How Much Does It Cost To Install A Gooseneck Trailer Hitch? (Facts Explained)

Wondering how much does it take to install a gooseneck trailer hitch?

Well, gooseneck trailer hitches can add a lot of towing capacity to your vehicle. This makes it an ideal option for people who have to tow heavy items on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, gooseneck trailer hitches cost much more than traditional hitches to install.

So, how much does it take to install a gooseneck trailer hitch? You should expect to pay between $800 and up to $2800 to install a gooseneck trailer hitch. The exact price will depend on various factors, such as size, features, towing capacity, and location. This price is so expensive because the parts themselves are much more durable and heavy-duty.

Plus, the hitch requires much more time for proper installation, increasing labor costs.

To find out more about how much it costs to install a gooseneck trailer hitch, keep reading. In this article, we give you a breakdown of installation costs based on installation design and gooseneck hitch option.

We also give you tips for when you should select a gooseneck hitch and how to install one yourself.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Gooseneck Hitch Installation Cost

Because gooseneck trailer hitches are designed for heavy-duty pulling, they are very costly. Both the kit and labor will cost much more than if you were installing a simple recreational hitch.

You will need to set aside quite a bit more money for this sort of installation.

“Expect to pay between $800 and $2800 to have a gooseneck trailer hitch installed on your vehicle.“

The labor cost will especially add to the total cost of the gooseneck trailer hitch installation. Because of this fact, installing it yourself will save you quite a bit of money.

You can expect to pay closer to the $800 side of the spectrum if you install it yourself.

Installation Location	Pros or Cons	Kit or Components Cost ($)	Labor Cost ($)	Total Gooseneck Hitch Installation Cost ($)
Mounted Above the Truck Bed	it takes up a lot of space, and it is not the traditional gooseneck hitch	$300 to $500	$400 to $500	around $1,000
Above Bed Gooseneck	offers a bit more space, but it is slightly more expensive	around $800	$300 to $500	around $1,400
Below Bed Gooseneck	This is the most expensive option.	$600 to $1,200	$400 to $800	around $2,000

Gooseneck Hitch Installation Cost Chart

What Goes Into The Price?

As we have already hinted at, the gooseneck trailer hitch installation price is comprised of two different things: the kit or components and the labor.

These two components will also go into the price of adding any other type of hitch to your vehicle.

This price may seem really high, but it makes sense given the function of gooseneck trailers. On one hand, you want really durable materials that have the ability to tow a large capacity.

As a result, the components need to be heavy-duty and durable, making the price much higher than a regular hitch.

Additionally, gooseneck hitches are installed at a different location in the vehicle than the standard hitch.

It requires much more labor and skills than installing just a regular old bumper hitch since it may require bed modification.

Hitch Installation Options

To get a gooseneck hitch installed, you have multiple brands and options to choose from. Almost all hitches you select will come with some sort of installation kit.

On a rare occasion, you might find a gooseneck hitch sold by itself.

Mounted Above The Truck Bed (NOT A Traditional Gooseneck)

Typically, the least expensive option you can find will be around $300, not including labor cost. This does not require modification because it is mounted onto the truck bed. This sort of hitch will provide a towing capacity of 25,000 pounds.

Although this option is much more affordable, it takes up a lot of space, and it is not the traditional gooseneck hitch.

We thought we would mention it, however, because many people end up opting for this option over the more traditional gooseneck.

Above-Bed Gooseneck

The next option you can select is an above-bed gooseneck hitch. This is a fold-down variety that offers a bit more space, but it is slightly more expensive than the option mentioned above.

Expect to pay a minimum of around $500 without labor costs factored in.

This option saves space in your truck, but it cost a bit more than the option mentioned above. At the same time, it is much more affordable than the below-bed gooseneck hitch option.

Below-Bed Gooseneck

Finally, the last option that you can select is the below-bed gooseneck hitch. This is the most expensive option.

Expect the hitch to cost at least $600 on its own, but you can spend hundreds of dollars more if you select a great brand that comes with an installation kit.

The drawback to this option is that it is expensive, and it must be done by a professional shop. Because you cannot install it yourself, it will easily cost over $1000 including the hitch, kit, and labor.

Explaining Labor Costs

One thing we keep mentioning but have not gone into great detail about yet is labor costs. As we mentioned above, above-bed gooseneck hitches require professional labor, but you can hire professionals to install the other hitch designs as well.

Read also: Trailer Wiring Diagrams:19 Tips Towing Electrical Wiring Installation

You will need to add the labor cost to the kit cost to get a final cost estimate.

Labor costs can range anywhere from $300 to $600, depending on the hitch you select and its placement. Most above-bed options take about one hour to complete.

Because of this fact, you can expect above-bed gooseneck hitches to cost between $600 and $800, including both kit and labor.

Below-bed gooseneck hitches cost even more in terms of labor. They will typically require at least two or three hours of labor.

This can cost you a minimum of $200, but you might have to pay $300 to $400. This means that you can easily expect to pay over $2000 if you select a below-bed option.

Gooseneck Hitch Installation Near Me

Where to get a gooseneck hitch installed? There are many companies that offer gooseneck hitch installation service near you our your area:

Gooseneck Ball Installation Near Me

Where to get a gooseneck ball installed? There are many companies that offer gooseneck ball installation service near you our your area:

Gooseneck ball installation texas

Texas Hitch & Truck Center – San Antonio

Texas Hitch & Truck Center

Gooseneck ball installation California

The Hitch Depot

Eyers Hitch Center Inc.

Gooseneck Hitch Installation Cost FAQs

Let’s close out this page about gooseneck hitch installation with answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about them!

What is a gooseneck hitch?

A gooseneck hitch is a special type of hitch. You will install it over the payload bed of a pickup or truck.

It is different from other tow hitches in that it does not go past the bumper of the vehicle. Instead, it distributes the weight over the truck’s rear axle.

It may be helpful to compare gooseneck hitches to 5th wheel hitches. They allow the truck to pull much more weight, giving you the ability to tow a much larger capacity than a regular hitch would provide.

Gooseneck hitches are designed specifically for pickups and heavy-duty trucks. You will not be able to install this sort of hitch on a vehicle without a flatbed.

Even if you have a light pickup truck, you might not be able to find a gooseneck hitch the right size. For this reason, only use a gooseneck hitch for heavy-duty trucks and pickups.

Why would I need a gooseneck hitch?

A gooseneck hitch is best whenever you need to tow quite a bit of weight at once. It is designed to add stability and strength for accommodating more weight.

This is the best option if you have to pull a lot of cargo frequently.

In contrast, you should opt for a traditional bumper trailer hitch if you don’t have to pull super heavy items regularly. The traditional hitches will be much more affordable, but they will have a lower towing capacity.

Can you install a gooseneck hitch on your own?

Depending on the type of gooseneck hitch you select, you can install it on your own. Most notably, people can install their own gooseneck hitches if they are placed above the truck bed.

This means that the first two installation options we mentioned above are suitable for doing on your own.

In order to install a gooseneck hitch, you should set aside about one hour of time. From there, you will want to select a hitch that comes with an installation kit.

The installation kit will come with all the directions and most of the parts needed to properly install the hitch. Read the instructions included in the installation kit to finish the project.

We do not recommend getting a gooseneck hitch without an installation kit. Although this can be more affordable, you’ll end up having to pay more in parts and professional help.

Just invest in a hitch that comes with the kit.

You cannot install a gooseneck hitch that is placed below the truck bed on your own. This sort of hitch will require modification to the truck. Hire a professional to do the below-bed installation.

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Final Thoughts

Because gooseneck hitches are designed to add much more power and stability to your vehicle while towing, the materials are much more durable, and your truck may need modification.

For these reasons, the cost for installing a gooseneck trailer hitch is much more expensive than installing other hitch types.

You should expect to pay between $800 and $2800 to install a gooseneck trailer hitch on your vehicle. Factors such as the hitch location and size can impact the price even more.

It’s a good idea to contact professionals and ask for estimates so you can shop around before committing to one place.

If you want an above-bed option, you can install the hitch yourself. Make sure to select a hitch that comes with an installation kit. This will save you a lot of money, but it will take you at least an hour of time, if not more to complete.

In the case that you doubt your abilities, simply go to a professional to ensure everything is done right the first time.

References

https://www.curtmfg.com/gooseneck/installation-brackets/learn-more