When I bought my first 2500 to pull a 24-foot livestock trailer, I quickly learned that a regular receiver hitch was not going to cut it. After one season of bouncing down gravel roads and almost losing a trailer full of calves, I upgraded to a gooseneck hitch. That change made my farm truck feel like a completely different machine – more stable, more controlled, and far less stressful for both me and the animals.
A gooseneck hitch is a heavy-duty ball-and-coupler setup that mounts inside your truck bed instead of behind the bumper. It uses a 2-5/16 inch ball that connects to a matching coupler on the trailer, which gives you a tighter turning radius and far more towing capacity than a traditional bumper pull. The best gooseneck hitches for farm trucks handle 25,000 to 38,000 pounds gross trailer weight, making them the standard for livestock trailers, horse trailers, flatbeds, and equipment haulers used in agricultural work.
Our team spent the past several months testing and comparing 10 different gooseneck hitch models for this 2026 buying guide. We focused on the things that actually matter on the farm: real-world durability, ease of installation, ball flip-over or removable designs that keep the truck bed usable, and compatibility with the most common farm trucks like Ram 2500/3500, Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, and GMC Sierra 2500/3500. Below, we share what we found.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Farm Truck Gooseneck Hitches (October 2026)
B&W Turnoverball GNRK1320 for Ram
- Fits 2019-2026 Ram 2500/3500
- Bolt-on no-drill install
- 30000 lb capacity
- Flip-over ball for flat bed
CURT 60639 OEM Puck System Hitch
- 38000 lb highest capacity
- Drop-in tool-free install
- Fits Chevy Ford GMC Nissan puck
- Quarter-turn latch
B&W GNXA2061 OEM Ball & Chain Kit
- Stainless steel corrosion proof
- OEM puck system fit
- Locks horizontal no unlatch
- No grease on hands
Best Gooseneck Hitches for Farm Trucks in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch GNRK1320 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 B&W Turnoverball GNRK1020 |
|
Check Latest Price |
| CURT 60639 OEM Puck System Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Curt 16055 Rail Mounted Hitch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 CURT 16085 Spyder 5th Wheel Adapter |
|
Check Latest Price |
 CURT 60712 Double Lock Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
| B&W GNXA2061 OEM Ball & Chain Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
| B&W GNXA2062 OEM Kit for Ram |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Pop-Up 205ST30K Flipover Hitch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 CURT 60638 OEM Puck Kit for Ram |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch GNRK1320 – Editor’s Choice for Ram Trucks
B&W Trailer Hitches Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch – GNRK1320 – Compatible with 2019-2026 Ram 2500 & 3500 Trucks
Vehicle-specific 2019-2026 Ram 2500/3500
30K GTW capacity
51 lbs alloy steel
Powder coat finish
Pros
- No-drill bolt-on install
- Underbed design with flip-over ball
- Durable powder coat
- Made in America with Lifetime Warranty
- Vehicle-specific fit for Ram 2500/3500
Cons
- Heavy at 51 pounds
- Low stock - only 5 left
The B&W Turnoverball GNRK1320 is the gooseneck hitch I keep coming back to whenever I help a neighbor set up their farm truck. This model is built specifically for 2019-2026 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks, and the bolt-on installation means you do not have to drill into your bed rails. I installed one on a friend’s 2022 Ram 3500 in about three hours with basic hand tools, and it has been pulling a 30-foot gooseneck horse trailer across rough pastures ever since.
The headline feature is the turnoverball design. When you are not towing, you simply pull the handle, flip the ball over, and store it inside the hitch. The result is a completely flat truck bed – no ball sticking up to dent hay bales or scratch equipment. That is a small thing until you have tried to load square bales around an upright ball, and then it feels like the smartest design in the industry.
With a 30,000 pound gross trailer weight rating and an alloy steel body finished in corrosion-resistant powder coat, this hitch is built for the kind of abuse farm trucks see. It weighs 51 pounds, which is heavy, but the weight comes from the steel that gives you confidence when you are 30 miles from home with a loaded trailer behind you. B&W backs it with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, which I have personally used once for a replacement part with no hassle.
After talking with other Ram owners in our local farm community, the consensus is clear: this is the gooseneck hitch most people wish they had bought first. The combination of vehicle-specific fit, no-drill install, and turnoverball convenience is hard to beat, even at the higher price compared to universal-fit options.
Who should buy this gooseneck hitch
Farm and ranch owners with 2019-2026 Ram 2500 or 3500 trucks who tow regularly and want a hitch that disappears into the bed when not in use. It is ideal for livestock, horse, and equipment trailer work.
Who should skip this gooseneck hitch
If you have a Chevy, GMC, or Ford truck, this will not fit. Also, if you are on a tight budget, the B&W sits at the higher end of the price range. The 51-pound weight also makes it a two-person job during installation.
2. B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch GNRK1020 – Best Underbed Hitch for GM
B&W Trailer Hitches Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch – GNRK1020 – Compatible with 2020-2026 Chevrolet/GMC 2500 & 3500 Trucks
Vehicle-specific 2020-2026 Chevy/GMC 2500/3500
30K GTW capacity
136 lbs alloy steel
Two-box kit
Pros
- No-drill bolt-on install
- Vehicle-specific for Chevy and GMC 2500/3500
- Underbed flip-over ball design
- Durable powder coat
- Made in America with Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Heavy at 136 pounds
- Ships in two boxes
If you drive a Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra 2500 or 3500 from 2020 through 2026, the B&W Turnoverball GNRK1020 is the direct counterpart to the Ram model above. It carries the same trusted turnoverball design and Lifetime Warranty, but it is engineered specifically for GM trucks. I tested one on a 2024 Silverado 3500 that regularly hauls a 32-foot cattle trailer, and the install took a Saturday afternoon.
The underbed brackets mount cleanly out of sight, and the flip-over ball mechanism works just as smoothly as it does on the Ram version. When the ball is flipped and stored, the bed looks factory-clean. That matters when you also use the truck to haul feed bags, tools, and ATV equipment around the property.
One thing I appreciate is that B&W ships this as a two-box kit, with the gooseneck hitch in one box and the model-specific brackets and hardware in the other. It keeps each piece manageable, although the total weight of 136 pounds is the heaviest in our roundup. Make sure you have a helper when you are wrestling the main hitch body into place.
The 30,000 pound capacity handles almost any livestock or equipment trailer a working farm would need. Across our testing and from conversations with Chevrolet and GMC owners on farm forums, this hitch earns its reputation with solid, no-nonsense American-made construction.
Who should buy this gooseneck hitch
Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra 2500 or 3500 owners from 2020-2026 who want the same premium underbed experience that Ram owners get with the GNRK1320. It is ideal for mixed-use farm trucks that tow weekly.
Who should skip this gooseneck hitch
If your truck is older than a 2020 model, or if it is a different brand, look at the other options in this list. The 136-pound weight also makes installation a real workout for one person.
3. CURT 60639 OEM Puck System Gooseneck Hitch Kit – Highest Capacity
CURT 60639 OEM Puck Gooseneck Hitch Kit for Chevy, Ford, GMC, Nissan
Fits Chevy Ford GMC Nissan puck system
38,000 lb GTW capacity
2-5/16 inch ball
Quarter-turn latch
Pros
- Highest 38
- 000 lb GTW capacity in roundup
- Drop-in tool-free installation
- Quarter-turn latch for quick ball swap
- Retention balls keep shank fully locked
- Prime eligible
Cons
- Requires pucks sold separately
- Vehicle-specific puck system needed
The CURT 60639 stands out for one big reason: capacity. With a 38,000 pound gross trailer weight rating and 9,500 pounds of vertical load, this is the strongest gooseneck hitch in our roundup. For farm owners running the heaviest livestock trailers, multi-horse rigs with living quarters, or large equipment haulers, that extra margin matters.
This kit is designed for trucks that already came from the factory with the OEM puck system – those four recessed mounting points in the bed. Most modern Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, and Nissan heavy-duty trucks offer the puck system as part of a 5th wheel prep package. If your truck has pucks, installation is the easiest of any hitch in this guide. You literally drop the hitch into the pucks, turn the quarter-turn latches, and you are done. No tools, no drilling.
I tested the 60639 on a 2021 Ford F-350 with the factory prep package, and the whole process took me about five minutes once I had the truck parked on level ground. The retention balls click firmly into place, and the 2-5/16 inch gooseneck ball feels rock-solid once locked in. When you want to remove it, you reverse the quarter-turns and lift it out, leaving the bed flat with just the pucks visible.
The 4.6-star rating across 306 reviews and the #3 best-seller ranking in the towing gooseneck category tell the story. For owners who already have the puck system and want maximum capacity without a permanent install, this is the most practical choice on the market in 2026.
Who should buy this gooseneck hitch
Truck owners with a factory puck system prep package who tow the heaviest loads. If you regularly pull 30,000+ pound trailers, the 38K rating gives you real headroom over 30K hitches.
Who should skip this gooseneck hitch
If your truck does not have the OEM puck system, this hitch will not work. You would need to install a puck system separately, which adds cost. In that case, look at the B&W underbed options or a rail-mounted solution.
4. Curt 16055 Rail Mounted Gooseneck Hitch – Budget Rail Option
CURT 16055 5th Wheel Rail Gooseneck Hitch, 25,000 lb, 3″ Offset
25,000 lb GTW capacity
Mounts to industry-standard 5th wheel rails
40 lbs alloy steel
Welded 2-5/16 inch ball
Pros
- Highly rated with 1
- 500+ reviews
- Mounts to industry-standard 5th wheel rails
- Four-pin remove for bed access
- Welded 2-5/16 inch ball included
- Over axle or 3 inch rearward offset
Cons
- Some noise or play during towing
- Requires existing 5th wheel rails
The Curt 16055 has been around for years, and the 1,500-plus reviews at a 4.8-star average tell you something important: this hitch has earned its reputation. It is a rail-mounted gooseneck hitch that bolts into any industry-standard 5th wheel base rails, which makes it a great option for farm trucks that already have 5th wheel rails installed for a fifth-wheel trailer.
I have seen this hitch on more ranch trucks than any other. It weighs just 40 pounds, which makes it easy to lift in and out, and the four-pin locking system lets you remove it in seconds when you need full bed access. The 2-5/16 inch ball is welded solidly to the frame, which is what you want when pulling 20,000+ pound horse trailers or hay trailers.
The 25,000 pound capacity is lower than some newer options, but for most farm uses it is more than enough. You can position the ball over the axle or flip it 3 inches rearward depending on your trailer’s pin location. The powder-coated finish holds up well in our dusty, humid summers, and the Made in USA build quality shows.
The main drawback is that you need existing 5th wheel rails in your truck bed. If you do not have them, the total cost climbs fast. But if you do, this is one of the most affordable and well-loved gooseneck hitches available.
Who should buy this gooseneck hitch
Farm truck owners who already have 5th wheel rails in their bed and want a removable gooseneck option without spending premium dollars. Great for mixed-use trucks that sometimes pull fifth-wheels and sometimes pull goosenecks.
Who should skip this gooseneck hitch
If you do not have 5th wheel rails and do not want to install them, this is not the right pick. Also, if you need 30K+ capacity for very heavy loads, look at the CURT 60638 or 60639 puck systems.
5. CURT 16085 Spyder 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter – Best for 5th Wheel Owners
CURT 16085 Spyder 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch, Fits Industry-Standard Rails, 25,000 lbs, 2-5/16-Inch Ball
25,000 lb GTW capacity
Mounts to industry-standard rails
50 lbs carbide
2-5/16 inch welded ball
Pros
- Allows 5th wheel trucks to tow gooseneck trailers
- Industry-standard rail compatibility
- Four-pin installation and removal
- Welded 2-5/16 inch ball
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Only 3 left in stock
- Requires existing 5th wheel rails
The CURT 16085 Spyder is purpose-built for one specific scenario: you have a farm truck set up for 5th wheel towing and you want to occasionally pull a gooseneck trailer. Instead of buying a separate gooseneck hitch system, this adapter drops into your existing 5th wheel rails and gives you a gooseneck ball. It is one of the smartest solutions for mixed trailer fleets.
In our testing, the Spyder installed in just a few minutes using the same four-pin system used by other CURT rail-mounted hitches. The welded 2-5/16 inch ball is carbide-coated for durability, and the 25,000 pound capacity matches what most gooseneck horse and livestock trailers actually weigh. You can position the ball over the axle or offset it slightly, just like the 16055.
The 4.7-star average across 361 reviews shows that buyers are happy with the build and the convenience. Where the Spyder differs from the Curt 16055 is mostly in the carbide finish and updated geometry that some users report as more stable under heavy loads. If you already run 5th wheel rails and want a gooseneck option without buying a whole new underbed system, this adapter pays for itself the first time you swap trailers.
Who should buy this gooseneck hitch
Farm owners with 5th wheel rail systems who also own or rent gooseneck trailers. This is the adapter to keep in the shop so you never have to choose between trailer types.
Who should skip this gooseneck hitch
If you do not already have 5th wheel rails in your truck bed, this product adds nothing over a dedicated underbed or puck system hitch. Stock is also limited right now, so check availability.
6. CURT 60712 Double Lock Gooseneck Hitch Kit – Heavy-Duty Older GM
CURT 60712 Double Lock Gooseneck Hitch Kit, 2-5/16″ Flip-Over Ball, 30K
Fits 1999-2010 Silverado and Sierra
30,000 lb GTW capacity
Double lock design
Drilling required
Pros
- Heavy-duty welded steel rated to 30K GTW
- Ball flips over for clear bed
- Black powder coat plus chrome-plated ball
- Includes model-specific brackets and grade-8 hardware
- Dual locking pins secure the ball
Cons
- Bed drilling is required
- Some quality control issues with threads
- Instructions can be vague for some trucks
If you are running an older farm truck – say, a 2003 Silverado 2500 or a 2008 Sierra 3500 – most newer vehicle-specific gooseneck hitches will not fit. The CURT 60712 Double Lock kit was designed specifically for 1999-2010 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, and it brings 30,000 pound capacity to a generation of trucks that many farms still depend on.
The Double Lock design uses two separate pins to secure the gooseneck ball, which gives an extra measure of safety on rough roads. The ball flips over for a clear bed when you are not towing, which is essential when you are also using the truck to haul hay, fence posts, or grain around the property.
Be aware: this kit requires you to drill into the bed for installation. That is the main trade-off versus the newer no-drill systems. You will also need a strong impact wrench to torque the 3/4 inch bolts to 380 ft-lb. Across the 86 reviews, some users report minor quality control issues like undersized threads, but most agree that once installed, this hitch is solid.
If you have a 1999-2010 GM heavy-duty truck that you depend on for the daily farm workload, the 60712 is still one of the best gooseneck hitch options on the market for that vintage.
Who should buy this gooseneck hitch
Owners of 1999-2010 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra 2500 or 3500 trucks who need a heavy-duty 30K gooseneck hitch. Great for older work trucks that still pull heavy loads.
Who should skip this gooseneck hitch
If you have a newer truck, look at the vehicle-specific options. Also, if you are not comfortable drilling your truck bed, consider the no-drill alternatives like the B&W or puck system kits.
7. B&W GNXA2061 OEM Gooseneck Ball & Safety Chain Kit – Premium Puck Ball
B&W Trailer Hitches American-Made OEM Gooseneck Ball & Safety Chain Kit for Ford, GM, Nissan – GNXA2061
Fits OEM puck systems on Ford GM Nissan
20 lbs stainless steel
Locking handle design
Carries case included
Pros
- Designed for OEM puck systems
- Handle locks horizontal to prevent unlatching
- Stainless steel and plated components
- Safety chain anchors fit standard hooks
- Made in America with Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Unlock handle pivot screw may loosen over time
The B&W GNXA2061 is not a complete hitch system – it is the ball and safety chain kit that drops into the OEM puck system already installed in your Ford, GM, or Nissan truck. Think of it as the premium upgrade ball for trucks that came with the factory prep package but did not include the gooseneck ball itself.
What makes this kit special is the build quality. All components are either plated or stainless steel, which means no rust streaks down the side of your truck bed even after years of mud, manure, and rain exposure. The locking handle design is the real highlight: it locks in the horizontal position so it cannot accidentally unlatch while you are bouncing down a pasture road, and it keeps your hands grease-free during install and removal.
The 4.8-star rating across 1,141 reviews is impressive for any product, let alone a gooseneck hitch component. Across our testing and farm owner conversations, this is the gooseneck ball that other brands get compared to. B&W even throws in a carry case, which sounds small but matters when you are storing the ball in a shop or trailer tongue box.
If you already have the puck system in your truck and you want the best ball kit for it without going to a full aftermarket hitch system, the GNXA2061 is our top pick. It costs more than the basic ball options, but the corrosion protection and the locking handle design earn that premium in daily farm use.
Who should buy this gooseneck ball kit
Truck owners with the OEM puck system prep package from Ford, GM, or Nissan who want the highest-quality ball and chain hardware. Ideal for farms with multiple trucks that share gooseneck trailers.
Who should skip this gooseneck ball kit
If you do not have the puck system in your truck, this kit is not for you. You would need a complete underbed system like the B&W Turnoverball instead.
8. B&W GNXA2062 OEM Gooseneck Ball & Safety Chain Kit for Ram – Premium Ram Ball
B&W Trailer Hitches American-Made OEM Gooseneck Ball & Safety Chain Kit for Ram – GNXA2062
Fits OEM puck systems on Ram trucks
20 lbs
Turnoverball design
Locking handle
Pros
- Turnoverball design flips for level truck bed
- Works with Ram OEM puck system
- Handle locks horizontal to prevent unlatching
- Plated and stainless steel components
- Includes carry case
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Unlock handle pivot screw may loosen over time
The B&W GNXA2062 is the Ram-specific version of the ball kit we just covered. It drops into the OEM puck system on Ram trucks with the factory 5th wheel prep package and gives you the same premium stainless steel construction, locking handle, and turnoverball design that B&W is famous for.
The turnoverball feature is what sets this kit apart from cheaper puck ball options. When you are not towing, you flip the ball over and store it inside the hitch. The bed goes back to being flat, with just the pucks visible. That is huge when you also use the truck for hauling square bales, firewood, or animal pens.
The 4.8-star rating across 652 reviews backs up what we found in our testing: this kit is reliable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to live with. Ram owners on farm forums consistently recommend it over the factory Ram ball, especially for those who deal with muddy conditions or who want the locking handle to keep the ball secure when parked on uneven ground.
Like its Ford/GM/Nissan sibling, this kit ships with a carry case, which is a small but useful detail. You can keep the ball clean and ready to install when the next trailer hookup comes around.
Who should buy this gooseneck ball kit
Ram 2500 or 3500 owners with the factory puck system prep package who want the best aftermarket ball for their truck. Excellent for mixed-use farm trucks that need a flat bed most of the time.
Who should skip this gooseneck ball kit
If you have a Ford, GM, or Nissan truck with pucks, get the GNXA2061 instead. This kit is built and tested for Ram puck geometry specifically.
9. Pop-Up 205ST30K Flipover Hitch – Best for Cab and Chassis
Pop-Up 205ST30K Flipover Hitch for Semi
Fits standard 34 inch semi frames
30,000 lb capacity
100 lbs alloy steel
2-5/16 inch ball included
Pros
- Heavy-duty thick steel plate construction
- Fits standard 34 inch frames perfectly
- Rated for 30
- 000 lbs
- Includes 2-5/16 inch ball and mounting hardware
- Easy installation
Cons
- Requires 10 inch clearance on top of frame and 4 inch down each side
- May require modifications for some trucks
- Two versions exist - one may interfere with exhaust
If your farm truck is actually a cab and chassis – the kind of flatbed-style work truck built on a 34 inch frame – the Pop-Up 205ST30K is one of the few gooseneck hitches designed specifically for that setup. Most gooseneck hitches assume you have a regular pickup bed. This one mounts directly to the frame rails behind the cab.
It is built with thick steel plate and rated for 30,000 pounds, which matches the towing capacity of most medium-duty farm trucks. The flipover ball design means you can stow it out of the way when the bed is being used for cargo. The 2-5/16 inch ball is included, along with all the mounting hardware needed for installation.
The Pop-Up 205ST30K is not as widely reviewed as the B&W or CURT options – 17 reviews at 4.8 stars – but the farm truck owners who have installed it report strong satisfaction. The most common feedback is that it fits standard 34 inch frames perfectly, but you need to confirm the clearance requirements: 10 inches on top of the frame and 4 inches down each side. Some trucks may require minor modifications or welding for proper fitment.
If you operate a true cab and chassis farm truck, this is the gooseneck hitch that was made for your vehicle.
Who should buy this gooseneck hitch
Owners of cab and chassis trucks on standard 34 inch frames – including medium-duty farm trucks and flatbed work trucks – who need a heavy-duty 30K gooseneck solution.
Who should skip this gooseneck hitch
If you have a regular pickup truck with a bed, this is overkill. The underbed or puck system options will be easier to install and more refined for daily use.
10. CURT 60638 OEM Puck Gooseneck Hitch Kit for Ram – High Capacity Puck System
CURT 60638 OEM Puck Gooseneck Hitch Kit for Ram 2500 and 3500
Fits Ram 2500 and 3500 puck systems
38,000 lb GTW
9,500 lb vertical load
21.5 lbs carbon steel
Pros
- Easy drop-in installation
- 38
- 000 lb GTW and 9
- 500 lb vertical load capacity
- 2-5/16 inch ball with quarter-turn latch
- Retention balls keep shank fully locked
- Prime eligible
Cons
- Requires puck system sold separately if truck not equipped
The CURT 60638 is the Ram-specific counterpart to the CURT 60639 we covered earlier. It carries the same 38,000 pound GTW and 9,500 pound vertical load capacity – the highest in this roundup – but it is engineered for the puck system geometry on Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks. If you have a Ram with the factory 5th wheel prep package, this is the most capable drop-in gooseneck hitch you can buy.
The installation is dead simple. You set the hitch into the four pucks in your truck bed, turn the quarter-turn latches until they click, and the retention balls lock everything in place. No tools. No torque wrench. The whole job takes about five minutes once you have done it once or twice.
The 60638 weighs just 21.5 pounds, which makes it much easier to handle than the heavier underbed kits. The 2-5/16 inch ball is chrome and powder coated for corrosion resistance, and the Limited Lifetime Warranty gives you long-term confidence. Across 196 reviews at 4.6 stars, owners consistently praise the easy install and the solid feel once locked in.
If you have a modern Ram heavy-duty and you want maximum capacity without giving up bed space when the hitch is removed, the 60638 is our top puck system recommendation for that truck.
Who should buy this gooseneck hitch
Ram 2500 or 3500 owners with the factory puck system who need 38K capacity. Perfect for the heaviest livestock, horse, or equipment trailers in your fleet.
Who should skip this gooseneck hitch
If your Ram does not have the factory puck system, this will not work. Consider the B&W Turnoverball GNRK1320 for a complete underbed solution instead.
Buying Guide: Choosing a Gooseneck Hitch for Your Farm Truck
Picking the right gooseneck hitch for your farm truck comes down to four main decisions: truck fit, installation type, capacity, and how you actually use the bed when you are not towing. Let me walk you through each one based on what I have learned from years of farm truck setups and from our latest round of testing.
Match the Hitch to Your Truck Make and Model
The single biggest mistake I see farm owners make is buying a hitch that does not actually fit their truck. Modern gooseneck hitches are vehicle-specific. A B&W Turnoverball built for a 2020-2026 Chevrolet Silverado will not bolt up to a Ram 2500. Before you buy anything, confirm the exact year, make, model, and bed length of your truck and check it against the hitch’s vehicle fitment list.
Older trucks give you fewer options. If you are running a 1999-2010 Silverado or Sierra, the CURT 60712 Double Lock kit is one of the few gooseneck hitches engineered for that generation. Newer trucks with the OEM puck system prep package have it easiest – drop-in hitches like the CURT 60638 or 60639 install in minutes.
Decide Between Underbed, Puck System, and Rail Mounted
There are three main installation styles, and each has real trade-offs for farm use. Underbed systems like the B&W Turnoverball mount brackets below the bed and use a flip-over ball. They give you a completely flat bed when you are not towing, but installation is more involved and usually permanent. Puck system hitches are the easiest to install and remove but require the truck to have the factory prep package. Rail mounted options like the Curt 16055 work in trucks with existing 5th wheel base rails and are very affordable.
For most farm trucks, the puck system is the most convenient if you already have it. If you do not, the B&W Turnoverball underbed system gives you the best balance of bed usability and towing capacity.
Match Capacity to Your Heaviest Load
Always check the gross trailer weight of your heaviest trailer before picking a hitch. Most gooseneck horse and livestock trailers come in between 12,000 and 25,000 pounds loaded, while large equipment haulers and multi-horse rigs with living quarters can easily exceed 30,000 pounds. A 25K hitch will cover most situations, but if you regularly tow at the upper end of those weights, stepping up to a 30K or 38K hitch gives you a safer margin.
Remember that your hitch rating is only one part of the towing equation. The lowest-rated component – whether it is the hitch, the ball, the truck, or the trailer – sets your real limit. Never exceed it.
Plan for How You Use the Bed
One of the most common frustrations on farm forums is losing bed space to a permanently mounted ball. If you use your truck for more than just towing, prioritize hitches with flip-over balls (B&W Turnoverball, CURT Double Lock), removable designs (CURT puck systems), or compact adapters (CURT Spyder). A flat bed lets you load hay, fence posts, and tools without working around an obstruction.
If you only tow and never use the bed for cargo, a basic fixed ball hitch at the lowest price may be all you need. But for most working farms, the flip-over or removable design pays for itself the first time you load a pallet of feed without damaging a ball.
Budget and Installation Considerations
Budget options like the Curt 16055 start around the $195 mark, while premium kits like the B&W Turnoverball can run $600 or more. Installation cost varies too – a no-drill bolt-on system may be a $200 shop job, while a puck system might be installable at home in minutes. Think about the total cost, not just the hitch price, when you compare options.
Also consider whether your truck needs drilling. Most modern kits like the B&W Turnoverball are no-drill bolt-on installations. Some, like the CURT 60712, require bed drilling. If you are not comfortable with that, the no-drill options are worth the extra investment.
FAQ
What is the best gooseneck hitch to buy?
The best gooseneck hitch depends on your truck. For 2019-2026 Ram trucks, the Bu0026amp;W Turnoverball GNRK1320 is our top pick because of its no-drill install and flip-over ball. For trucks with the OEM puck system, the CURT 60638 or 60639 offers 38,000 lb capacity with drop-in installation.
Which is stronger, a 5th wheel or a gooseneck?
Gooseneck hitches are typically stronger than 5th wheel hitches, with most ratings between 25,000 and 38,000 pounds compared to 20,000 to 25,000 pounds for many 5th wheel hitches. Goosenecks also offer tighter turning radius and better weight distribution for farm trailers.
Is a gooseneck or 5th wheel better for hotshot?
For hotshot trucking with gooseneck trailers, a gooseneck hitch is the natural fit because gooseneck trailers are designed for that connection. 5th wheel hitches are necessary only if you also pull 5th wheel trailers, which most hotshot operators do not.
Who makes the best gooseneck hitch?
Bu0026amp;W Trailer Hitches and CURT are the two most trusted gooseneck hitch brands among farm owners. Bu0026amp;W is known for the Turnoverball design and Made in America build quality. CURT offers the widest range including puck system, underbed, and 5th wheel adapter options.
Do I need a rail kit for my gooseneck hitch?
Most modern vehicle-specific underbed gooseneck hitches like the Bu0026amp;W Turnoverball include all needed brackets and do not require a separate rail kit. Puck system hitches only work if your truck already has the factory pucks. If you have 5th wheel rails, an adapter like the CURT 16085 lets you use them for gooseneck towing.
Final Verdict
After testing and comparing all 10 options for this 2026 guide, our top recommendation for most farm truck owners is the B&W Turnoverball GNRK1320 for Ram trucks or the B&W Turnoverball GNRK1020 for Chevrolet and GMC trucks. Both deliver the no-drill install, flip-over ball convenience, and 30,000 pound capacity that farm work demands. If you already have the OEM puck system on your truck, the CURT 60638 or 60639 gives you 38,000 pound capacity in a drop-in design that takes minutes to install. Whatever you choose, match the hitch to your specific truck and trailer combination, and you will be set for many seasons of safe, dependable farm towing.