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Finding the best gooseneck hitch can either be an easy thing to do or a daunting task. We’ll do our best to make sure it’s not the latter for you. A great gooseneck hitch is something you might need if you want something that is tough and built for all kinds of hauling that are mostly focused on industrial and construction purposes.
They are built tough and will handle mostly heavier weights compared to standard hitches.
We have put together a list of some of the best gooseneck hitches on the market that we will be reviewing shortly. But first, we’re going to talk about what these hitches are and what they are used for. We’ll also talk about how you can choose a gooseneck hitch for your own use.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Gooseneck Hitch
- OUR TOP PICK: Reese 58079
- CURT 61052
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Husky 31368
Table of Contents
Comparison of the Best Gooseneck Hitches
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What is a Gooseneck Hitch and What Are They Used For?
A gooseneck hitch is connected to a gooseneck trailer using a hitch ball. These hitches are common if you intend to hitch large trailers to your truck. These include but are not limited to horse trailers, livestock trailers, industrial and construction trailers, and flatbed trailers. Typically, these are used if you intend to haul anything that weighs a minimum of 30,000 pounds.
How Do I Choose a Gooseneck Hitch?
Finding a gooseneck hitch shouldn’t be a hard task. But since we’ve done all the heavy lifting, the search should be a bit easier for you. As you are going through the list below, here are just a few things to look for:
Price
The price is one of the factors that some buyers will be paying attention to. Especially if you are on a budget. Remember, the price should not be the main reason why you purchased the hitch in the first place. If you are on a budget, be sure to find the best you can afford in quality and performance.
Quality
Quality is super important, if not the one thing where you cannot compromise on. The better the quality, the better the chance that your gooseneck trailer will last a long time. You should find one that is made from durable materials that are proven to handle all kinds of environmental elements like weather and dirt (among others). Also, you should find a hitch that isn’t easy to damage even after short-term use.
Weight Limit
The weight limit is one of the key features to consider when purchasing a hitch. It’s important to find one that will handle the amount of weight you plan on hauling on a regular basis. So, you should consider what you are going to haul on a regular basis and get a good estimate of how much weight it’s going to be. From there, you can make a process of elimination based on the weight limit.
Review of the Best Gooseneck Hitches
The following is a list of the best gooseneck hitches that are available on the market. While going through the list, make a note of any interesting features and characteristics. This should help you make an easier decision on which hitch will work best for you and your intended uses. Let’s begin with the “best overall” gooseneck hitch on the list:
Best Overall:
Reese 58079
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new buyers say that this was a really good hitch that was high in quality and easy to hitch to most trailers. Once everything was hooked up, the hitch kept the trailer hitched and made transport from point A to point B easy. One user said that he was able to keep this intact on his truck through a long-haul road trip. So far, he said that through all the bad weather and mud puddles he’s proud of the overall quality and performance.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The inclusion of high-quality materials to ensure the best quality possible and making it resistant to rust, corrosion, and regular environmental elements are what make this one of the best in the business. Even if you clean off your vehicle, you can easily keep this hitch clean. It won’t easily rust or corrode even after short-term use. If longevity is what you are looking for, this could be what you need.
Who Will Use This Most
This is perfect for those who want a gooseneck hitch that is perfect for regular use. If you are hauling trailers on an every day or every other day basis, then this gooseneck hitch can handle such tasks. Even better, it’s guaranteed to last you a really long time. Think any cheap or flimsy hitches can do that. We don’t think so.
Bottom Line
If you want the best gooseneck hitch on the market, the Reese 58079 might just be what you’re looking for. It’s tough all over and does its job brilliantly. You can definitely give this a go if you are planning on hauling stuff day after day no matter how many miles. For a true road warrior, this hitch will live up to the challenge.
Runner-up:
CURT 61052
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
New users said that the hitch was easy to install and it was perfect for adjustments that allowed users to make it perfect for handling all kinds of trailers at different levels. One user said that if the trailer was a bit high, he would be able to make the adjustments to keep it level without any issues. So far, he said the quality was great and he would definitely recommend this to anyone who might be interested in hauling both in short or long distances.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What makes this stand out is its ability to adjust perfectly for various trailers. It’s not a one size fits all kind of hitch. But it can be able to accommodate different heights. If it’s a bit high, move it up (and if it’s a bit low, move it down). Other than that, it’s a pretty good hitch that will be easy to use if you are using large trailers on a daily basis or on the weekends. Either way, it’s pretty useful for any heavy-duty task that requires a truck and a trailer.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want a hitch that will give you superior toughness and hitching ability that is second to none, then you’ll want to put this to good use. It’s no secret that a great hitch can take you to great distances and lengths. No matter what you’re hauling, you will definitely clock in some serious mileage with a gooseneck hitch like this and the trailer you prefer.
Bottom Line
If you want superior toughness and a trailer willing to handle all kinds of tasks, the CURT 61052 is what you’ll want to put to good use. It’s pretty strong and can handle almost any hauling task you can think of. All you need to do is make sure it’s a good fit for your truck and go from there. If it fits your truck, then you should have no problem hauling anything and everything a gooseneck trailer can handle.
Best for the Money:
Husky 31368
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to most users, they didn’t have a single complaint about this hitch at all. They were able to drill, place, and tighten the bolts where necessary and were able to hitch their trailers with the greatest of ease. Overall, this stood out as one of the better hitches that could handle weights of 25,000 pounds and up. One user said that he uses this regularly to haul livestock and was pretty happy with how easy it was to haul such heavy weight without that dragging feeling.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This might just be one of the more versatile hitches that you can find on the market. By that, we mean it can fit on rails that are designed for not only gooseneck hitches but also 5th wheel hitches as well. Not to mention, it’s super easy to install and you will probably get that part of the job done in no less than a half-hour (or less if you know what you’re doing). Other than that, you’re getting a hell of a lot more than what you’re paying for (given the price tag).
Who Will Use This Most
If you have never used a hitch and want to put one to good use, there is no better way to start than a gooseneck. Especially when you are planning to haul stuff from one place to the next, regardless of distance. It’s the kind of hitch that will get down and dirty over and over again. You’d be hard-pressed to find a great hitch like this anywhere else.
Bottom Line
The Husky 31368 is no slouch when it comes to quality. And it certainly isn’t a cheap and flimsy gooseneck hitch either. But it can certainly be a great hitch that will handle all kinds of industrial grade hauling. You’ll want to put this to good use for a long time once you try it out.
Best B&W Gooseneck Hitch:
B&W Trailer Hitches Turnoverball 1314
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This was a hit with a good number of Ram 3500 owners. Not only were they able to install this with ease, but they also said that hitching their trailers was a cinch as well. They said that for a truck that was built for the tough tasks, this hitch definitely was a match made in heaven.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Now, we take a look at a hitch that is made exclusively for one truck. Of course, we’ve taken a look at some that are compatible with various makes and models. But this gooseneck hitch is something special. This has a spring-loaded locking pin that will make removing it and replacing it a lot easier. So you won’t have to struggle with pulling the pin out or having to stick it back. But, it won’t compromise security in the slightest.
Who Will Use This Most
If you own a Ram 3500, then obviously this is the hitch you may want to consider for your own use. Once you install this onto your truck, you can take this hitch to places that are near and far (and hitch whatever you want with it). Whether it’s across town or across the country, this hitch is as tough as it gets and will definitely give you years of faithful service no matter how often you use it.
Bottom Line
The B&W Trailer Hitches Turnoverball 1314 is exactly what you need if your Ram 3500 needs a good gooseneck hitch. Why settle for anything else when you have a hitch made exclusive for one make and model? Like the Ram itself, it’s built tough and is rugged enough to handle all kinds of heavy-duty hauling.
Best Curt Gooseneck Hitch:
CURT 60692
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, a lot of new users were happy with the hitch. Because it’s a drop-in design, the installation process didn’t take too long. Upon installation, everything was well-fit, secure, and was able to handle all kinds of trips from the short distances to those long drives on the highway. Overall, it was perfect for plenty of trailers including large horse trailers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The CURT brand is typically one of the more common names you’ll find when it comes to hitches. But it’s built on the reputation of being reliable and durable. This hitch is no exception to the rule. And it can handle all kinds of hitching tasks and will not wear or get damaged in the process. You can expect this to last you quite some time without a single hint of rust or corrosion to be found after short-term use.
Who Will Use This Most
This could be the go-to option for those who want a really good hitch for transporting trailers from one point to the next. Or if you are using your truck while working construction jobs, this will certainly be useful for trailers that will carry a whole lot of tools for you and your crew. For a hitch that is hardcore in quality and will never quit, this should give you peace of mind in knowing that you have one of the best hitches in the business (and from a name you can trust).
Bottom Line
The CURT 60692 is undeniably one of the best gooseneck hitches that you can find on the market from a name that has gained a positive reputation over the years. Whether it’s for work or for pleasure, this hitch will handle heavy hauling no matter the distance. Of course, it can still work hard day in and day out even if nature does its worst.
What Do I Need To Know Before Buying?
Being a well-informed buy is a lot better than flying blind. Let’s take a look at what you need to be aware of prior to making a decision on a gooseneck hitch:
Know Your Weight Limit
As we have stressed before, it’s important to get a good estimate of the amount of weight you’ll be hauling on a regular basis. These hitches can handle heavy weights up to 30,000 pounds. Be sure to double-check the weight before making a decision on which hitch is best for you.
Check To See if Your Truck is Compatible
Not every gooseneck hitch is created equal. In other words, it can fit some makes and models and some will not. Be sure to make the appropriate measurements and double-check to see if your hitch of choice is compatible with your truck based on design, setup, and measurables.
Best Used For Non-Recreational Use
Gooseneck hitches will likely be used for purposes that are considered non-recreational. If you want a hitch that will be used for purposes like hitching a camper or anything related to recreation, consider using a 5th wheel hitch.
How To Install A Gooseneck Hitch
Installing a gooseneck hitch can be a challenge. But this instructional guide below will make it easier said than done. Here’s how to install one:
- Remove the spare tire below your truck.
- Saw off a part of the heat shield that will be in front of the cross member near the wheel well.
- Mark a location for the hole on the truck bed. Measure the distance between the wheel well and locate the center point. Double-check if need be. Mark the center point with a punch and drill a small hole.
- Using a hole saw, lube the blade prior to use.
- Drill the center point using the hole saw.
- Remove all lines from the framer of the driver’s side and lower the brake lines.
- Install the rear crossarm by sliding it between the frame and truck bed above the passenger side rear tire.
- Rotate the cross arm vertically so the holes are perpendicular to the ground.
- Slide the front crossarm and repeat the same process.
- Install the center section by carefully raising it above the fuel tank. Insert the bolts and washers where appropriate.
- Install the side plate with a large hole towards the back of the truck and align it with the existing slot in the frame. Insert the bolts and washers when ready to fasten.
- Attach flanges to the cross arm. Repeat process on the opposite side.
- Install and secure the u-bolts. Make sure your nuts and flanges are secure on both sides.
- Drill the pilot holes with an eight-inch drill bit in the lower rib section of the truck bed.
- Drill full-sized holes using a half-inch drill bit.
- Insert the U-bolt safety chain attachments. Attach the spring and nuts where appropriate and tighten them.
- Insert the locking pin into the ball cylinder with the handle rod hole located on top.
- Install the compression spring between two washers over the handle rod.
- Install the u-shape edging and chrome cylinder ring.
- Install the product usage sticker inside the wheel well.
Conclusion
Finding the right kind of gooseneck hitch won’t be as tough if you start off with the list of hitches above. Be sure to find one that will be fitting for your truck so it can be ready to handle all kinds of hitching and hauling tasks. Once you find one that best works for you, you’ll be able to put it to good use if and when you need it.
People Also Ask
The following is a list of frequently asked questions that come from new buyers interested in gooseneck hitches. Use the following questions as a guide so you get a good understanding of what these hitches are all about. Here are the questions:
Is Gooseneck Trailer Better?
It is the better option if you are intending to use it for industrial purposes. These are not the best option if you intend to use a hitch for the purpose of recreational use.
Does a Gooseneck Increase Towing Capacity?
It can so long as whatever it is you are hauling does not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating. In other words, don’t tow or haul it if it weighs more than your own vehicle.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Gooseneck Hitch?
It will depend on the service provider installing it. But be careful, the rates can range anywhere between $800 to about $2800 on the higher end of the price scale.
Is a 5th Wheel Better Than a Gooseneck?
A 5th wheel is better used for recreational purposes. For example, they can be used if you are using it to hitch vehicles or even campers.
Can You Tow More With a Gooseneck?
You can tow more with a gooseneck hitch. That’s because they are much longer in size and tougher in construction compared to a 5th wheel.
