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Last updated: September 2026
A gooseneck hitch puts a 2-5/16″ ball in the middle of your truck bed, over or just ahead of the rear axle, so you can tow gooseneck horse trailers, flatbeds and equipment trailers much heavier than a bumper hitch allows. Which one you need depends mostly on your truck: many newer heavy-duty pickups have a factory “puck” system that only needs a ball, while others need an under-bed kit or a rail-mounted hitch. This guide covers all three.
How we chose: this is a comparison based on Amazon listing titles, brand and stated fitment, not hands-on testing. Towing hardware is safety equipment. Stay within every rating that applies: the hitch, your truck’s towing, payload, axle and combined (GCWR) ratings, and your trailer’s rating, and a professional installation is strongly recommended for any under-bed kit.
Quick Picks: Best Gooseneck Hitches by Type
- Under-bed kit, 2020-2026 Chevy/GMC 2500/3500: B&W Turnoverball GNRK1020
- Under-bed kit, 2011-2016 Ford F-250/F-350: B&W Turnoverball GNRK1111
- Flip-over ball for select Ford F-150/F-250: CURT 60722 Double Lock
- Factory puck system, Ford/GM/Nissan: B&W OEM ball and safety chain kit GNXA2061
- Factory puck system, Ram: B&W OEM ball and safety chain kit GNXA2062
- Factory puck system, 2020+ GM: GEN-Y Hitch gooseneck ball
- Trucks with 5th wheel rails: CURT 16055 rail-mounted gooseneck hitch
Gooseneck Hitch Comparison
| Hitch | Type | Fit (per listing) | Listed rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| B&W Turnoverball GNRK1020 | Under-bed kit | 2020-2026 Chevy/GMC 2500 & 3500 | See listing |
| B&W Turnoverball GNRK1111 | Under-bed kit | 2011-2016 Ford F-250 & F-350 | See listing |
| CURT 60722 Double Lock | Flip-over ball kit | Select Ford F-150, F-250 | 30K |
| B&W GNXA2061 | Ball + safety chains for factory puck | Ford, GM, Nissan | See listing |
| B&W GNXA2062 | Ball + safety chains for factory puck | Ram | See listing |
| GEN-Y Hitch gooseneck ball | Ball for factory puck | GM 2020 to current OEM puck systems | 25,000 lb |
| CURT 16055 | Rail-mounted gooseneck | Industry-standard 5th wheel rails | 25,000 lb, 3″ offset |
First: Does Your Truck Have a Factory Puck System?
Many recent Ford Super Duty, GM heavy-duty and Ram heavy-duty trucks can be ordered with a factory fifth-wheel/gooseneck prep package. You’ll see round “puck” mounts in the bed floor, often with a center hole for the ball. If your truck has them, you usually only need the correct ball and safety chains, not a full under-bed kit. If it doesn’t, you’ll need an under-bed kit or a rail system.
Best Under-Bed Gooseneck Hitch Kits
1. B&W Turnoverball GNRK1020 (2020-2026 Chevy/GMC 2500/3500)
- GM TRUCK COMPATIBILITY – Designed to fit 2020‑2026 Chevrolet and GMC 2500 and 3500 trucks, this Turnoverball gooseneck h…
- NO‑DRILL BOLT‑ON INSTALLATION – This gooseneck hitch system bolts to existing holes in the truck frame with no drilling …
- DURABLE POWDER‑COAT FINISH – Finished with a durable powder‑coat, the hitch components are protected against corrosion a…
Bottom line: B&W’s Turnoverball is one of the best-known under-bed gooseneck designs: the ball flips over and stores in the hole, leaving the bed almost flat when you’re not towing. This kit is listed for 2020-2026 Chevrolet and GMC 2500 and 3500 trucks.
What to know: Under-bed kits involve drilling the bed and mounting to the frame. Unless you have the tools and experience, have a hitch shop install it.
2. B&W Turnoverball GNRK1111 (2011-2016 Ford F-250/F-350)
- Compatible With: 2011-2016 Ford F250 & F350 Trucks
- Bolts to existing holes in the frame with no drilling or welding.
- Durable powder-coat finish.
Bottom line: The same Turnoverball design, listed for 2011-2016 Ford F-250 and F-350 trucks. It’s a good fit for older Super Duty trucks that weren’t ordered with the factory prep package.
What to know: Confirm your bed length and any spare tire or exhaust routing details against the listing and instructions.
3. CURT 60722 Double Lock Gooseneck Hitch (Select Ford F-150, F-250)
- FLIP-AND-STORE BALL. This CURT gooseneck hitch promotes maximum functionality of your pickup truck. Flip the ball up to …
- VERSATILE TOWING. This easy-to-operate gooseneck trailer hitch uses a heavy-duty handle and double locking pins to secur…
- TESTED STRENGTH. For secure towing of heavy-duty trailers, this gooseneck hitch is rated for 30,000 lbs. GTW and 7,500 l…
Bottom line: A CURT under-bed kit with a 2-5/16″ flip-over ball, listed at 30K and for select Ford F-150 and F-250 trucks.
A real limitation: A half-ton truck like the F-150 has much lower towing and payload ratings than the hitch itself. The hitch rating doesn’t raise what your truck can safely tow.
Best Gooseneck Balls for Factory Puck Systems
4. B&W OEM Gooseneck Ball & Safety Chain Kit GNXA2061 (Ford, GM, Nissan)
- Designed to work with OEM puck system hitches installed by Ford/GM/Nissan. This B&W product is engineered to preserve th…
- Convenient handle locks in horizontal position to prevent accidental unlatching and provides a clean way to carry the go…
- All components are plated or stainless steel for corrosion protection. This B&W product is engineered to preserve the or…
Bottom line: An American-made ball and safety chain kit for factory puck systems, listed for Ford, GM and Nissan. It’s the simplest route if your truck already has the prep package.
What to know: Puck systems differ by brand and year. Match the kit to your truck’s system exactly.
5. B&W OEM Gooseneck Ball & Safety Chain Kit GNXA2062 (Ram)
- The Turnoverball design offers true versatility. When towing is required, the hitch provides a solid gooseneck connectio…
- Designed to work with OEM puck system hitches installed by Ram. This B&W product is engineered to preserve the original …
- Convenient handle locks in horizontal position to prevent accidental unlatching and provides a clean way to carry the go…
Bottom line: The Ram version of B&W’s American-made ball and safety chain kit for factory puck systems.
What to know: Ram’s puck system isn’t interchangeable with Ford or GM. Double-check you’ve picked the Ram kit.
6. GEN-Y Hitch Gooseneck Ball (2020+ GM Puck Systems)
- Heavy-Duty Towing Capacity: Rated for 25,000 lbs. towing capacity with 3.5-6.5K tongue weight range for demanding haulin…
- Built-in TORSION-FLEX Technology: Integrates patented shock absorption directly into the gooseneck hitch ball for smooth…
- Maintenance Free Design: Engineered for long-lasting performance without requiring ongoing maintenance or upkeep
Bottom line: A gooseneck ball listed as rated for 25,000 lbs towing capacity with a 3.5-6.5K tongue weight range, for GM 2020-to-current OEM puck systems. GEN-Y is known for towing hardware.
What to know: As with any ball, the ball’s rating doesn’t raise your truck’s own towing, payload or axle ratings.
Best Rail-Mounted Gooseneck Hitch
7. CURT 16055 5th Wheel Rail Gooseneck Hitch
- Allows pickup trucks equipped with 5th wheel rails to tow gooseneck trailers
- Mounts to all industry-standard 5th wheel base rails
- Four-pin installation and removal for easy truck bed access
Bottom line: If your truck already has 5th wheel rails, a rail-mounted gooseneck hitch mounts in them instead of needing an under-bed kit. This CURT unit is listed at 25,000 lb with a 3″ offset; confirm rail compatibility and installation requirements in CURT’s instructions.
A real limitation: A rail-mounted hitch takes up more bed space than a flip-over ball and has to be removed if you want a flat bed. If you also tow a fifth-wheel camper, see our best fifth wheel hitch guide.
Who a Gooseneck Hitch Is NOT For
- Owners of half-ton trucks towing near their limits: a gooseneck moves the load to a better spot, but it doesn’t increase your truck’s towing or payload ratings.
- DIYers without the right tools: under-bed kits need drilling and frame mounting. A bad install is a safety risk, so use a professional.
- Anyone who needs a flat bed every day and doesn’t want to remove hardware: choose a flip-over ball or puck system rather than a rail-mounted hitch.
How to Choose a Gooseneck Hitch
Check your ratings first
Look up your truck’s gooseneck towing rating, payload, GVWR, axle ratings and GCWR in the owner’s manual, plus your trailer’s GVWR. These limits measure different loads: keep the loaded trailer within the hitch, towing and trailer ratings, the loaded truck (including pin weight) within its payload, GVWR and axle limits, and the combined weight within the GCWR.
Puck system, under-bed kit or rails?
Factory puck: buy the matching ball and chains. No prep: an under-bed kit (professionally installed) keeps the bed almost flat. Existing 5th wheel rails: a rail-mounted gooseneck hitch is often the easiest add-on, once you confirm rail compatibility.
Ball size
Gooseneck trailers almost always use a 2-5/16″ ball. Match the ball to your trailer’s coupler.
Safety chains and wiring
Use the safety chain anchors your hitch provides, and make sure you have trailer wiring in the bed. Our truck bed 5th wheel RV plug guide covers the connector.
Bed liner compatibility
Drop-in liners and some mats need cutting around the ball hole. A truck bed mat is usually easier to trim than a drop-in liner.
Gooseneck Towing Safety Checklist
- Check the ball is locked in the towing position before every trip.
- Cross the safety chains and connect them to the hitch’s anchors, with enough slack to turn.
- Check the coupler latch and pin on the trailer.
- Test the trailer lights and brakes before you drive off.
- Re-check the hardware and torque as the hitch instructions say.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gooseneck hitch?
It’s a hitch with a ball mounted in the truck bed, used to tow gooseneck trailers. Placing the load over the rear axle makes heavy trailers more stable than with a bumper hitch.
Gooseneck vs fifth wheel: what’s the difference?
A gooseneck uses a ball and coupler, while a fifth wheel uses a kingpin and a hitch plate. Goosenecks are common on horse, livestock and flatbed trailers; fifth wheels are common on RVs.
Can I install a gooseneck hitch myself?
A ball in a factory puck system is usually straightforward. Under-bed kits involve drilling the bed and frame mounting, so a professional install is strongly recommended.
What size ball does a gooseneck hitch use?
Almost always 2-5/16″. Check your trailer’s coupler before buying.
Does a gooseneck hitch increase towing capacity?
No. It can make towing more stable, but your truck’s ratings still set the limit.
Setting up your truck for work? See our guide to the most useful truck accessories.
Final Thoughts
Start by checking whether your truck has a factory puck system. If it does, the B&W OEM kits or the GEN-Y ball are the simplest choice. If it doesn’t, a B&W Turnoverball or CURT under-bed kit, professionally installed, gives you a nearly flat bed. And if you already have compatible 5th wheel rails, the CURT 16055 is worth a look. Whatever you choose, stay within every rating that applies.
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