Gooseneck vs Bumper Pull

[WXman]

I'm looking at 14k rated equipment trailers. Roughly 24' long. I'm seeing gooseneck and bumper pull both in this spec. All my trailers over the years have been bumper pull. What are the advantages of gooseneck? Thought I'd pick your brains in case there are things I hadn't thought about.

If it matters, the terrain here in Kentucky is often hilly with roads that have lots of curves and gravel roads that are uneven. Which would you guys go with?

 

[johanh13]

I’ve run both in that size range. A gooseneck just tows better, no way around it. With the hitch over the axle the trailer feels planted instead of pushing the truck, especially on hills and in curves.
In your terrain, that’s where it really shows up. Less sway, more control on downhill grades, and it tracks a lot cleaner on uneven gravel. It also backs and turns tighter once you’re used to it.
Bumper pulls are simpler and fine if you’re light and occasional, but they take more attention to loading and you’ll feel it more when the road gets rough or twisty.
If it were me in Kentucky running hills and curves regularly, I’d go gooseneck.

Here's a [partial] list of trailers I own at the moment:
20' 14k utility trailer (bumper pull)
32' 26k flat bed dually, with air ride and hydraulic disc brakes (gooseneck)
24' 16k lowboy tilt equipment hauler (gooseneck)
12' 7k enclosed trailer (bumper pull)
10' 7k tilt scissor lift trailer (bumper pull)
20' 18k lowboy tilt (bumper pull)
20' 16k lowboy tilt (bumper pull)
20' 21k lowboy equipment hauler (bumper pull)

 

[WXman]

Thanks. Any concerns about a goosneck getting into the bedrails or tailgate of the truck and doing damage? Not talking extreme twisting here, but sometimes the fields here are rolling and uneven.

 

[johanh13]

I have never been in any situation where that was even a remote possibility.

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

Thanks. Any concerns about a goosneck getting into the bedrails or tailgate of the truck and doing damage? Not talking extreme twisting here, but sometimes the fields here are rolling and uneven.

Shouldn’t be a problem. Look at any gooseneck trailer attached to a pickup and you’ll see why.

 

[motorhead426]

Thanks. Any concerns about a goosneck getting into the bedrails or tailgate of the truck and doing damage? Not talking extreme twisting here, but sometimes the fields here are rolling and uneven.

I think this happens more on a fifth wheel RV which probably makes the difference in this situation.

 

[WXman]

Thanks fellas. Going to get a quote on a gooseneck today from the same place. We have a company here in KY called Gator that makes some excellent trailers. They quoted me $7,495 on the bumper-pull version which in today's world is a very competitive price I thought. I'll see what they get for the entry level gooseneck which is 16k rated.

 

[WXman]

Wheewwww... it's a $5,500 jump to go to the gooseneck version. Ouch.

There is a dealer with the same configuration trailer in a brand called Blazer priced under $10k but I have never heard of Blazer Trailers before. I don't know what the quality is like.

 

[Trash Panda]

A gooseneck is the superior towing option if you have the ability to get into one.

I’d rather buy a used gooseneck than a brand new bumper pull, especially if you’re going to be pulling anything remotely heavy.

It’s a better towing experience all around. If you don’t need to keep the bed open for large cargo, I’d go with a gooseneck to be sure.