WHAT’S THE BEST GOOSENECK HITCH FOR YOUR TRUCK?

Gooseneck towing hitches are specifically designed for pickup trucks that tow heavy loads. If you’re towing more than 13,000 kilograms regularly, then you probably need a gooseneck trailer and hitch. However, there are several types, so knowing the differences can help you choose the best gooseneck hitch for your truck.

Understanding gooseneck hitches

Gooseneck hitches consist of a ball and coupler and are designed to connect to gooseneck trailers. The most common type of gooseneck trailer is a horse trailer, but they can also be flatbeds or car haulers.

Instead of hitching to the rear of a vehicle like smaller trailers do, gooseneck trailers connect to special balls mounted in a truck’s cargo bed, slightly ahead or directly above the rear axle. They give drivers the ability to make tight turns.

Types of gooseneck hitches

Gooseneck hitches generally fall into three categories: below-bed, above-bed and fold-down. Each has distinct characteristics. Here’s what you should know about each.

• Below-bed installation. Below-bed gooseneck hitches are the most common. They’re typically custom-fitted to your pickup. You can buy model-specific kits that come with rails that easily attach to the truck’s frame underneath the cargo bed with no drilling required.

However, you’ll have to cut a small hole in the truck bed so that the ball mount can stick through it.

• Above-bed installation. With this type of gooseneck, the hitch is attached to two rails bolted to the top of the cargo bed. Besides a gooseneck, you can also use these rails for fifth-wheel hitches, which gives this style some versatility. Above-bed goosenecks are easy to install and remove as you need them.

The downside is that you’ll have two rails permanently attached inside your truck bed which could get in the way when you’re not hauling.

• Fold-down installation. Fold-down goosenecks require a hole cut in your truck’s cargo bed. A metal plate is installed over the hole. Within the plate is a mechanism that allows a ball mount to be folded away underneath the cargo bed floor when you’re not using it.

The plate is attached to rails that are bolted to the truck’s frame underneath the cargo bed, similar to below-bed goosenecks. The fold-down hitch kit and the rails are typically sold separately.

Trailer hitch professionals in The GTA

At Hitch City,we specialize in towing hitches and truck accessories. Our experts can answer your questions and help you choose the best hitch system for your towing needs. We serve customers in the Greater Toronto Area from our three locations in Barrie, Scarborough and Mississauga. Contact us to speak to one of our staff or request a free quote.