Should You Purchase a Gooseneck Trailer? | All Pro
Apr 24, 2017Last Updated on November 17, 2022 by allprotrailersuperstore
When it comes to transporting large loads across vast distances, experienced towers will know that there’s really no question when it comes to choosing between traditional bumper pull and gooseneck trailers.
A gooseneck trailer is designed to handle loads up to 30,000 lbs. and is very maneuverable in comparison to other heavy load trailers like a fifth wheel trailer. Gooseneck trailers connect to a pickup truck through a ball hitch on the bed of the truck. This is also different from a fifth wheel trailer as fifth wheel trailers use a hinged plate hitch. As most pickup trucks don’t have a preinstalled ball hitch on their beds, you might need to have a mechanic install it for you.
Gooseneck trailers are used for heavy duty hauls – we’re talking about several horses or large pieces of machinery. Some people even camp out on their gooseneck trailer. Because of this, they are large so you will need to figure out where you’re going to store your gooseneck trailer beforehand. You may also need to obtain a special license if it exceeds 10,000 lbs. However, as this post from Featherlite Trailer that compares gooseneck trailers with fifth wheel trailers points out, gooseneck trailers are much more stable and handle tight turns better than other heavy-duty trailers, so you should keep this in mind as well.
The plug-and-play ease that comes with standard pull trailers, which latch on to the ball hitch on the back of a vehicle, also has some inherit limitations: namely stability and size. Drivers who can expect to move construction vehicles, livestock or multiple motorcycles, for example, should read on and learn about the considerations of purchasing gooseneck trailers for sale.
Designed to slide over the hitch of a vehicle, the weight of the load and the connection of the trailer itself are carried evenly over the rear axle of the vehicle. This also means special add-ons will need to be installed on your vehicle to connect the gooseneck trailer. Contrast this to the ball hitch connection, where the trailer is lighter and more prone to movement during towing. The weight of a gooseneck trailer typically exceeds 4,000 pounds — on the very low end — and corresponds with the fact that your loads are likely to top that figure. You’d be sorely mistaken if you expect to transport the same type of goods in a ball hitch trailer as you would in a gooseneck; there’s no way an excavator is getting into the former and the latter would be underutilized if used to tow one horse or a single ATV.
The weight of a gooseneck can at first seem like a double-edged sword, however. While the industrial-quality of gooseneck trailers means you’ll be able to transport a larger quantity of heavier goods, don’t expect to move one of these unless you’ve got a more-than-capable truck to do the towing. The same goes for storage; you’ll need to have a dedicated space for your gooseneck to sit when not being used. Fortunately, goosenecks are both more stable as well as maneuverable than bumper pull trailers and can often cut corners as well as the vehicle itself.
All told, we’re not here to disparage ball trailers because they certainly have their perks and help drivers get accustomed to the behavior and techniques of towing around extra weight behind their vehicle. It’s just that the uses of the two can’t be confused and those looking to save money by purchasing a smaller trailer will be sorely mistaken in the long run.
I Decided to Buy a Gooseneck Trailer. Now What?
Well, this question is actually very easy to answer. You should come down to All Pro Trailer Superstore in Mechanicsburg, PA where you can find a wide variety of gooseneck trailers. We carry brands from the biggest names in the industry, including Big Tex and Car Mate. In addition to that, we offer various options for customization, so you can buy the exact gooseneck trailer you want that matches your needs.
Want to learn more? We encourage you to visit our site and see what’s available. Here, you can reserve the trailer and color you want. A word to the wise: there is a high turnover rate on gooseneck trailers, so reserving one is the best way to ensure you get the one you want when you want it. We offer financing options on all gooseneck trailers, and we accept trade-ins as well.
If you have decided that you need a gooseneck trailer for your business or hobby, All Pro Trailer Superstore has the right trailer for you. We hope to see you soon.
