Bumper Pull Trailers vs Gooseneck Trailers: Which is Right for You?

Ah, the age-old question, bumper pull trailer and gooseneck trailer? Each choice has its advantages, however, the differences between a gooseneck and a bumper pull hitch can sometimes be difficult to spot.

Don’t worry, that’s why we’re here to help. We’ll cover the difference between a gooseneck hitch and a bumper pull hitch, along with the advantages and disadvantages of owning each type.

Bumper Pull Trailer

Bumper pull, is the most common type of hitch. The name can be a little confusing as the trailer doesn’t actually connect to the tow vehicle’s bumper. In reality, the trailer’s tongue fits over a ball hitch that juts out from the vehicle’s frame at the rear of the vehicle.

Bumper Pull Advantages

Bumper pull trailers have a lot of advantages. One of the biggest advantages being bumper pulls are smaller than goosenecks, which means lower costs. You also might not need a pickup truck in order to tow a bumper pull. Depending on the trailer, a motorhome or an SUV could be suitable for hauling a bumper pull.

A bumper pull hitch is also an advantage, especially if this is the first trailer you’ve owned. It can be less intimidating to use and work with since it’s a more common style. First-time trailer owners will also appreciate that a bumper pull trailer is a little easier to maneuver on the road. It has a normal turn radius, so the trailer will follow the towing vehicle as it makes a turn.

Bumper Pull Disadvantages

However, a bumper pull trailer comes with its own set of disadvantages as well. Because a bumper pull trailer is smaller, you’ll have less space for living quarters or a dressing room and if you’re hauling horses or livestock it also can limit the number of animals you’re able to transport.

With that being said, carrying heavier loads in general or you’ll be at risk of losing control of your vehicle while on the road due to swaying and lack of stability.

Gooseneck Trailer

Gooseneck trailers are more commonly owned by experienced livestock trailer owners. Gooseneck trailers are larger than bumper pulls and require a special hitching system, installed in the bed of a pickup truck.

Gooseneck Advantages

The most notable advantage of a gooseneck trailer over a bumper pull is its stability. Since the tongue weight of the trailer is over the truck’s rear axle instead of at the back of the frame, the potential for the trailer to sway, causing the driver to lose control is reduced. With that being said, increased stability also means gooseneck trailers can accommodate more weight and are larger than bumper pull trailers, which means more room for living quarters, as well as more room for any livestock or cargo you haul.

Gooseneck trailers also allow you to cut corners tighter than a bumper pull, which means you can maneuver the trailer in tighter spaces. However, the tight turn radius has negatives as well. It takes a little more practice to learn how to maneuver. You won’t want to mess up. If you do, you can take off the trailer’s fender, or potentially damage other cars on the road.

Gooseneck Disadvantages

One of the bigger negatives — no pun intended —is the size of a gooseneck trailer. In order to haul it you will always need a pickup truck. Gooseneck trailers are less common than bumper pull trailers. This means most pickup trucks don’t come equipped with a gooseneck trailer ball in their truck beds. You’ll likely need a mechanic to install this, which also means additional costs for installation. Another gooseneck trailer issue is storing the trailer due to its larger size.

Considering which Livestock Trailer is Right for You

When considering whether to purchase a gooseneck or a bumper pull trailer, you’ll first and foremost want to figure out how much trailer you will need. If you plan on transporting several horses or livestock, you’ll want to consider getting a gooseneck. A bumper pull trailer, on the other hand, fits better with hobby farmers.

Gooseneck and bumper pull trailers each have their own advantages. Choosing the hitch that’s right for you will give you a better ride and optimize your trailering experience.

The Cimarron Way

At Cimarron Trailers we’re committed to creating the best equine and livestock transportation in the industry. We specialize in building highly customizable trailers because we believe one customer’s innovation can become the new industry standard. Contact us today to learn more about what our livestock trailers have to offer or if you’re ready to make a purchase, locate a Cimarron dealer near you.