Every flatbed truck bed we sell at Star Truck Equipment comes with both gooseneck and bumper pull hitch receivers. But which one should you actually use? Here’s when each type makes sense.
Gooseneck Hitch
A gooseneck hitch mounts in the center of your truck bed and connects to a ball mounted in the bed floor. It’s the go-to for heavy towing.
- Weight rating: Typically 25,000 – 30,000 lbs
- Best for: Heavy trailers — livestock trailers, flatbed trailers, large equipment trailers
- Advantages: Better weight distribution, tighter turning radius, more stable at highway speeds
- Considerations: Requires a gooseneck-compatible trailer
Bumper Pull Hitch
A bumper pull (receiver) hitch mounts at the rear of the truck and connects to a standard ball mount.
- Weight rating: Typically 10,000 – 20,000 lbs
- Best for: Lighter trailers — utility trailers, car haulers, boat trailers
- Advantages: Universal compatibility, easy hookup, works with most trailers
- Considerations: Less stable with very heavy loads, wider turning radius
Which Should You Use?
If you’re towing over 10,000 lbs regularly, gooseneck is the clear winner. The weight sits over the rear axle instead of behind it, which means better truck handling and more confident towing. For lighter loads, bumper pull is simpler and more versatile.
The good news? With a flatbed from Star Truck Equipment, you get both options built right in. Call (979) 532-1486 for questions about towing setups.
