Whether they’re an outdoor enthusiast, a race car driver, or a little of both, experienced haulers looking for more space and plenty of brawn often upgrade to a gooseneck trailer or fifth-wheel. Known by their distinctive “stretched necks,” these enclosed trailers offer some distinct advantages over typical bumper-pull trailers.
Gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailers have much in common, but there is an important difference in their hitches: a gooseneck trailer slides over a ball hitch in the bed of a pickup truck, while a fifth wheel attaches to a pickup truck using a hinged plate hitch. Other than that, their advantages are mostly interchangeable.
Let’s start with stability. Sway is lessened because the tongue weight of the trailer falls over the rear axle of the tow vehicle rather than at the back of the frame. Because of this increased stability, goosenecks allow you to pull more weight and a larger trailer than the typical bumper trailer.
The stretched neck that continues over the truck bed also provides more space than most cargo trailers. You can use this space as a changing area or just stash more cargo there.
Also, thanks to the gooseneck configuration, these types of trailers have a tighter turning radius than bumper trailers. That means you can maneuver more easily—a big benefit when you’re towing a large trailer with precious cargo.
The heavy-duty construction and extra space make gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailers a good choice for people who enjoy camping and outdoor sports like riding ATVs or snowmobiling.
Before you select one of these enclosed cargo trailers, you should take the following into consideration:
- How much trailer space do you need? Like most trailer styles, goosenecks and fifth wheels come in a variety of sizes. You’ll want to match the size and payload capacity to your tow vehicle and the type of cargo you plan to haul.
- Flat-nose or V-nose? The interior configuration is often a matter of personal preference, but a V-nose will offer a more aerodynamic exterior.
- Size of access doors. Typically, you can choose between 36” and 48” doors, in addition to the ramp door.
- Customization. You can customize a gooseneck trailer with cabinets, desks, closets, an E-track, lighting, additional tie-downs, and many other options that will hold your gear, keep your cargo secure, and provide you with a place to clean up or work on your laptop.
We offer several types of gooseneck trailers, including Premier Race Trailers, Ignite Mid-line Race Trailers, and Vision Cargo Trailers. Each provides its own set of advantages for the experienced hauler, and all come with rugged and reliable construction, great looks, and a host of standard features and options.
Talk with your local Look dealer now to find the trailer that’s right for you.
