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A diesel truck that can’t hook up to a gooseneck is only doing half its job. Whether you’re hauling a stock trailer, a flatbed loaded with a skid steer, a toy hauler for hunting camp, or round bales in the fall, a gooseneck setup puts the weight where the truck handles it best: over the rear axle, not hanging off the bumper.
This guide covers the best gooseneck hitches for Ram, Ford, and GM heavy-duty trucks in 2026. It explains under-bed hitches vs factory puck systems, and how to convert to fifth-wheel when you need it.
Quick Picks
- Best overall under-bed gooseneck: B&W Turnoverball
- Best value under-bed gooseneck: CURT Double Lock EZr
- Best for factory puck-prep trucks: Reese Elite Series pop-in gooseneck kits or the B&W OEM Ball & Safety Chain Kit
- Best gooseneck-to-fifth-wheel option: Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection
- Best rail-mount combo: CURT Q24 on a Gen-Y Advantage combo base
Gooseneck vs Bumper Pull vs Fifth Wheel
Bumper pull hitches put the tongue weight behind the rear axle, which lifts the front of the truck and can make heavy loads squirrelly. Gooseneck and fifth-wheel hitches put the weight in the bed, ahead of or over the rear axle, for more stability and a tighter turning radius.
The difference between those two: a gooseneck uses a ball (usually 2-5/16″) in the bed. A fifth wheel uses a kingpin and a jaw-style plate like a semi. Most farm, livestock, and equipment trailers are goosenecks. Most big RV campers are fifth wheels. A gooseneck ball folds or pops out to leave you a flat bed, which is why it’s the go-to for working trucks.
Comparison Table
| Hitch | Type | Rating (per manufacturer) | Flat Bed When Stored? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B&W Turnoverball | Under-bed, flip-over ball | 30,000 lb GTW / 7,500 lb vertical | Yes | Check current price |
| CURT Double Lock EZr | Under-bed, flip-over ball | 30,000 lb GTW / 7,500 lb vertical | Yes | Check current price |
| Reese Elite pop-in kit | Factory puck system ball | 30,000 lb | Yes (ball removes) | Check current price |
| B&W OEM Ball & Chain Kit | Factory puck system ball | 30,000 lb | Yes (ball removes) | Check current price |
| Andersen Ultimate Connection | Gooseneck-mount fifth wheel | 24,000 lb GTW / 4,500 lb pin | Removable | Check current price |
| CURT Q24 + Gen-Y combo | Rail-mount 5th wheel / gooseneck combo | 24,000 lb (Q24 head) | No (rails stay) | Check current price |
Ratings are the hitch’s ratings only. Your real limit is the lowest of the hitch, the truck’s towing and payload ratings, and the trailer’s rating.
The Hitches
B&W Turnoverball: Best Overall
The B&W Turnoverball is the hitch a lot of ranchers and contractors picture when they hear “gooseneck.” It mounts under the bed to the frame using truck-specific brackets. When you’re done, you pull the ball, flip it over, and drop it back into the hole, so it’s stored right there and your bed is flat. B&W rates it at 30,000 lb gross trailer weight and 7,500 lb vertical load.
Why it stands out: the square receiver system works with B&W’s other accessories, including their Companion fifth-wheel hitch, which mounts on the same gooseneck hardware. Made in the USA, with a long track record.
Things to know: installation means cutting a hole in the bed (B&W calls for a 4-inch hole) and mounting to the frame. It’s a reasonable DIY job if you’re handy. Otherwise, have a hitch shop do it.
CURT Double Lock EZr: Best Value
The CURT Double Lock EZr is CURT’s flip-and-store under-bed gooseneck. It also carries a 30,000 lb / 7,500 lb rating. It uses dual locking pins to secure the ball, has a 2-5/16″ ball, and uses vehicle-specific brackets. CURT advertises a center-locator to make the install easier for one person.
Why it stands out: similar capability to the B&W, often at a lower price, with wide vehicle coverage.
Things to know: it doesn’t plug into the B&W accessory ecosystem, so if you might add a B&W Companion fifth wheel later, factor that in.
Factory Puck Systems: Reese Elite and B&W OEM Kits
Many late-model Ram, Ford Super Duty, and GM HD trucks can be ordered with a factory gooseneck/fifth-wheel prep package. These trucks have “pucks,” mounting points built into the bed and tied to the frame. If your truck has them, you don’t need an under-bed hitch. You just need the ball and safety chain hardware that drops into the pucks.
- Reese Elite Series gooseneck kits: pop-in 30,000 lb ball kits with safety chain holders and a storage bag. Reese sells different versions by truck, for example 30137 for Ford/Nissan and 30140 for Ram OEM rails, so order by your exact truck.
- B&W OEM Ball & Safety Chain Kit: a comparable 30,000 lb option with integrated chain anchors.
Things to know: check what your truck shipped with. Some came with a factory ball in the box that’s still behind the seat.
Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection: Best Gooseneck-to-Fifth-Wheel
If you pull a gooseneck stock trailer most of the year and a fifth-wheel camper to deer camp or the lake, the Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection is worth a look. It mounts on your gooseneck ball and pairs with a kingpin adapter on the trailer. Andersen says the gooseneck version weighs 37 lb, needs no grease, and is rated at 24,000 lb GTW with a 4,500 lb pin weight.
Why it stands out: one person can lift it, and there are no rails in your bed. Andersen also sells matching DOT-compliant safety chains.
Things to know: it’s a different feel than a traditional jaw-style fifth wheel, and you need the trailer-side adapter. It’s best suited to trucks that already have a gooseneck ball.
CURT Q24 on a Gen-Y Combo Base: Best Rail-Mount Combo
If you want a traditional fifth-wheel head plus a gooseneck option on industry-standard rails, the CURT Q24 fifth-wheel hitch (rated 24,000 lb) can sit on a Gen-Y Advantage combo hitch base. That base accepts the Q24 head and includes a 2-5/16″ gooseneck ball. Pull a couple of pins to switch. The combo is limited to the lower rating, 24,000 lb with the Q24 head.
Things to know: rails stay in the bed full-time, which costs you some flat floor.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
1. Know Your Real Limits
A 30,000 lb hitch doesn’t make your truck a 30,000 lb truck. Check these numbers on your door sticker and in the owner’s manual:
- GCWR (gross combined weight rating): truck plus trailer plus everything in both.
- Payload: the gooseneck’s vertical load, plus passengers, fuel, and gear, all count against payload.
- Rear axle rating (GAWR).
- Trailer rating and tire load ratings.
The lowest number wins. A typical gooseneck runs 15–25% of the trailer weight on the ball, so a heavy trailer can use up your payload before you hit the tow rating.
2. Factory Prep or Not?
If your truck has factory pucks, buy the matching ball and chain kit. If not, an under-bed kit like the Turnoverball or Double Lock EZr is the clean answer.
3. Bed Length and Cab Clearance
Short-bed trucks have less room between the ball and the cab, which matters when turning tight. Gooseneck trailers usually have plenty of nose clearance, but check yours. Fifth wheels on short beds often need a slider hitch.
4. Safety Chains and Brakes
Use safety chain anchors rated for your trailer, and cross the chains. Use a breakaway switch and a good brake controller. Minnesota has trailer brake and equipment requirements based on weight. Check the current MN Driver and Vehicle Services rules for your setup. If you haul commercially, also check whether your combined weight puts you into CDL or DOT territory.
5. Installation
Under-bed hitches involve drilling, frame brackets, and torque specs. Many owners DIY them. If you aren’t comfortable, a hitch shop will do it in a few hours. Re-torque the bolts after the first few hundred miles.
Diesel Tips for Gooseneck Hauling
- Use the exhaust brake on long grades and when coming into town. It saves your service brakes.
- Watch EGT and trans temps on heavy pulls, especially on tuned trucks. A gauge or monitor is worth having.
- Tire pressure: run the truck’s rear tires at the pressure listed for max load when towing heavy.
- Grease and inspect: check the ball and coupler for wear, and keep the ball clean so it locks properly.
FAQ
What size ball does a gooseneck use?
Most gooseneck trailers use a 2-5/16″ ball. Check your trailer’s coupler before buying.
Can I pull a fifth-wheel camper with a gooseneck hitch?
Yes, with an adapter. You can use a gooseneck-mount fifth wheel like the Andersen Ultimate Connection or B&W Companion (OEM/gooseneck versions), or a kingpin-to-gooseneck coupler on the trailer. Check your RV maker’s guidance first; some don’t allow certain adapters.
Is B&W or CURT better?
Both make 30,000 lb under-bed goosenecks with similar ratings. B&W has a deeper accessory system and a long reputation. CURT is often less expensive and easy to install. Choose by price, fitment, and whether you want B&W’s accessories.
Do I need to drill my bed?
With an under-bed hitch, yes, you drill a hole for the ball. If your truck has factory gooseneck prep (pucks), you don’t.
How much weight goes on a gooseneck ball?
Commonly around 15–25% of the loaded trailer weight. Weigh your setup at a CAT scale or grain elevator to know for sure.
Bottom Line
For most diesel owners without factory prep, the B&W Turnoverball is the best all-around gooseneck, and the CURT Double Lock EZr is the value pick with the same rating. If your truck has factory pucks, just buy the right Reese Elite or B&W OEM ball kit. If you pull both goosenecks and fifth wheels, the Andersen Ultimate Connection or a CURT Q24 on a Gen-Y combo base covers both. Whatever you choose, stay inside your truck’s real limits. The hitch is rarely the weak link; payload usually is.