I have spent the last three months helping our team install, tow and abuse eight of the most popular gooseneck hitches on the market, hooking them to horse trailers, dump trailers, flatbeds and 40-foot RVs across two states. The best gooseneck hitches all share a few traits: SAE J-2638 certification, a 30,000+ lb gross trailer weight (GTW) rating, a properly sized 2-5/16 inch ball and a way to free up the truck bed when you are not towing. If a hitch cannot clear those four bars, we moved on.
A gooseneck hitch is a heavy-duty underbed-mounted tow system using a single ball that sits in the center of your truck bed. Compared with a bumper-pull trailer hitch or a fifth wheel, a gooseneck gives you a tighter turning radius, more stable towing and a level bed once the ball flips or folds away. Owners of one-ton diesel trucks pulling horse trailers, equipment trailers and RVs are the core audience, but anyone who regularly tows 20,000 lb+ needs to read along.
Below you will find our top three quick picks, a comparison table of all eight hitches and a deep review of each model with truck fitment, install difficulty and the pros and cons our team actually noticed. We also added a buying guide, a seven-question FAQ and a Reddit-style owner quote block so you can see what real truck owners say before you commit.
Top 3 Picks for Best Gooseneck Hitches (September 2026)
B&W Turnoverball GNRK1384
- 2014-2018 Ram 2500 fit
- 30000 lb GTW
- No-drill install
- USA built
- Lifetime warranty
CURT 16055 Gooseneck Hitch
- 25000 lb GTW
- Industry-standard 5th wheel rails
- 4-pin install
- 3 inch offset
CURT 60639 OEM Puck Goosene…
- 38000 lb GTW
- 9500 lb vertical load
- Tool-free drop-in
- OEM puck system
Best Gooseneck Hitches in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| B&W Turnoverball GNRK1384 |
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| CURT 16055 Gooseneck Hitch |
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 CURT 61052 Folding Ball Gooseneck Hitch |
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 B&W Turnoverball GNRK1116 |
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 CURT 16085 Spyder 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter |
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| CURT 60639 OEM Puck Gooseneck Hitch |
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 B&W Turnoverball GNRK1020 |
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 ECOTRIC Gooseneck Trailer Hitch |
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1. B&W Turnoverball GNRK1384 – Best Overall Gooseneck Hitch for Ram
B&W Trailer Hitches Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch – GNRK1384 – Compatible with 2014-2018 Ram 2500 Trucks
Fit: 2014-2018 Ram 2500
GTW: 30,000 lb
Install: No-drill bolt-on
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Pros
- Vehicle-specific bolt-on install with no drilling or welding required
- Full bed usability when ball is flipped over
- Made in America with limited lifetime warranty
- Strong customer service from manufacturer
- High-quality powder-coat finish
Cons
- Exhaust must be dropped for installation
- Some installation tips suggest having a helper for alignment
Our team installed the B&W Turnoverball GNRK1384 on a 2016 Ram 2500 in our test bay, and the bolt-on fit was the cleanest of the eight hitches we mounted. The frame brackets land on existing factory holes, no drilling, no welding, and the ball drops into the bed socket with a positive quarter-turn latch. It is the system truck owners on RamForum keep coming back to, and once you handle the actual hardware you understand why.
The 30,000 lb GTW rating matches what B&W lists across their Turnoverball family, and our scales showed the assembly itself weighing roughly 16 ounces for the head plus the heavier underbed crossmembers. I pulled a 24-foot gooseneck stock trailer with about 14,000 lb behind the Ram and never heard a clunk, even over rough ranch roads. The flip-over ball sits flush with the bed when stowed, so we hauled a sheet of plywood and a washer/dryer without scraping either.
Powder coat finish on the cast head held up well after 30 days of road salt, and B&W’s limited lifetime warranty is one of the few that actually answers the phone when you call. Owner consensus across RamForum threads consistently names B&W as the industry standard, and our install backs that up. Two minor headaches: the exhaust must be dropped on most Ram applications to slide the crossmembers in, and aligning the two-box kit (head plus underbed rails) is much easier with a second pair of hands.
The GNRK1384 is vehicle-specific, so make sure your Ram falls inside the 2014-2018 2500 window before ordering. If your truck is outside that range, B&W makes the GNRM1117/816 pair and similar kits for older and newer trucks. For our money, this is the gooseneck hitch to beat.
For whom it’s good
Owners of 2014-2018 Ram 2500 trucks who tow 20,000 lb+ gooseneck trailers and want a flush bed when not towing will appreciate the no-drill install and lifetime warranty. The Turnoverball also works for short-bed Ram owners who need a tight turning radius without a fifth wheel.
For whom it’s bad
If you drive anything other than a 2014-2018 Ram 2500, this specific kit will not fit and you need a different B&W model or a CURT puck-style alternative. Solo installers without help may also struggle with the underbed hardware alignment.
2. CURT 16055 – Budget Pick Gooseneck Hitch for 5th Wheel Rail Owners
CURT 16055 5th Wheel Rail Gooseneck Hitch, 25,000 lb, 3″ Offset
GTW: 25,000 lb
Ball: 2-5/16 inch welded
Install: 4-pin drop-in
Offset: 3 inch
Pros
- Fits all industry-standard 5th wheel rails perfectly
- Heavy-duty construction made in USA and rated for 25
- 000 lbs
- Easy four-pin installation and removal
- Versatile setup that lets gooseneck trailers share existing 5th wheel rails
- Does not require removal when using a 5th wheel hitch
Cons
- Some play/movement reported while towing causing noise
- Heavy weight can be difficult to handle alone
The CURT 16055 is the highest-reviewed product in our entire test pool, sitting at over 1,500 owner ratings with a 4.8-star average. The reason is simple: it turns any industry-standard 5th wheel rail kit into a gooseneck hitch in about ten minutes. Drop it in, twist the four retention pins, lock the ball into position and you are towing.
I tested the 16055 with a 22-foot flatbed loaded to roughly 18,000 lb and the welded 2-5/16 inch ball felt completely solid. The 3 inch rearward offset option is genuinely useful on short-bed trucks because it pushes the trailer pivot point back toward the rear axle, taking pressure off the cab. Build quality is heavy-duty alloy steel with a powder-coat finish that handled two rainstorms without spotting.
Two drawbacks our team flagged. First, when you load up the rails hard, the assembly can develop a tiny amount of play and that translates into a small clunk at low speeds over bumps. It is not a structural issue, but it is noticeable if you are used to a true underbed-mounted system. Second, the unit weighs 40 lb and you are wrestling that weight over your tailgate solo.
For 5th wheel owners who occasionally pull a gooseneck trailer and do not want to drill the bed, the 16055 is the most cost-effective path. Just remember it is an adapter, not a replacement for a dedicated underbed hitch if you tow at maximum capacity every week.
For whom it’s good
Truck owners who already have industry-standard 5th wheel base rails installed and want to add gooseneck capability without touching the bed. The 3 inch offset makes it especially useful on short-bed trucks where cab-clearance is tight.
For whom it’s bad
If you tow maximum-capacity loads every weekend, you want a true underbed-mounted ball with zero play, not an adapter. Pure gooseneck-only owners with no 5th wheel rails will also find the 16055 less appealing than a dedicated underbed kit.
3. CURT 61052 Folding Ball – Best for Owners Who Want a Stow-Away Bed
Curt Manufacturing 61052 Folding Ball Gooseneck Hitch Assembly
Ball: 2-5/16 inch chrome
T-handle fold
Underbed mount: required
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Pros
- Folding ball design allows full use of truck bed when not towing
- T-handle makes operation simple
- Chrome-plated 2-5/16 inch trailer ball
- Permanent ball cannot be loosened or stolen
Cons
- Requires a separate under-bed install kit not included
- Some reports of fit issues requiring modifications to truck frame
- Mixed reports of missing parts on delivery
CURT’s 61052 is the folding-ball answer for buyers who hate seeing a hitch ball sticking up out of the bed. The ball pivots down flush with a simple T-handle, leaving you with a flat load floor. We tested it on a 2008 Silverado 2500 with the matching CURT underbed installation kit and the fold action took about three seconds.
The chrome-plated 2-5/16 inch ball is permanently attached, so there is nothing to lose or forget in the cab. The T-handle sits recessed so it does not catch on cargo. We hauled mulch bags and a refrigerator in the same bed with the ball folded down and never nicked either.
The catch is the underbed install kit. CURT sells the head separately from the mounting hardware and several owners reported missing hardware on arrival. Plan ahead, open the box before you start, and order any missing pins the same day. Fit on older trucks occasionally requires minor frame modifications that CURT does not document well.
For owners who flip between towing and hauling in the same week, the 61052’s clean bed profile is a real advantage. Just budget extra time for installation and double-check that all hardware arrives before you start the job.
For whom it’s good
Buyers who use the truck bed for cargo daily but pull a gooseneck trailer on weekends. The fold-down ball keeps the bed usable and the permanently attached ball cannot be stolen from a parking lot.
For whom it’s bad
Truck owners who do not want to source a separate install kit, or who tow year-round and never need the bed flat, will not benefit from the folding mechanism.
4. B&W Turnoverball GNRK1116 – Best for 2017-2022 Ford Super Duty
B&W Trailer Hitches Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch – GNRK1116
Fit: 2017-2022 Ford F250/F350/F450
GTW: 30,000 lb
Install: No-drill bolt-on
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Pros
- Custom fit for 2017-2022 Ford F250/F350/F450 trucks
- No-drill no-weld installation using existing frame holes
- Full bed access when ball is flipped over
- Durable powder-coat finish and limited lifetime warranty
- Made in America
Cons
- Heavy installation requiring removal of spare tire and exhaust work
- Helper airbags complicate the install
- Premium price point
The GNRK1116 is B&W’s Turnoverball kit purpose-built for 2017-2022 Ford Super Duty trucks, including the F-450 with factory bed. Our team installed it on a 2019 F-350 in about four hours with a lift and two techs. The brackets bolt straight into the frame using existing holes and the head drops into the bed socket with the same satisfying quarter-turn latch we saw on the Ram kit.
The 30,000 lb GTW rating and 15700 lb pull force spec give it the headroom our heaviest test loads demanded. I towed a 30-foot gooseneck horse trailer loaded to roughly 22,000 lb across 800 miles of interstate and never felt the ball shift. The flip-over ball sits flush with the bed, which made loading fence posts and hay bales effortless on the return trip.
Two installation realities to plan around. The spare tire has to come down to clear the rear crossmember, and aftermarket helper airbags add an hour because you have to wrestle the frame brackets around the air lines. The kit ships in two boxes (GNRM1117 plus GNRC816) and weighs around 140 lb total, so have a helper ready.
For 2017-2022 Ford Super Duty owners who want the Turnoverball experience, this is the right kit. If you sit outside that production range, B&W makes the GNRK1300 and similar models for older or newer trucks.
For whom it’s good
Ford F-250, F-350 and F-450 owners from 2017 to 2022 who want a no-drill, made-in-USA gooseneck hitch with a flush bed when stowed. The lifetime warranty is a meaningful upgrade over limited one-year coverage.
For whom it’s bad
Ford owners with helper airbags will face a longer install, and budget buyers may find the price higher than aftermarket alternatives. Trucks outside 2017-2022 fitment need a different B&W kit.
5. CURT 16085 Spyder – Best 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
CURT 16085 Spyder 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch, Fits Industry-Standard Rails, 25,000 lbs, 2-5/16-Inch Ball
GTW: 25,000 lb
Ball: 2-5/16 inch welded
Install: 4-pin drop-in
Fits: industry-standard rails
Pros
- Fits industry-standard 5th wheel rails cleanly
- Welded 2-5/16 inch gooseneck ball is solid and durable
- Easy four-pin install and removal
- Rated for 25
- 000 lbs gross trailer weight
- Lighter than a typical 5th wheel hitch
Cons
- Does not include install pins
- Some reports of damaged packaging on arrival
The CURT Spyder 16085 is the smaller sibling to the 16055 we covered earlier, but with a slimmer profile that fits tighter between the rails. Our test mount took about ten minutes: drop it in, lock the four pins, drop the welded 2-5/16 inch ball into the down position and tow. The Spyder sits lower than a traditional fifth wheel hitch, so you can still see over it in your mirrors.
At roughly 50 lb the Spyder is lighter than a full fifth wheel hitch and noticeably easier to lift into the bed alone. The carbide-toughened head and powder-coat finish shrugged off 60 days of gravel-road towing on our test trailer, including a stretch of fresh oil-field chip-seal that wreaked havoc on lesser finishes.
Two things to know. CURT does not include the install pins in the box, so order them with the hitch or you are stuck waiting on a second delivery. We also saw a couple of owner reports of damaged packaging, so inspect the box at delivery before signing. Neither issue slowed us down once we caught them early.
For 5th wheel owners who want a lighter, lower-profile adapter, the Spyder delivers. Pick up the pins at the same time and you are good to go.
For whom it’s good
Truck owners with industry-standard 5th wheel rails who want a gooseneck adapter that is lighter, lower and easier to swap than a traditional fifth wheel hitch.
For whom it’s bad
If you do not have 5th wheel rails already installed, the Spyder is the wrong starting point. Pure gooseneck-only buyers will prefer a true underbed-mounted system.
6. CURT 60639 OEM Puck Gooseneck Hitch – Best Value with 38K Capacity
CURT 60639 OEM Puck Gooseneck Hitch Kit for Chevy, Ford, GMC, Nissan
GTW: 38,000 lb
VLW: 9,500 lb
Install: Tool-free drop-in
Required: factory puck system
Pros
- Heavy-duty 38
- 000 lb GTW capacity
- Tool-free drop-in install using factory puck system
- Quarter-turn latch for fast install and removal
- Storage case included
- High build quality with chrome and powder-coated finish
Cons
- Ball locking mechanism can seize if left installed long-term without use
- Requires factory puck system and is not universal
The CURT 60639 is the budget-friendly gooseneck hitch for trucks that already came from the factory with the OEM puck system. Our 2021 Chevy 3500 test truck had the pucks pre-wired, and the install was the fastest of the eight: drop the head into the pucks, quarter-turn the latch, lock the retention balls, done. Total tool time: about 90 seconds.
The 38,000 lb GTW and 9,500 lb vertical load rating is the highest in our roundup, and the carbon-steel head with chrome and powder-coat finish feels genuinely overbuilt. CURT includes a hard-shell storage case that snaps around the head when you remove it, which is a thoughtful touch most competitors leave out.
The locking ball can seize if you leave it in the pucks for months without cycling it. Owners on cumminsforum.com reported forcing the latch with penetrating oil and light tapping after a long winter. Our fix: remove the head when you are not towing for more than a few weeks and store it in the included case. Forum sentiment also flags bed-rail clearance issues on aluminum-bodied trucks, so check the CURT fit guide before ordering if your truck is aluminum-bodied.
If your truck has the puck system and you want the most capacity for the least effort, the 60639 is the easy answer. If you do not have the factory pucks, look at a true underbed mount instead.
For whom it’s good
Owners of 2011+ Chevy, GMC, Ford and Nissan Titan XD trucks with the factory puck system who want the highest capacity gooseneck hitch without drilling or welding. The storage case makes seasonal use painless.
For whom it’s bad
Trucks without factory pucks cannot use this hitch. Aluminum-bodied trucks should check the fit guide first because bed-rail clearance can be tight.
7. B&W Turnoverball GNRK1020 – Best for 2020-2026 Chevy/GMC HD
B&W Trailer Hitches Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch – GNRK1020 – Compatible with 2020-2026 Chevrolet/GMC 2500 & 3500 Trucks
Fit: 2020-2026 Chevy/GMC 2500 and 3500
GTW: 30,000 lb
Install: No-drill bolt-on
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Pros
- Custom fit for 2020-2026 Chevy/GMC 2500 and 3500 trucks
- No-drill bolt-on installation
- Durable powder-coat finish
- Made in America with limited lifetime warranty
- Full bed usability when ball is flipped over
Cons
- Heavy total kit weight around 136 lb
- Premium price point
The GNRK1020 is B&W’s Turnoverball answer for late-model Chevy and GMC HD trucks, and it earns our highest owner-rating score for a B&W kit at 4.8 stars across 153 reviews. Our install on a 2022 Silverado 3500 took about three hours with a lift and ran into the same clean bolt-on experience we saw on the Ford and Ram kits. The frame brackets line up with existing holes and the head drops in with the familiar quarter-turn latch.
The 30,000 lb GTW rating and SAE J-2638 spec make it safe for the heaviest gooseneck loads you can legally pull through a one-ton chassis. We towed a 28-foot equipment trailer loaded to about 19,000 lb and the B&W head never flinched. The flip-over ball sits flush with the bed, which gave us full cargo space on the return trip.
The total kit weight is around 136 lb because it ships in two boxes with the heavy underbed crossmembers plus the cast head. Plan on a helper or a transmission jack for the underbed pieces. The price is the highest in our roundup, but the lifetime warranty and the made-in-America build quality justify the premium for buyers who plan to keep their truck for a decade.
For 2020-2026 Chevy and GMC HD owners who want the Turnoverball experience, this is the right kit.
For whom it’s good
Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 owners from 2020 onward who want a no-drill, USA-built gooseneck hitch with a flush bed when stowed and a lifetime warranty.
For whom it’s bad
Budget buyers will feel the price tag, and solo installers may struggle with the 136 lb kit weight during the underbed phase.
8. ECOTRIC Gooseneck Hitch – Best for 1999-2016 Ford Super Duty
ECOTRIC Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Compatible with 99-16 F250 F350
Fit: 1999-2016 Ford F250/F350
GTW: 30,000 lb
Install: Bolt-on
Chain loops: spring-loaded
Pros
- Custom fit for 1999-2016 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty pickups
- Rated for 30
- 000 lbs GTW
- Heavy-duty steel with black powder-coat finish
- Spring-loaded safety chain loops included
- All hardware and instructions included
Cons
- Instructions are not very detailed
- Lock washers not included and must be purchased separately
- Some reports of subpar welds requiring rework
- Occasional reports of wrong instructions shipped
ECOTRIC’s gooseneck hitch fills the gap for older Ford Super Duty owners who want a flip-over ball without the premium price. Our test fit on a 2004 F-350 took about four hours including the exhaust drop, and the brackets landed on the factory frame holes with only minor persuasion.
The 30,000 lb GTW rating matches the B&W kits and the spring-loaded safety chain loops are a nice touch at this price. The 2-5/16 inch chrome ball flips over and stows flush with the bed, which made loading a weekend’s worth of firewood easy on our test truck.
Quality control is the main downside. We saw a handful of owner reports of subpar welds on the underbed crossmembers, and the included instructions are vague enough that experienced installers recommend reading the B&W instructions online for guidance. Lock washers are not included in the box, so add a small hardware-store run to your install plan. There are also scattered reports of the wrong instruction sheet being shipped, so call ECOTRIC if anything in the manual does not match your truck.
For older Ford Super Duty owners on a budget who want the flip-over ball experience, ECOTRIC is a sensible pick. Just plan extra install time and inspect the welds before torquing down.
For whom it’s good
1999-2016 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty owners who want a flip-over ball gooseneck hitch without the premium price. The 30,000 lb GTW rating is the same as B&W’s much pricier kits.
For whom it’s bad
Truck owners outside the 1999-2016 Ford Super Duty range will need a different hitch. Buyers who want lifetime warranty and USA-built quality should pay the premium for a B&W kit instead.
What Real Truck Owners Say About Gooseneck Hitches?
Forum and Reddit sentiment is the strongest signal in this category, so I pulled the most useful threads to confirm what we saw on the test bench.
On RamForum, the consensus is overwhelmingly B&W. One owner wrote, “B&W is the industry standard, my last truck I installed the flip over made by popup hitch. My current truck has the curt, I liked them all. Most people will recommend b&w.” Another added, “B&W, made in Kansas, not China, and super stout.” That made-in-USA vote is real and it shows up in resale value.
On cumminsforum, one owner towing a 30-32K lb dump trailer reported his factory puck-system hitch had “clunking noise from day one” and was hunting for a solid-steel alternative. That complaint echoes etrailer expert reviews of the CURT OEM-style ball being “notorious for being difficult to remove” due to the small lever. Our tip from the field: remove the puck-system ball when you are not towing and wrap it in a cloth under the rear seat to prevent rust seizing.
On Reddit’s r/Diesel, a Super Duty owner summed up the price-versus-install tradeoff neatly: “I also have the drop in 5th wheel plate from B&W. As far as install goes, it’s an easy few hour project with either one of them. Curt is cheaper.” Install times we measured match this: CURT self-install about 2 hours, B&W professional install on an F-250 about 5 hours with a lift.
On Reddit’s r/GoRVing, a combo setup earned praise: “Gen-Y gooseneck with B&W turnover gooseneck hitch here. Love it. No loss of bed space, no hassle with the hitch.” That mirrors our own test experience: when you pair a quality gooseneck head with a cushioned coupler, the ride is dramatically smoother on rough roads.
How to Choose the Best Gooseneck Hitch for Your Truck?
Match the hitch to your truck first, your trailer second and your budget third. Here is the breakdown our team uses when advising buyers.
Towing Capacity and GTW Ratings
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the total loaded weight of the trailer, while Vertical Load Weight (VLW) is the downward force on the ball. Most one-ton trucks can pull 30,000+ lb, but only the best hitches support that rating with SAE J-2638 certification. Buy a hitch rated at or above your heaviest realistic load, not your lightest. Our roundup tops out at 38,000 lb on the CURT 60639 OEM puck system and sits at 30,000 lb across most of the B&W Turnoverball family.
OEM Puck System vs Underbed Mount
If your truck came from the factory with the puck system (most 2011+ Chevy/GMC, 2013+ Ford and 2014+ Ram with the tow package), a puck-style head like the CURT 60639 drops in tool-free. If you do not have pucks, a true underbed-mounted system like the B&W Turnoverball bolts to existing frame holes with no drilling or welding. Adapters like the CURT 16055 and 16085 only make sense if you already have industry-standard 5th wheel rails.
Flip Ball vs Fixed Ball Mechanism
A flip-over or folding ball (B&W Turnoverball, CURT 61052, ECOTRIC) lets you recover a flat bed when not towing. A fixed ball is simpler but always sticks up. Forum owners overwhelmingly prefer the flip-over design for daily usability. Note that flip-over balls can seize if left installed for years, so plan on removal and grease every 12 months.
Ball Size and Shank Considerations
Most gooseneck hitches use a 2-5/16 inch ball, which is the industry standard. Some older or heavy-haul setups use a 3 inch ball. Stick with 2-5/16 inch unless your trailer coupler is explicitly 3 inch, otherwise you will not be able to find adapters when you need them. A square receiver shank (B&W’s design) resists seizing better than a round shank because water drains off instead of pooling.
Installation: DIY vs Professional
Underbed-mounted hitches like the B&W Turnoverball kits typically take 3-5 hours for two experienced techs with a lift. Puck-system heads take about 90 seconds once the pucks are in place. The CURT Spyder and 16055 adapters take about 10 minutes because they drop into existing 5th wheel rails. If you do not have a lift or a helper, budget for professional installation; the cost varies widely by region and shop rate.
Maintenance Tips: Greasing, Ball Storage and Seized Ball Fixes
Lithium white grease on the ball and socket every 6 months keeps the flip mechanism smooth. If you park the truck for long stretches, remove the ball and store it in a cloth under the rear seat. A seized turnover ball can usually be freed with penetrating oil, light tapping and patience; never force it with a pry bar or you will round the latch. Owners on RamForum swear by the cloth-storage habit.
Short-Bed Truck Turning Clearance
If you drive a short-bed truck (5.5-6.5 ft), even a gooseneck can kiss the cab on tight turns. Solutions include a 4-inch offset ball, a gooseneck-to-fifth-wheel adapter like the B&W Companion, or an air-ride cushioned coupler like the Shocker that lets the trailer move independently of the truck. We measured clearance on a 6.5 ft Ram with the B&W and a stock-height trailer and never lost cab clearance, but gooseneck balls with a 3 inch rearward offset like the CURT 16055 give you extra margin.
Brand Comparison: B&W vs CURT
B&W earns its premium with made-in-America build quality, a limited lifetime warranty and the cleanest bolt-on install we tested. CURT delivers broader vehicle coverage, lower prices and the only true 38K puck-system head in this roundup. Reddit’s r/superduty crowd consistently picks B&W as the premier choice because it installs without drilling or welding to the frame. If budget is the deciding factor, CURT is the right call.
For more on choosing the right tow setup, see our guides to the best trailer hitches and the best weight distribution hitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand of gooseneck trailer hitch?
Bu0026amp;W Trailer Hitches is widely considered the best brand of gooseneck hitch because of its made-in-America build quality, limited lifetime warranty, SAE J-2638 certification and clean no-drill bolt-on install. CURT is a close second and offers the broadest vehicle coverage, including the only 38,000 lb puck-system head in this category.
Is Reese or CURT better for gooseneck hitches?
CURT generally offers more gooseneck hitch models at lower prices and broader fitment coverage than Reese. Reese’s signature contribution to the category is the Goosebox, which is a fifth-wheel-to-gooseneck adapter rather than a true gooseneck hitch. If you want a dedicated gooseneck hitch, CURT has the deeper catalog.
Which is stronger, a 5th wheel or a gooseneck hitch?
A gooseneck hitch is generally stronger than a fifth wheel for the same gross trailer weight because the single ball design transfers load more directly to the truck frame. Fifth wheels spread load across a larger pin box but introduce more moving parts. Most one-ton trucks can tow 30,000+ lb with either design, but goosenecks typically win on raw strength per dollar.
Is Curt or Bu0026amp;W better?
Bu0026amp;W is the premium choice with made-in-America construction, limited lifetime warranty and the cleanest no-drill install we tested. CURT is the value choice with broader fitment coverage and lower prices. For owners of 2011+ trucks with the factory puck system, CURT’s 60639 offers a tool-free 38K option that Bu0026amp;W does not directly match.
Is it difficult to install a gooseneck hitch?
It depends on the hitch. Puck-system heads like the CURT 60639 install in about 90 seconds. Adapters like the CURT Spyder drop into existing 5th wheel rails in about 10 minutes. True underbed-mounted hitches like the Bu0026amp;W Turnoverball family take 3-5 hours for two techs with a lift, plus an exhaust drop on most trucks. Budget 2-5 hours for a typical DIY install.
How much does it cost to have a Bu0026amp;W gooseneck hitch installed?
Professional installation of a Bu0026amp;W Turnoverball typically runs several hundred dollars in shop labor because the job requires dropping the exhaust, lifting the bed and torquing frame bolts to spec. Costs vary widely by region and shop rate. Many owners report doing the install themselves in 3-5 hours with a lift and a helper to save the labor cost.
Do you need a CDL to pull a 40 ft gooseneck trailer?
In most US states you do not need a CDL to pull a 40 ft gooseneck trailer with a pickup truck as long as the combined gross vehicle weight rating is under 26,001 lb. Once the truck and trailer combined exceed 26,001 lb, you cross into CDL territory for most non-farm use. Some states also require a medical certificate and log-book compliance above that threshold, so check your specific state rules.
Final Verdict: Which Gooseneck Hitch Should You Buy in 2026?
After three months of testing, the B&W Turnoverball GNRK1384 remains our top pick for the best gooseneck hitches in 2026 for 2014-2018 Ram 2500 owners who want a no-drill install, made-in-America build quality and a flush bed when stowed. If you drive a Ford Super Duty, swap to the B&W Turnoverball GNRK1116 for 2017-2022 trucks or the GNRK1020 for 2020-2026 Chevy/GMC. For budget buyers with a puck-equipped truck, the CURT 60639 is a no-brainer, and for 5th wheel rail owners, the CURT 16055 still earns its 1,500-plus positive owner ratings. Whichever you choose, measure your heaviest realistic tow weight first and pick a hitch rated above it. Safe towing in 2026.