There are a lot of considerations you have to make when buying a new trailer: size, load capacity, brand, model—the works. One trait that can be easily overlooked by new towers is the hitch style of your trailer. The two most common hitches you’ll find for trailers are goosenecks and bumper pulls. Both of these trailer types are efficient and reliable in their own right, but which type will work best for your hauling needs?
Below, we’ll discuss the differences between a bumper pull and a gooseneck trailer, including where they are best used as a reliable hauling solution. Keep reading to learn how our team at Factory Outlet can help you select the perfect trailer type for your next haul.
Gooseneck Trailer: Durable Hauler for Heavy Loads
A gooseneck trailer has a tow attachment, or “neck,” that runs up the rear of the tailgate and connects to a ball hitch in the truck bed.
These trailers are very common for commercial operations due to their high load capacity and cargo space. Depending on the trailer size you select, you can use a gooseneck trailer to haul a wide range of items, from heavy-duty machinery to lumber to livestock.
A great benefit of goosenecks is their level of stability during transport. The hitch style provides more even weight distribution across the tow vehicle’s axles, offering improved maneuverability, enhanced safety, and greater peace of mind while driving the trailer.
Goosenecks are great, reliable trailers, but since they’re designed to tow large loads regularly, they tend to come with a hefty price tag. The hitch installation can also drive up the price, as many trucks do not come equipped with a gooseneck hitch ball.
While goosenecks also offer great maneuverability on the highway, they’re not as easy to move in tight spaces due to their size.
Pros
- Stability
- Accommodate heavy loads
- More cargo space
- Take tighter corners
Cons
- Requires a pick-up truck to tow
- Need a gooseneck ball for your truck
- Needs a large storage space
- Better for experienced towers
Bumper Pull Trailer: Cost-Effective & Easy to Tow
A bumper trailer uses a standard hitch ball to attach to the back of a vehicle. These trailers are usually smaller and lighter than goosenecks, which usually makes them more affordable. Since the trailer hitch attaches to the bumper, you’ll have more cargo space available in the back of your truck.
You also don’t always need a pickup truck to tow a bumper pull trailer; depending on the size and weight of the trailer you’re looking at, you can tow it behind an SUV or RV.
Of course, smaller and lighter for a trailer means one thing: a smaller load capacity. Bumper pull trailers are designed for shorter distances and lighter loads, unlike goosenecks, which are ideal for commercial and large-scale operations. Bumper trailers are also more prone to swaying when driving at highway speeds.
You may experience more wear on your towing vehicle with a bumper trailer, as the weight distribution isn’t as efficient as a gooseneck trailer.
Pros
- Smaller = lower cost
- Can be towed with a variety of vehicles
- Easier to maneuver
- Great for beginner towers
Cons
- Smaller also = less space
- The heavier the load, the more unstable the tow
- Less efficient weight distribution
Which Trailer Type Works Best for You?
Both gooseneck and bumper pull trailers have their benefits and drawbacks depending on how they’re used for transporting loads.
If you need a high-capacity, spacious, and stable trailer for long-term highway travel, a gooseneck trailer is an ideal choice. These trailers are commonly used in commercial hauling operations and make a great addition to a worksite.
However, if your hauling needs are more beginner-level, a bumper pull trailer is a more cost-effective and efficient way to go. These trailer types are great for completing work on a farmyard or large property, small business loading and unloading, hauling toys and off-road vehicles, and other smaller-scale loads.
Whether you require a heavy-duty hauler for your worksite or a versatile pull trailer for personal use, our team at Factory Outlet can help you locate the ideal model for your needs.
Find Your Hauling Solution with Factory Outlet Trailers
Factory Outlet Trailers is Western Canada’s go-to source for quality trailers and hauling solutions. If you need a new hauler for work or personal use, we can help you locate a high-quality model from the industry’s top brands.
Visit us at one of our 12 locations or Contact Us to find the perfect trailer. You can also browse our Online Inventory to see what we currently have in stock.