Posted by Petra on 10/14/2013 to
Boat Trailer Parts
As you know, owning a gooseneck trailer is a little more complicated than simply using the ball and hitch method. However, depending on what you haul on a regular basis, the gooseneck method may be a better choice for your needs. It provides more durability, stronger hauling, and a tighter control of your load.
Choosing Your Class:
This is where many people have an issue choosing what equipment they need. When you are deciding on what class of equipment to use, you should evaluate the heaviest load you typically pull, and then choose the next class up.
Class I: Class I is meant for loads that are 2,000 pounds or less.
Class II: Class II is meant for loads that are 3,000 pounds or less.
Class III: Class three leaves your options a little more open. You can choose a round or a square hitch, which will allow you up to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity.
Class IV: Class IV allows you to choose between a square or weight bearing hitch. Either way, you will be able to haul up to 10,000 pounds with this hitch.
Class V: This is what is commonly known as the gooseneck hitch. This is considered fifth wheel towing as well. If properly installed, this hitch will allow you to haul up to 25,000 pounds which is a really large load.
How a Gooseneck Hooks Up:
A gooseneck trailer is one of the most sturdy of the hitches. It allows for massive towing capacity and is commonly used for livestock trailers and RVs. It is recommended that a gooseneck trailer be mounted in a flat bed truck to ensure that you do not damage the sides of the truck during hook up.
Sometimes, before a gooseneck trailer hitch can be installed, modifications must be made to the truck itself. A hole is drilled in the center of the truck bed, and the mounting system is installed below the bed and attached to the truck frame in several places. After the mounting system is installed, safety chain anchors are attached to various places on the truck frame to increase stability.
It is recommended that the installation of a gooseneck trailer hitch be done by a professional, even though most of the tools needed can be found laying around a common garage. If the hitch is not properly installed, it can work its way lose and damage the truck, flip the load, or cause serious harm to other drivers on the road.
If you do choose to install your trailer hitch yourself, ensure that you follow the instructions carefully to ensure your safety, and the safety of other drivers.
Choosing Your Class:
This is where many people have an issue choosing what equipment they need. When you are deciding on what class of equipment to use, you should evaluate the heaviest load you typically pull, and then choose the next class up.
Class I: Class I is meant for loads that are 2,000 pounds or less.
Class II: Class II is meant for loads that are 3,000 pounds or less.
Class III: Class three leaves your options a little more open. You can choose a round or a square hitch, which will allow you up to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity.
Class IV: Class IV allows you to choose between a square or weight bearing hitch. Either way, you will be able to haul up to 10,000 pounds with this hitch.
Class V: This is what is commonly known as the gooseneck hitch. This is considered fifth wheel towing as well. If properly installed, this hitch will allow you to haul up to 25,000 pounds which is a really large load.
How a Gooseneck Hooks Up:
A gooseneck trailer is one of the most sturdy of the hitches. It allows for massive towing capacity and is commonly used for livestock trailers and RVs. It is recommended that a gooseneck trailer be mounted in a flat bed truck to ensure that you do not damage the sides of the truck during hook up.
Sometimes, before a gooseneck trailer hitch can be installed, modifications must be made to the truck itself. A hole is drilled in the center of the truck bed, and the mounting system is installed below the bed and attached to the truck frame in several places. After the mounting system is installed, safety chain anchors are attached to various places on the truck frame to increase stability.
It is recommended that the installation of a gooseneck trailer hitch be done by a professional, even though most of the tools needed can be found laying around a common garage. If the hitch is not properly installed, it can work its way lose and damage the truck, flip the load, or cause serious harm to other drivers on the road.
If you do choose to install your trailer hitch yourself, ensure that you follow the instructions carefully to ensure your safety, and the safety of other drivers.
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