Whether you're looking to tow a RV for camping or livestock for agricultural purposes you will need the proper equipment to complete the job. Not only does this include a pickup truck of heavy-duty stature and a trailer that is sturdy, but a trailer hitch that meets the demand. Class I and II receiver hitches can tow light loads. Class III and Class IV hitches accomodate gross trailer weight's up to 10,000 lbs. and are often useful for hauling boats and campers.For loads greater than 10,000 lbs. there are Class V hitches, gooseneck hitches, that can tow up to 30,000 lbs. Gooseneck hitches are mounted through the truck's bed, unlike the receiver hitches which extend from the rear of a tow vehicle. They lock by using a hitch ball. Besides strength, goosenecks are also known for allowing increased turning clearance, meaning they can make and take shaper turns than that of a trailer attached via a receiver hitch. Dependent upon the model is the price, of course, as well as features such as a folding hitch ball to remove obstruction from the bed of the truck. Installation kits aren't always included either. Some can be an easy install while others are NOT, dictating this is the make or model, so if you are a do it yourself'er, you may want to consider this. Below we'll discuss a additional factors that may need to be taken in a count when choosing the proper gooseneck hitch. Below are a variety of equalizer hitches to accommodate your specific needs.

 

Choosing A Gooseneck Hitch

If you're seeking a gooseneck hitch, than you must have the correct trailer type since only a specific type can attach to this type of hitch. A trailer that usually requires this type of hitch is one that is designed with a protruding front that juts out, extending beyond the main body of the trailer as seen here in the picture to the left.Another factor to consider is the weight to accommodate for. Gooseneck hitches can hold quite a hefty load, but it's more important to determine whether it is capable of handling the load by acquiring the trailer weight, loaded and unloaded. Trailer weight is one thing, load a half dozen livestock or the camping gear for a summer's vacation and the stakes have risen. Also, the pickup truck has to be able to accommodate such loads. This information is generally provided by manufacturers in the vehicles' manual. A good rule of thumb is to give some leeway to allow for cargo additions or in case the weight of your load was calculated properly.
It's important to consider how difficult installation will be when choosing a gooseneck hitch since some can be much more complicated than others to install. As mentioned before the make and model of the vehicle can affect how challenging the experience may be as well as the brand of hitch selected. Hiring a professional for the installation may be your best option if you have a vehicle that's going to make for a tricky install. It's imperative that all is correctly installed to an exactness. from drilling a hole, in the proper location, for the hitch ball or bolting the hitch assembly, securely, to the vehicles' chasis. In some cases, certain parts may need to be temporarily removed to get the assembly in place not to mention you need to be aware of critical components such as brake and fuel lines during the installation process. Below we discuss the installation process.
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Gooseneck Hitch Installation

Before installing a gooseneck hitch a few other modifications may be required to the tow vehicle. Typically, a hole is drilled through the truck beds' center, exposing the underlying frame, in which a hitch ball can then be firmly attached. Features may include a fold away or detachable hitch ball while not in use. To provide a secure connection between the tow vehicle and trailer the hitch assembly is bolted to the vehicle's frame in various places. Safety chain anchors are a frequent integration of gooseneck hitch assemblies to ensure the trailer won't completely come loose in the event it should fail. Generally, tools for installation may be those already laying around your garage with saws, drills, and wreches topping the list.Important steps of the process involve locating where a hole for the hitch ball needs to be made, both in terms of the distance from the back and side to side. With the results being a center placement. Expect to do quite a bit of measuring during; you want to be certain that the hitch assembly is properly aligned. Always be aware of any key components, damaging them would be sure disaster. If you do not have the knowledge necessary to complete such a task it may be in your best interest to contact a professional.


gooseneck installation