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Gooseneck vs. Tag Along Trailers: Which is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing the right trailer, understanding the differences between gooseneck and tag-along trailers is crucial. Both have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and your choice will depend on your specific needs. At NC Trailers, we aim to provide you with the best information to make an informed decision. Let’s dive into the details.

The Tag-Along Tow

What is a Tag-Along Trailer?

A tag-along trailer, also known as a tag-along, attaches to a ball hitch at the rear of your vehicle. The term “bumper pull” can be misleading since you generally use a frame-mounted hitch to tow from the rear of the vehicle.  Using the bumper of a vehicle to tow a trailer is not common and should be limited in use to lighter-weight trailers The tag-along hitch type is favored for its simplicity and versatility.

Advantages of Tag-Along Trailers

  1. Cost-Effective: Tag-along trailers are generally less expensive than goosenecks, making them a budget-friendly option.

  2. Versatile Towing: These trailers can often be towed by various vehicles, including SUVs, and motorhomes, not just pickup trucks.

  3. Beginner-Friendly: Easier to hitch and maneuver, tag-along trailers are ideal for those new to towing.

Disadvantages of Tag-Along Trailers

Weight Distribution: If the trailer’s loaded weight is more than half the weight of your towing vehicle, you’ll want to consider a weight distribution setup to maintain stability.

  1. Limited Space: Tag-along trailers are generally smaller, offering less room for living quarters or transporting multiple animals.

  2. Stability Concerns: The hitching point behind the rear axle can lead to less stability, especially when hauling heavier loads.

Image Source:  How Stuff Works (https://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/equipment/hitches/towing-weight-distribution-systems.htm)

The Gooseneck Tow

What is a Gooseneck Trailer?

Gooseneck trailers are designed for advanced towing needs. They attach to a ball hitch mounted in the bed of the towing vehicle, offering greater stability and weight capacity.

 

Advantages of Gooseneck Trailers

  1. Enhanced Stability: The hitching point over the rear axle provides better stability, reducing sway and improving control.

  2. Higher Weight Capacity: Gooseneck trailers can handle larger, heavier loads, ideal for transporting heavy machinery or multiple animals.

  3. Better Maneuverability: The trailer turns with the towing vehicle, allowing for a tighter turning radius.

  4. Increased Space: Typically larger, these trailers offer more room for living quarters or cargo.

Disadvantages of Gooseneck Trailers

  1. Higher Cost: Both the trailers and required hitching systems are more expensive than tag along options.

  2. Complex Installation: Installing a gooseneck hitch in your truck bed can be complex and often requires professional help.

  3. Vehicle Requirements: Only pickup trucks can tow gooseneck trailers, limiting vehicle options. Additionally, the heavier weight may require a commercial license.

  4. Storage Issues: Larger size makes storing gooseneck trailers more challenging.

Gooseneck Couplers

Gooseneck couplers come in various configurations:

  1. Tube Types: 4” round tube or 4”/4.5” square tube.

  2. Weight Ratings: Common ratings are 26,000 lbs and 30,000 lbs, with options for multiple weight ratings and latch configurations.

  3. Ball Sizes: 2 5/16” ball is standard, but a 3” ball is available for ratings over 30,000 lbs.

Gooseneck vs. 5th Wheel Hitch

The gooseneck hitch uses a ball and coupler connection, which has some advantages over the kingpin connection of a 5th wheel hitch. It’s easier to use, less intrusive, and allows full truck bed use when not towing. This type of hitch is also designed for heavy loads, easily withstanding the demands of large trailers.

Weight Distribution

For both gooseneck and tag along trailers, proper weight distribution is key:

  • Load Placement: Load 60% of the weight in the front half and 40% in the rear half.

  • Tongue Weight: Aim for 10-15% tongue weight on tag-along trailers and 20-25% on gooseneck trailers for optimal stability and control.

Image Source:  How Stuff Works (https://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/equipment/hitches/gooseneck-hitches.htm)

Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

How Will You Use Your Trailer?

  • Light Loads and Occasional Use: A tag-along trailer is ideal for light, occasional use, offering cost-effectiveness and ease of use.

  • Heavy Loads and Frequent Use: For frequent, heavy-duty hauling, a gooseneck trailer provides the stability and capacity you need.

Budget Considerations

  • Initial Cost: Tag-along trailers are more affordable upfront, making them a great choice for budget-conscious buyers.

  • Long-Term Investment: Gooseneck trailers, while more expensive initially, are a worthwhile investment for heavy-duty, frequent use.

Vehicle Compatibility

  • Versatile Towing: If you want to use different towing vehicles, go for a tag-along trailer.

  • Dedicated Towing Vehicle: If you have a pickup truck, a gooseneck trailer offers unmatched benefits in terms of stability and capacity.

Ease of Use

  • Beginner-Friendly: Tag-along trailers are simpler to hitch and drive, perfect for those new to towing.

  • Advanced Towing Skills: Experienced towers will appreciate the enhanced maneuverability and stability of gooseneck trailers.

Why Choose NC Trailers?

At NC Trailers, we offer a comprehensive range of both tag-along and gooseneck trailers to suit your needs. Our team is dedicated to providing you with expert advice and top-notch service.

  • Extensive Inventory: A wide selection of high-quality trailers.

  • Expert Installation: Professional installation of tag along, gooseneck, and 5th wheel hitches.

  • Personalized Service: Tailored recommendations to help you choose the best trailer for your needs.

Call to Action

Ready to find your perfect trailer? View our inventory today and explore the wide range of options available at NC Trailers. If you’re considering a gooseneck trailer, don’t forget to schedule your hitch install with our expert team. We’re here to help you every step of the way, ensuring you have the best trailering experience possible.

 

 

By making an informed choice between a tag-along and a gooseneck trailer, you’ll enjoy a better ride, improved efficiency, and a more satisfying trailering experience. Let NC Trailers be your trusted partner in this journey. 🚛🔧

About the Author

Hi, I’m Johnny Shelton with NC Trailers, the #1 rated trailer dealer in the Carolinas. With over 300 trailers in stock, we’ve proudly served contractors, adventure seekers, and everyone in between since 1996. Having sold and serviced over 10,000 trailers, we’re grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us. We’re committed to using our experience to help you succeed in all your trailer and towing needs. Let’s thrive together!

REQUEST FINANCING

Trailer Prelim Financing Blog
First Last N.
12:41 13 Apr 25
Nctrailers Team are awesome !!! Sam the sales representative was very helpful on the phone and when I should up on site. Shanice with my contract. Tammy explaining each process during the DMV registration and paperwork. Ryan was very patient in the pouring rain preparing and getting me connected to the truck and doing the safety checks 5 times to make sure no issues. Thanks nctrailers of Thomasville for professionalism and attention to detail. I definitely be seeing you guys in a few months for a car trailer .
Desiree B.
18:02 12 Apr 25
Had the pleasure of buying our first trailer for our new business from them this weekend. And let me say I can’t say enough about this company. From the first call with Donna, till we drove off the lot hooked up, they were absolutely amazing! Their inventory is intensive yes, but the customer service is extraordinary! Our purchase experience start with a transfer to Zach who was welcoming and extremely knowledgeable! Shancie took care of the financing and made everything so easy and simple, and Tammy was fast with our paperwork! Noah and Ryan went above and beyond for the install and hookup of all the accessories we choose! These folks are the best around and hire the most wonderful crew! Highly recommend them for any trailer purchase or service needs!
Mitch O.
12:47 12 Apr 25
I would like to take a minute and recognize several people at NC trailers. From the start it was Zach & Sam in sales which went above and beyond the process of helping me pick the correct trailer and helping me complete all necessary paperwork when I was literally 1800 miles away driving down the road.

Shanice in financing made financing the trailer simple and quick, and behind the scenes Tammy in tag/title department was doing her magic so it all came together as one cohesive unit the day of picking the trailer up.

Speaking of picking up the trailer, Ryan & Noah truly went above and beyond expectations working in the pouring rain, while not compromising standards of making sure everything went smoothly and that I was hooked up correctly while taking the time to fully go over every aspect of the trailer and how to hook and unhook the trailer.

Tyler in Service & Parts was very helpful with information regarding the Gooseneck hitch for my next trailer.

Thank you to each Team member of NC trailers. I HIGHLY recommend this company to anyone needing a trailer.

So, if you need any type of trailer, accessory or even a repair, NC trailers should be your First and only stop. They truly make you feel like Family and the trailers are rated top in the Industry and priced very reasonably.

Head on over to NC trailers and get your trailer today. Tell them Mitch with a “M” not a “B” sent you, and you should receive an extra smile or two.
Anthony T.
21:34 10 Apr 25
Awesome place to do business!
Shaun O.
04:19 09 Apr 25
I have to say I had great experience with the staff at NCtrailers in Thomasville, NC. The staff up there were amazing. I had the pleasure of being David’s first sale for his new career dealing in this type of equipment. He has had many years in sales and it shows but he decided to venture into a new atmosphere of sales. Working through the contract side of things Shanice was very thorough and was able to give me all the details I needed. She was so inviting and made you feel comfortable through would could be a stressful process.

Tammy was a sweetheart with the tag and title paper work and talked me through all the necessary links and info I would need to setup the last little bit of info.

Ryan and Noah had me all hooked up and ready to go and even took the time to help me find a short in my connection on my truck so I would be comfortable knowing all the lights and everything worked properly on the new trailer.

All in all I had a great experience with the entire staff from parts to sales to service. I will most definitely be recommending them to anyone I know for their trailer needs.

Now wish me luck on my lawn care company venture.
Lawn Legends LLC.
Conard B.
14:22 07 Mar 25
The staff was very helpful and motivated I went back and forth with two trailers figuring prices and add ons they were very patient and provide me with two different layouts for two different prices. I finally made my decision. I would highly recommend for your next trailer go too NC trailer sales.
Keith B.
02:54 07 Feb 25
After searching many sites, I settled on calling NC Trailers of Thomasville, NC. Zach was very helpful over the phone answering my questions. After I decided on a trailer I drove 3 1/2 hours to arrive at their location only 30 minutes before they closed. They didn’t mind my late arrival or staying to complete the sale. I changed my mind on the trailer I wanted and Shaun was very quick to redo all the paperwork for the sale. Noah was also helpful in going over the trailer with me and answering questions I had. And thank you Tammy for saving me a trip to NCDMV, at NC Trailers they can do your DMV registration and you leave with tags already installed. The trailer pulled smoothly all the home.
Jenny D
00:33 11 Dec 24
Tyler at NC trailers was knowledgeable, helpful & communicated well. Tyler made getting the replacement part I needed hassle free. Thanks again!
Stephen J.
18:46 09 Dec 24
What a great place to purchase a trailer!! Such a huge inventory and very competitive pricing. My sales representative was Zach and he really went over the top to satisfy what I wanted. Shaun handled my contract and was super efficient as with Tammy, who handled my DMV paperwork. Many thumbs up to this great group!!
Thanks so very much!!
Frederick H.
10:06 07 Dec 24
Bought a Landscaping trailer from them 5 years ago. Great trailer! They service and have parts in stock! Went and seen Tyler for parts the other day and he's very knowledgeable and friendly. Would recommend these guys to anyone! Dec 2024 Update: This is my second review. Lol. I some new HD axles installed on a trailer back in the spring and they are holding up GREAT! Thanks Tyler again for your sales work and Wes for an amazing flawless install! Great knowledgeable crew here!
Stephanie N James R
03:44 07 Dec 24
This company was great! Zach showed us great options, and helped us pick the perfect trailer for our needs. Shawn explained all of the extra packages we could add to it, and finalized the contract. Tammy did a great job at making sure we had our title, tag,and registration taken care of. And, Ryan and Noah got us hooked up and ready to go. Because they have an on-site parts and service department they were able to install the needed brake controller the our truck wasn't equipped with. Wonderful place. Will definitely recommend!
william C.
20:34 27 Nov 24
This is my second Trailer I bought from NC Trailers. Everyone that helped me went above and beyond with their service.
Sales- Shancie
Finance- Shawn
DMV/paperwork- Tammy
Hookup-Ryan & Noah.
Their Service department helped me out a week later too.

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