If you have wondered what the difference is between a gooseneck hitch and a 5th wheel hitch, you are not alone. It is not easy to sort through all of the different options and what might be the best for you. There is a lot to research and hopefully, this will help you find what you are looking for.

There are a few differences between the two styles. Similarities exist as well. Here, we’ll cover the differences and similarities so you will have all of the information you need to make the best choice for your particular situation. Something many people want to know when it comes to gooseneck vs 5th wheel is of course, which is better? There is probably not a set in stone right or wrong answer to this question because everyone has their own unique setup and situation.

Similarities

There are many similarities between gooseneck hitches and 5th wheel hitches. Both types of hitches are used for towing heavy-duty trailers. They both require a pickup truck for the installation and are mounted inside the bed of the truck and over the rear axle.

Differences

There are also a few differences between the types of hitches. These include the coupling mechanism, the degree that it invades the truck bed, the types of trailers that are towed, and the cost. Usually, a gooseneck hitch is used for towing an industrial trailer. 5th wheel hitches are more commonly used for recreational towing.

5th Wheel

Most campers are set up for this type of hitch. They are mounted in the frame of the truck. Anyone who isn’t familiar with towing systems may not even recognize what they are. There is no ball attachment.

The hitch is mounted above the rear axle. It attaches to rails that are attached in the bed of the truck. The installation will necessitate drilling into the bed of the truck. You might have to take off the back wheel in the process, but it isn’t too complicated and can be done pretty easily if you have the proper equipment. As with the gooseneck, your towing capacity is equal to the lowest rated part of your setup.

5th Wheel Pros

This is the most common type of hitch and has the greatest compatibility. A 5th wheel should give you a smoother ride than a gooseneck does as well. It will also reduce the amount of swaying while you are towing. 

5th Wheel Cons

The biggest downside with a 5th wheel hitch is that you won’t be able to tow as much weight as you could with a gooseneck trailer hitch. You’ll definitely want to go with the gooseneck version if you plan to use a large trailer or heavy load. In addition, a 5th wheel is typically more expensive than a gooseneck.

Gooseneck

Gooseneck hitches have a ball hitch as you would have on a bumper pull hitch. They mount into the bed of the truck. This means that your total towing length will be a bit shorter and the weight that is added to your truck will be centered.

A gooseneck hitch is installed above the rear axle but does not require any rails to be installed inside the truck. Mounting a gooseneck can involve drilling into the truck bed. If you have some handy skills and the proper tools, this can certainly be done yourself. The rating that goes with a gooseneck hitch may vary, but your actual capacity will be maxed out by the lowest-rated part of your setup. This will likely be the bracket you are using or your vehicle.

Gooseneck Pros

Gooseneck hitches are great for pulling a lot of weight. Plus, they are great for flexibility. For example, you would be able to tow 5th wheel toy haulers and/or horse trailers that are not possible with a standard 5th wheel hitch.

Gooseneck Cons

One downside to using a gooseneck is that you’ll experience a little less of a smooth ride than with a 5th wheel. So whatever you are towing will sway a bit more and produce more noise. In addition, it may be more difficult to attach your trailer to a gooseneck hitch. It will require some precision on the driver’s part to position the ball mount underneath the hitch adapter.

Towing With A Gooseneck Hitch

In order to tow a 5th wheel with a gooseneck hitch, you will want to get your hands on one of our adapters. With these adapters, you can make your kingpin/receiver hitch fit onto the hitch of your gooseneck trailer.

Choose T Built

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