Don’t Get Left Behind: 7 Essential Benefits of a Gooseneck Trailer
When looking to decide on a trailer, most will choose between a gooseneck trailer or a pull behind trailer but that really depends on their preferences as some people get custom trailers as well . A gooseneck trailer provides a myriad of benefits.
Believe it or not, there are more than 253 million vehicles on the road in the United States alone. And if you’re like most drivers, you’ve probably wondered about towing trailers behind your ride at some point. If you already own one but need work on yours, make sure you find a company that offers trailer repair services before the issues are irrepairable.
These trailer are immensly popular. After all, they’re the easiest way to transport large loads. But choosing between a gooseneck trailer and a standard bumper-pull can be a bit confusing.
Both will get the job done. Both will need a trailer jockey wheel to make maneuvering it easier. But goosenecks have a few unique benefits you’ll want to be aware of. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Goosenecks Offer Better Stability
Swerving happens. It’s a natural response when you’re trying to avoid something in the middle of the road. But it’s particularly dangerous when you’re driving with a trailer.
Instead of just maneuvering the tow vehicle, you’re trying to move the large trailer and all its contents with your ride.
When you have a bumper-pull trailer hitched up and swerve with your vehicle, the weight of the trailer can cause it to swerve out of control. Why? Because of its weight pivots on that small ball hitch.
Goosenecks distribute the weight of the load directly over the truck’s rear axle. This means when you swerve, the truck can immediately compensate for and control the movement of the trailer.
You’ll still swerve, but it will swerve less wildly. And you’ll be able to correct the movement faster before any doing any serious damage.
2. Higher Towing Capacity
With bumper-pull trailers, Your truck or SUV’s bumper has to support the full weight of the trailer and its cargo. Australia is large, a caravan is a good option for travel. Buy from Caravan Finance Australia to get the best deal. For caravan servicing assistance, contact Swift Caravan Services now!
If you overload the trailer, your truck won’t run efficiently. Worse, you can damage the trailer and your truck at the same time.
Goosenecks have larger towing capacities if you are in to auto towing services business. Since they’re so stable and have better weight distribution than bumper-pull trailers, you’re able to tow larger goosenecks and larger cargo.
Just make sure to check your truck’s towing capacity before you load it up.
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3. Smoother Ride Quality
Goosenecks make towing easy. Since the hitch sits over the back axle of the truck, you’ll barely notice the trailer as you tow it down the road.
The weight and any turbulence the trailer experiences on the road gets distributed through the truck bed and down into the rear tires themselves.
Bumper-pull trailers create drag on your truck and when they bounce, you feel it. If you’re driving over rough terrain or hauling heavy loads, this can make for a stressful towing experience.
4. Tighter Turning Radius
You might think that a smaller trailer means a tighter turning radius. And to an extent, this is true. But most bumper-pull trailers have a smaller turning radius than gooseneck trailers of the same size.
With bumper-pull trailers, the entire load gets pulled behind your truck. When the truck turns, the trailer needs a bit more space to follow the curve of the turn.
If you’re not careful, you can hit walls, curbs, rocks, and even gas pumps with a bumper-pull before you even realize what’s happening.
Gooseneck trailers sit closer to the truck itself. And since the truck can pivot beneath the hitch, you’re able to take tighter turns without hitting anything nearby.
5. Safer in Windy Conditions
Sway is the enemy of anyone towing trailers down the road. It happens as a result of the friction between the tires and the asphalt. But wind can make that sway even worse.
Bumper-pull trailers pivot on a small hitch. And when the wind kicks up and hits the broadside of the trailer, it pushes the weight against that little hitch.
The trailer can swing or sway from side to side on the road. And if you’re not careful, it can sway so much that the trailer flips while you’re driving.
Goosenecks have a larger hitch and better balance on the road. They don’t sway as much and tend to withstand strong gusts without swaying too much.
6. More Secure Than Bumper-Pull Trailers
Anyone can install a basic ball hitch on the back of their car, truck or SUV. And that means it’s far easier for bumper-pull trailers to go missing unless you invest in a quality hitch lock.
But since goosenecks require a truck bed and a special hitch, they’re far less common. And fewer people will go to the trouble to install them unless they plan on owning a gooseneck themselves. This means it’s less likely that a gooseneck trailer will get stolen.
Furthermore, they require a bit of finesse to hitch up correctly. If a thief tries to make off with the trailer, they’ll spend valuable time trying to hitch the trailer up correctly. And if they fail, they’ll damage their truck, making it easier for the police to identify the culprits.
7. A Gooseneck Trailer Is More Versatile
Goosenecks can haul much heavier loads than bumper-pull trailers. But that doesn’t mean that’s all they’re good for.
You can haul light loads just as easily without worrying about the trailer handling differently.
If you’re looking for a trailer that works as an all-around everyday hauler, goosenecks will give you the versatility you need. And since their loading decks are often wider and more stable, you’ll be able to haul some awkwardly shaped loads more easily.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, choosing between a gooseneck trailer and a bumper-pull is entirely up to your comfort level with towing heavy loads and your budget. Goosenecks are often a bit more expensive. And you have to pay for complicated hitch installations.
But you will be able to tow more and move those loads more easily.
Think about your primary towing vehicle, your budget, and your personal preferences before you make your decision. Either way you go, you’ll be moving loads in no time.
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