two of the most common are above-the-bed and below-the-bed installations. The installation method is partially determined by ease of use, as well as by the make and model of the truck.
Best gooseneck trailer hitches Reviews
# 1. CURT 16055 Bent Plate 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch
The first hitch on our list of best gooseneck hitches isn’t actually a true gooseneck. Rather, it’s an adaptor, which converts a fifth-wheel hitch into a gooseneck. Despite that hybrid feature, or maybe because of it, the CURT 16055 brings a wide range of features. For truck owners who perhaps bought their vehicles with a fifth-wheel hitch already installed, or people who have converted from a fifth-wheel RV to a work trailer, the CURT 16055 is a lifesaver
Pros
- Loads up to 25,000 lbs.
- Easy installation onto existing fifth-wheel rails
- Easy removal
Cons
- Adaptor – requires an already-installed fifth-wheel hitch
- Some owners may notice some “slop” or looseness between the CURT 16055 and existing fifth-wheel rails
Verdict
# 2. Husky 31368 Gooseneck Hitch
Pros
- 25,000 lb gross trailer weight
- Fits onto existing fifth-wheel rails
Cons
- Adaptor – requires fifth-wheel rails
Verdict
# 3. B&W Trailer Hitches Turnoverball 1384 2013-2018 RAM 2500 Trucks Gooseneck Hitch
B&W have one of the top-selling gooseneck hitches in the USA, which happens to be made in the USA. The Turnoverball features a removable ball, allowing the hitch to become level with the truck bed when not in use. Heavy, high-quality, but still easy to install, the Turnoverball from B&W is a perennial favorite with truck owners.
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Easy to install
- Converts to a flatbed
Cons
- Heavy
Verdict
# 4. Reese 58079"The Goose Gooseneck Hitch-25K
Pros
- Zinc-coated ball
- High load capacity
Cons
- Does not fit easily to all rails
- Some unevenness in quality
Verdict
A sort of hybrid between an adaptor and a full-on gooseneck installation, the Reese 58079 fits a nice niche for those looking for a more permanent gooseneck which can still be removed when needed. For people with fifth-wheel rails already installed, the Reese can be a nice option at an attractive price point, without sacrificing the ability to tow large loads.
# 5. CURT 60630 Quick Goose II Gooseneck Hitch
From CURT comes the Quick Goose II, a handy hitch with a ball that can be raised or lowered. Rated for up to 30,000 lbs, and with an impressive set of customer reviews, the Quick Goose II needs only a separate set of vehicle-specific brackets in order to be installation-ready. The price is set accordingly, more than some adaptors on this list, but less than other hitches to accommodate the separate rails.
Pros
- High-quality components
- Concealable ball when not in use
- High weight rating
Cons
- Requires separate rails (vehicle-specific)
- Heavy
Verdict
Looking for a heavy-duty hitch that’s straightforward and able to handle heavy loads? The Quick Goose II may be for you. Customer reviews are positive, the price point is competitive, and the hitch is easy to install and use.