McFarlanes Offers Gooseneck & Fifth Wheel Hitches

May 24, 2023 by
McFarlanes Offers Gooseneck & Fifth Wheel Hitches

Gooseneck Vs. Fifth-Wheel Trailer Hitches: Which Do You Need for Your Hauling Needs? 

Whether you haul trailers to transport animals, your landscaping business or simply for recreation, choosing the right hitch for your towing needs can provide you with greater stability and may place less stress on your truck's engine. At McFarlane Trailer Sales, we offer gooseneck trailers and a wide variety of other hauling and hitching needs, along with some helpful information about what type of hitch to choose once you are ready to purchase a new trailer.

The Gooseneck Hitch 

Many people who haul heavy-duty trailers often use gooseneck trailer hitches to move large loads. You might consider this type of hitch depending on the type of hauling you do, including:

  • Moving equipment or vehicles
  • Livestock transfer
  • Farm or ranch work

Unlike common hitches that connect to the rear of a truck for towing lighter loads, such as small campers, these types feature a metal ball that you install in the bed of your truck. This ball is part of a coupling system that allows you to mount a trailer by connecting it to the truck's underside with safety brackets. This creates a powerful towing system that allows you to haul up to 30,000 pounds. `

Gooseneck Hitch Pros and Cons 

Choosing a gooseneck hitch can provide you with some advantages, especially if you do not want your trailer system to interfere with the look of your truck bed. Many gooseneck balls fold flat against the truck bed when not in use, and the installation process is not as invasive as a fifth-wheel trailer hitch. The coupling system is also simple to use.

This type of hitch also comes with a few disadvantages as well. You may want to explore other options if you haul tall trailers, as the gooseneck hitch may not provide you with all the stability you require, especially on long trips. These hitches may also make trips noisy, especially on old or rough roads.

The Fifth-Wheel Hitch

If you have smaller loads or trailers that you haul for recreational needs, then you might consider installing a fifth-wheel trailer hitch in the bed of your pickup. Unlike the gooseneck hitch, a fifth-wheel type connects to an existing fifth-wheel of a camper or other type of trailer that uses a fifth-wheel to provide it with greater freedom of movement stability while in motion. The components of this type of hitch include a kingpin, metal jaws or a locking bar to give your hauling experience stability and a smoother ride.

Fifth-Wheel Hitch Pros and Cons 

Much like gooseneck trailer hitches, the fifth-wheel style also has its advantages and drawbacks. One of its greatest pros is its versatility, as it can tow loads as small as 16,000 pounds or as great as 30,000. It also provides you with a quieter ride while towing. However, it is usually more expensive to install in your truck bed when compared to gooseneck hitches and the assembly is usually bulky or heavy.

Let Us Help You Choose the Right Hitch 

If you feel unsure about which trailer hitch best suits your needs, come see us at McFarlane Trailers Sales and Service. We have a wide variety of new trailers for sale, along with the experience and know-how to help you choose a hitch that will meet all of your needs. We also carry trailer parts, and accessories and offer trailer installation and repairs. With all the different services we offer, you can find everything you need all in one place.

Get In Touch Today 

Our knowledgeable sales and service people stand ready to assist you with all your trailer hitch needs. Contact us with any questions or concerns you have and haul your future loads with confidence and ease.

How to Safely Haul Loads on a Trailer

September 22, 2022 by
How to Safely Haul Loads on a TrailerSafety should be every cargo hauler's top priority. Knowing your weight limits, having the right security equipment, conducting proper inspections, and using corner protectors will keep your load secure and other motorists safe on the road. A single-axle utility trailer may be your best option for lighter loads. Read more about how to set up your trailer for a safe ride. 

Know How Much Weight Your Trailer Can Haul 

Every trailer has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This is a combination of the trailer's empty weight and the weight of the cargo. It is usually not possible to measure a load by itself, so you will need to complete some basic math before you load your trailer. Subtract the weight of the empty trailer from the GVWR, and you will have your maximum load capacity. You can also look for the data plate on your trailer. It is usually located near the tongue. Under "axle capacity" you should see a number that lists the weight capacity of your trailer. This corresponds to the diameter of your axle and how much weight it can hold. For example, a 1.5" axle diameter can hold up to 1,000 pounds, whereas a 5" axle diameter can hold up to 10,000 pounds. 

Have the Right Safety Equipment

Straps, ratchets, tie-downs, nets, and blankets all may be required, depending on the load. Plan ahead to make sure you have everything you need before you haul. Protect your safety equipment against excess sun, rain, wind, and road salt to ensure they last as long as possible. 

Ratchet Strap Tie-downs

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states that you need one ratchet strap for every five feet of cargo length and every 1,000 pounds of cargo weight. You simply cannot overdo it when tying down your cargo. Always err on the side of caution. Inspect each strap for frays and damage. Make sure the ratchets are operating under their breaking strength and working load limit. 

Moving Blankets

Heavy-duty blankets will keep your cargo from jostling and bumping into the sides of the trailer and other pieces in the load. Cargo will inevitably shift, so it's a good proactive strategy to cover valuables to avoid dents, dings, cracks, and scratches. 

Cargo Nets

Install these with bungees on the corners, between large items that may slide or tip while the vehicle is in motion. You can also use these to create safe partitions or barriers between different sections of the trailer.

Install Corner Protectors

As ratchet straps are tightened, they often dig into the sharp corners of a metal trailer, causing cuts and weak points. Corner protectors solve this problem by using tough, durable plastic, rubber, or steel that fits snugly against the sides and edges of your trailer bed. Thread the strap against the guiding gulleys of the corner protector to help your straps last longer.Corner protectors are versatile in length and design. They are relatively inexpensive and come in bulk quantities. Find the size and shape configuration that meets your needs. 

Buy a Single Axle Utility Trailer from McFarlane

We have dozens of utility trailers for sale, whether you're looking for aluminum, steel, used, or new. Many of our trailers come with a three-year warranty. Our brands include Enbeck, Millroad, One Sixteen, and Rescraft. Take advantage of our personalized customizations as well. We can retrofit any trailer to your specs, including: 
  • Custom brake controllers
  • Interior accessorizing 
  • Plug-and-play vehicle wiring
  • Drawbars and trailer hitches
  • Mags and tires 
Give us a call today or visit our website. We treat each trailer like our own and go the extra mile to make sure you are satisfied with your purchase.