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. In this article we’ll discuss the benefits of gooseneck trailers so you can determine if this is the best type of trailer that will help you get your work done. 

Features of Gooseneck Trailers

Many times the question is asked how a gooseneck trailer compares to a tag-a-long or bumper hitch trailer. Why should you choose a gooseneck trailer as compared to others? If you’re in the market to buy a new or used trailer, you should first learn about the features and benefits of this type of trailer which make it unique.

  • 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

Increased Stability of Gooseneck Trailers

Gooseneck trailers are more stable due to how they hitch 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 ‘swerving’ situation. 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. This makes a gooseneck trailer the perfect choice if you know you’ll be driving on curvy roads. 

Gooseneck Trailers Offer Better Load Transfer and Weight Distribution

Gooseneck trailers have superior weight distribution which makes hauling heavy loads easy. Because gooseneck trailers connect over top the 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 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 nearly an art form at Kaufman Trailers which is why our trailers are famous for how well they pull behind a vehicle.

Enhanced Maneuverability of a Gooseneck Trailer

Enhanced maneuverability is the third major 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, or when there is limited space for making a u-turn, making sharp turns, or navigating around cul-de-sacs. 

Fifth Wheel Connections

Another benefit of gooseneck trailers is their 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.

Gooseneck Trailers Are Rarely Stolen

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. That said, most thieves are not equipped with a gooseneck hitch. This also is helpful in avoiding the neighbor next door who just needs 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, a 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 this these 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, and a conventional frame gooseneck trailer with open steel runners or full diamond floor.

Landscape Gooseneck Trailers

A landscape gooseneck trailer is built for the 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. 

Final Thoughts: Benefits of 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 amount of trips, increase your load capacity, and can even lower your maintenance costs. 

For more information concerning this topic, or to inquire about our gooseneck trailers for sale, please call and speak to one of our trained consultants at 866-455-7444.