Heavy-duty trailers are built to simplify workloads. From moving to a new place to hauling massive loads across the country, trailers are tools that enable people to accomplish the seemingly impossible. In order to get the job done, you need to make sure that you have the right equipment. That’s why the gooseneck trailer experts at Kaufman Trailers are discussing the benefits of gooseneck trailers, so you can determine if this is the best type of trailer for your hauling jobs.

Features of Gooseneck Trailers

If you’re in the market to buy a new or used trailer, you should first learn about the features that make gooseneck trailers unique.

Some of the defining characteristics of gooseneck trailers are:

  • Long, curved neck that hitches to the bed of a truck
  • Distributes weight over the vehicle’s rear axle
  • Truck pivots beneath the hitch, which allows for a tighter turning radius
  • Large hitch, which reduces sway and improves balance
  • Equally equipped for hauling heavy loads or light trips

Benefits of Gooseneck Trailers

Let’s uncover the benefits of gooseneck trailers and how they offer solutions for various hauling needs. 

Increased Stability

Gooseneck trailers are more stable due to how the gooseneck tongue hitches to your vehicle. Rather than straining your bumper, gooseneck trailers attach to the rear axle. A bumper hitch trailer can exert tremendous leverage on the tow vehicle, making it harder to recover from a situation where you swerve on the road. However, the rear axle is able to handle far more weight than your bumper, which means you can stack on more and take fewer trips.

Better stability also grants better operator control, resulting in a safer unit on the highways and making it an advantage of a gooseneck trailer. This makes a gooseneck trailer the perfect choice if you know you’ll be driving on curvy roads. 

Superior Load Transfer and Weight Distribution

Another advantage of a gooseneck trailer is that its weight distribution makes hauling heavy loads easy. Because the gooseneck tongue connects over the top rear axle of the tow vehicle, any lateral pressure is transferred directly to the ground through the truck tires. When loaded properly, a gooseneck trailer offers better load transfer and weight distribution than many other types of trailers. 

Standard bumper hitch trailers typically allow a ten or fifteen percent hitch load, while a gooseneck comfortably handles twenty or twenty-five percent weight transfer. Of course, gooseneck tongue weight is also affected by where the axles are placed under the trailer and where the cargo is positioned on top of the trailer.

Axle placement is an art form at Kaufman Trailers, which is why our selection of gooseneck trailers is famous for how well they pull behind a towing vehicle.

Enhanced Maneuverability

Enhanced maneuverability is another notable advantage of a gooseneck trailer. Gooseneck trailers sit close to the vehicle, and since the truck and hitch pivot in concert with one another, drivers are able to make sharper turns. This is especially helpful when backing the trailer up or when there is limited space for making a u-turn, making sharp turns, navigating around cul-de-sacs, or other hard-to-maneuver spaces.

Fifth Wheel Connection Adaptions

Another advantage of a gooseneck trailer is its ability to adapt the trailer to a fifth-wheel connection. This gives the option of pulling the trailer with a semi tractor, or a standard truck equipped with a fifth-wheel hitch. This style may also be referred to as a kingpin hitch.

Increased Security

Anyone can install a bumper hitch onto their vehicle and connect a trailer to the car—a fact that thieves are well aware of. However, because of their unique shape, gooseneck trailers are not stolen as frequently as bumper hitch trailers. A gooseneck trailer hitch is made specifically for this type of trailer; it’s much wider than bumper hitches, making it an advantage of a gooseneck trailer. That said, most thieves are not equipped with a gooseneck hitch. This is also helpful for avoiding any next-door neighbors who feel entitled to “borrow the trailer for a couple of days.”

Gooseneck Trailer Styles

There are many different types of gooseneck trailers on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. Here at Kaufman Trailers, we offer six different styles to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. 

Flatbed Gooseneck Trailers

Our flatbed gooseneck trailer style is offered in both single- and dual-wheel styles. It’s a great option for hauling large, bulky items. These trailers are built with high-tensile I-beam mainframes, uprights, neck, and channel cross members. The floor is built over the tires with no fenders. 

We want to make sure you’re set up to get the job done right every time. That’s why we offer customizable options and add-ons for your flatbed gooseneck trailer:

  • Single-wheel flatbed models have 7,000 lb. axles with heavy-duty slipper spring suspension.
  • An 8,000 lb. axle/17.5”  tire upgrade is a popular option.
  • Our 10,000 lb. axle, dual-wheel versions are among our best-selling models.
  • Additionally, you can customize your ramp style or add on features such as a pop-up dovetail.

Equipment Gooseneck Trailers

The equipment gooseneck trailers are meant to handle ultra-heavy loads. They’re built with all-channel frame construction.

Standard features include:

  • Durable diamond plate fenders
  • Stake pockets with standard rubrail
  • Pressure-treated flooring
  • Dovetail and swing-up loading ramps

There are many different types of customization options with these trailers. This line combines all our best gooseneck features in a package deal. Contact us to learn more about these gooseneck trailers for sale. 

Car Hauler Gooseneck Trailers

This type of trailer is meant to do exactly what it sounds like it’s meant to do: haul cars. If you’re transporting multiple vehicles, this is likely the type of trailer you’ll need.

Car hauler gooseneck trailers come in 3 different styles:

  • A channel-frame gooseneck trailer with the floor between the fenders
  • A cambered-fabricated frame model with the floor even with the top of the fenders
  • A conventional-frame gooseneck trailer with open steel runners or full diamond floor

Landscape Gooseneck Trailers

A landscape gooseneck trailer is built for a professional landscaper who uses their trailer every day. From heavy duty diamond plate fenders and a lockable workstation to sealed modular wiring harness with lifetime LED lights and iron top rail and uprights, this is the cream of the crop of landscaping trailers. Choose between a 7,000 or 8,000 lb load capacity, or contact us for more customization options!

Detachable Gooseneck Trailers

Detachable gooseneck trailers are a form of double-drop lowboy trailer that are designed to haul all types of heavy equipment. If you’re looking for versatility and an easy-use trailer, this may be the right choice for you. Lowboy trailers are safe and easy-to-use. Load capacities range from 35 to 55 tons in tandem or tri-axle configurations. We also provide spring or air ride suspensions, along with many other customization options. 

Gooseneck vs Bumper Pull Trailers

Many times, people ask how a gooseneck trailer compares to a tag-a-long or bumper-hitch trailer. While both gooseneck and bumper pull trailers offer towing solutions, there are many reasons why should you choose a gooseneck trailer, as it boasts unparalleled advantages that elevate towing experiences to new heights.

Consider the following when choosing the best trailer for your hauling needs: 

  • Gooseneck trailers connect to a hitch in the bed of a truck, distributing weight more evenly for increased stability.
  • Bumper pull trailers attach to a hitch on the bumper of a vehicle, generally offering easier maneuverability and a lower initial cost.
  • Gooseneck trailers can typically haul heavier loads and provide smoother towing experiences.
  • Bumper pull trailers are often more suitable for lighter loads and are easier to store due to their smaller size.
  • Choosing between the two depends on factors such as load size, towing vehicle, and desired handling characteristics.

How to Hook Up a Gooseneck Trailer

Mastering the art of connecting a gooseneck trailer to your truck ensures safe and efficient towing experiences. Here’s a step-by-step guide to effortlessly hooking up and towing your gooseneck trailer:

  1. Prepare Your Truck: Ensure your truck’s hitch is compatible with a gooseneck trailer and is rated to handle the load.
  2. Align the Hitch: Back your truck up to the gooseneck trailer, aligning the hitch ball with the trailer coupler.
  3. Lower the Trailer: Use the trailer jack to lower the coupler onto the hitch ball, ensuring a secure fit.
  4. Lock in Place: Secure the coupler latch around the hitch ball and fasten any safety chains or cables.
  5. Test Connection: Double-check that the trailer is securely attached by gently pulling forward to confirm it doesn’t disconnect.
  6. Check Lights and Brakes: Ensure all trailer lights and brakes are functioning properly before hitting the road.
  7. Final Inspection: Walk around the trailer to verify that all connections are secure and the trailer is ready for travel.
  8. Drive Safely: With your gooseneck trailer properly hooked up, drive safely and confidently as you haul your load to your destination. 

Contact Kaufman Today for Superior-Quality Gooseneck Trailers

A gooseneck trailer will not work for everyone; however, with how many options there are and how versatile the load capacities are, it’s likely that you can find the perfect hitch for your needs. For most workloads, gooseneck trailers can lower the number of trips, increase your load capacity, and even lower your maintenance costs. 

For more information on our selection of gooseneck trailers for sale, contact Kaufman Trailers today and speak to one of our trained consultants. Get started by calling us at 866-455-7444 or filling out our online contact form below.

Contact Form

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.