5th wheel vs. Gooseneck: Which is better for you?

In this article, we’ll talk about the pros and cons of a 5th wheel vs. gooseneck towing hitch. This is especially important for those who need to tow their camper or trailer. Below, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each kind of hitch.

Trailer Hitches

For those who don’t know, trailer hitches are vital for any camper who owns a trailer. They enable trailers to be attached to your towing vehicle such as a pick-up truck or SUV. When it comes to RV camping, two of the best hitches you can invest in are the 5th wheel and gooseneck. Thus, the 5th wheel vs. Gooseneck debate.

Which do you think is the better trailer hitch? Are you aware of the factors you must consider before making that decision?

5th Wheel vs. Gooseneck Towing Systems

The 5th wheel vs gooseneck argument exists because both of them are designed to carry heavier loads compared to, let’s say, a ball hitch. What makes this possible is their attachment points. Instead of connecting to the towing vehicle through its rear bumper, these two trailer hitches are attached to the bed of a truck one way or another.

Now, let’s talk about the key similarities and differences between a fifth wheel and gooseneck. Firstly, although both hitches are attached to the bed of a towing truck, they differ in placement. A 5th wheel hitch will sit above the bed of a trailer while a gooseneck will be level with the bed.

5th Wheel vs. Gooseneck Hitches

When faced with a 5th wheel vs. gooseneck hitch question, there are three things you should consider are compatibility, stability, and weight capacity. In terms of compatibility, the 5^th wheel hitch is a clear winner if you have a fifth wheel trailer. This is because most fifth wheel trailers are outfitted with a 5^th wheel hitch right at the get go.

Additionally, the 5th wheel hitch also wins out in stability. In comparison with gooseneck hitches, 5th wheel hitches will make have less noise and swaying, which makes for a much smoother road trip. On the other hand, the gooseneck can carry heavier loads. In fact, some gooseneck hitches are designed to carry over 25,000 pound. Although it doesn’t provide as smooth a ride as 5^th wheel hitches, it’s more flexible. This means it’s easier to navigate through difficult terrains with it.

Regarding the cons of each hitch, 5th wheels aren’t capable of towing as much as goosenecks. What’s more, they are more expensive. Meanwhile, goosenecks provide a rougher ride and pose more difficulty in mounting.

5th Wheel Hitches

If you’ve convinced yourself to invest in a fifth wheel towing hitch, we have a few recommendations for you.

Curt 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch

On the top of our list is the CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch. This hitch is capable of towing up to 16,000 pounds. It’s also durable and user-friendly. At less than $250, this hitch is also relatively affordable. If you prioritize stability on the road, then you should check this out. It was designed specifically with smooth, stable, and quiet rides in mind.

With these goals in mind, this 5th wheel hitch has the following features: dual-pivot head to make towing smoother, auto-lock feature to have an easier and more secure coupling process, and an anti-rattle skid plate to reduce rattling and vibration at its coupling point. Just so you know, it has an average rating of 3.5 stars on Amazon.

Pro Series 30056 Fifth Wheel Hitch

Next, we recommend the Pro Series 30056 Fifth Wheel Hitch, which can tow up to 15,000 pounds. A little over $350, this hitch is still an affordable option, especially for its features. If you’re looking for a trailer hitch that values ease of use, then this might be what you’re looking for.

To be specific, this model is easy to assemble and install. Moreover, it has a self-latching feature that makes it easier to hook up to your truck. Similar to our previous recommendation, the Pro Series 30056 also considers the stability of your towing vehicle. It has a four-way pivoting head and 5-degree side tilt that contributes to its flexibility even when you’re navigating through rough roads. It has a 3.5 star overall rating on Amazon.

Gooseneck Hitches

Alternatively, if you’ve decided on going for gooseneck hitches, below are some highly rated options available in the market.

B&W Trailer Hitches 111 Gooseneck Hitch

First on our list of gooseneck hitch recommendations is the B&W Trailer Hitches 1111 Gooseneck Hitch. At almost $500, this is a slightly expensive trailer hitch. However, its features make it worth it. This gooseneck hitch boasts easy installation and durability that can last a lifetime.

To illustrate these points, the B&W trailer hitches 111 can be installed underneath your truck bed without having to weld anything. What’s more, you don’t even have to remove your truck bed. Additionally, this hitch is powder coated to increase its durability. Capable of towing trailers weighing up to 30,000 pounds, this hitch is a great investment. Moreover, it has a 5-star rating on Amazon.

Draw-Tite 9460-48 Hide-A-Goose

Second is the Draw-Tite 9465-54 Hide-A-Goose, which costs a little less than $400. What immediately sets this apart from other gooseneck hitches is the lifetime warranty that comes with it, which demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product.

Similar to the B&W Trailer Hitches 111, this model can also withstand up to 30,000 pounds. Its durability and easy installation is exemplified in features such as a high strength chrome plated ball and spring-loaded safety chain loops. Other features that make this model highly recommended is its convenience despite its heavy duty capabilities. For instance, if you ever find yourself needing to use your entire truck bed, you can just flip down or remove the ball. You can seal the resulting hole with the accompanying magnetic cover. Many people have been satisfied with this particular trailer hitch, as demonstrated by its 4-star rating on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you learned a lot about this article on 5th wheel vs. gooseneck towing systems. Now, the towing system you choose is up to you. Consider the pros and cons we outlined above vis-à-vis your current situation and then make a decision