There are two primary ways to tow a trailer: Bumper pull or gooseneck. Bumper pull trailers are what most RVers are used to. Many SUVs, trucks and even larger cars come with the ability to bumper pull a trailer from day one. Gooseneck trailers, or 5^th wheel trailers, use a heavy-duty hitch system that fits into the bed of a pickup truck. Let's compare bumper pulls and goosenecks, so you know which one is the right type of hitch for you.

Bumper Pulls

A bumper pull trailer uses a traditional ball and hitch system to tow. There are two types of bumper pull hitches: Fixed-drawbar and receiver. Receiver hitches mount to the rear of a vehicle and a ball mount can fit inside to secure the trailer to the towing vehicle. The fixed-drawbar hitch utilizes one solid piece, allowing a trailer ball into the hitch for securement. The fixed-drawbar is generally ideal for those towing long, wide trailers whereas the receiver hitch can be used for small trailers to cargo carriers to bike racks.

Goosenecks

Gooseneck hitches go by many names, such as deck over hitches or 5^th wheel hitches. They're meant to tow heavy trailers, mainly 5^th wheel RVs. The gooseneck hitch's main plate is attached to a truck's bed. The trailer or fifth wheel hitches into it from above, eliminating the use of the bed in the process. This allows the truck to tow a trailer or fifth wheel with a higher weight class. Most trucks don't come with a gooseneck hitch installed, so this is an additional cost to consider when going with a gooseneck trailer or RV.

Bumper Pulls vs. Goosenecks

Most beginning RVers choose bumper pulls because they're easier to deal with to start. They don't require you to install additional hardware. Since you're dealing with a smaller RV or trailer to tow, you're spending less overall money to get started. However, if you're looking for a heavy-duty trailer or RV, most of them will require you to invest in the gooseneck hitch system.

Gooseneck hitches allow RVers to take tighter turns and control trailer sway easier than bumper pulls. With a bumper pull trailer, you'll need to learn how to turn so that you aren't taking out every car next to you. You'll also need to learn how to handle trailer sway depending on the conditions. While you're still deal with sway with a gooseneck hitch, the weight of the truck helps keep the trailer or RV from swaying as badly because of where its center of gravity is located.

Cost Comparisons

When it comes to cost, a gooseneck hitch will be more expensive than upgrades to a traditional bumper pull hitch. Gooseneck hitches start in the couple of hundreds of dollars range to the low thousands. This all depends on the type of RV or trailer you invest in, the type of towing truck you're using and what type of gooseneck hitch you go with.

Bumper pull hitches aren't generally expensive. Most SUVs and trucks come with the basics you need to get started towing. From there, you add accessories to get the desired effects while towing. With a gooseneck hitch, you're set to start towing effectively as soon as it's installed.

Choosing a hitch isn't nearly as important as choosing the type of RV or trailer you want to buy. Once you know the type of trailer that's right for you, RVing becomes easier as you learn, grow and adapt to your travels across the country. Bumper pull hitches and gooseneck hitches serve their purposes and one is not necessarily better than the other for RVers.