Guides
Gooseneck vs Fifth Wheel
Two ways to tow heavy trailers. Here's how they differ.
The Quick Answer
Fifth Wheel
A large hitch with a horseshoe-shaped jaw that grips a kingpin on the trailer. Common for RV travel trailers. Stays in your truck bed when not towing.
Gooseneck
A 2-5/16" ball in your truck bed that the trailer coupler drops onto. Common for flatbeds, livestock, and utility trailers. Can be flush-mounted for a clean bed.
The Connection Point
The fundamental difference
The fundamental difference is how the trailer connects to your truck:
Fifth Wheel
The trailer has a kingpin (a large vertical pin) that drops into the hitch's jaw. The jaw clamps around it and locks. Similar to how semi-trucks connect.
Gooseneck
The trailer has a coupler (a socket) at the end of a curved neck that drops over a ball in your truck bed. Same concept as a regular ball hitch, just bigger.
Which Trailers Use Which?
Know your trailer type
Fifth Wheel Trailers
- • RV fifth wheel travel trailers (the big ones)
- • Toy haulers with living quarters
- • Some horse trailers with living quarters
Gooseneck Trailers
- • Flatbed trailers (car haulers, equipment)
- • Livestock trailers
- • Dump trailers
- • Some horse trailers
- • Commercial/work trailers
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Fifth Wheel | Gooseneck |
|---|---|---|
| Connection type | Kingpin into jaw | Coupler over ball |
| Primary use | RV trailers | Work/utility trailers |
| Bed space (no trailer) | Hitch takes space | Ball can be flush |
| Hookup ease | Good with practice | Simple ball drop |
| Stability | Excellent | Very good |
| Typical capacity | 16K-30K+ lbs | 25K-35K+ lbs |
Can You Mix and Match?
Yes, with adapters
Here's where it gets interesting. You can tow a fifth wheel trailer with a gooseneck setup (or vice versa) using adapters.
Gooseneck Ball + Fifth Wheel Trailer
Two options:
- • Adapter hitch — Sits on your gooseneck ball and provides a fifth wheel jaw on top. Adds height (check cab clearance).
- • Gooseneck pin box — Replace your trailer's pin box with one that has a gooseneck coupler. More permanent but cleaner solution.
Fifth Wheel Hitch + Gooseneck Trailer
This is less common and not generally recommended. Fifth wheel hitches are designed for kingpins, not ball couplers. If you have a fifth wheel hitch and need to tow a gooseneck trailer, you'd typically remove the hitch and install a gooseneck ball (or use a different truck).
Which Should You Choose?
Get Fifth Wheel If:
- • Towing an RV fifth wheel trailer
- • Want maximum stability for large trailers
- • Don't need full truck bed when not towing
Get Gooseneck If:
- • Towing flatbed, livestock, or utility trailers
- • Want a clean truck bed when not towing
- • Rancher, farmer, or commercial hauler
Consider Both If:
You have a fifth wheel RV AND gooseneck work trailers. Some trucks can have a gooseneck ball AND pucks/rails. Puck-to-gooseneck adapters let you switch between setups.
Already Have a Gooseneck?
Towing a fifth wheel?
If you have a gooseneck ball installed and bought (or are buying) a fifth wheel trailer, you have options. You don't necessarily need to rip out your gooseneck setup.
Gooseneck-to-fifth-wheel adapters sit on top of your existing ball and provide a fifth wheel connection point. They're not as clean as a dedicated fifth wheel hitch, but they work.
Check your adapter's weight rating carefully, and make sure you have enough clearance between your truck cab and the trailer (adapters add several inches of height).
Find Your Setup
Tell us what's in your truck bed and we'll show you compatible options — whether that's a fifth wheel hitch, adapter, or something else.
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