How to Install a Gooseneck Hitch

When it comes to heavy-duty towing, few setups rival the strength and stability of a gooseneck hitch. Whether you’re hauling a flatbed, horse trailer, or equipment hauler, a gooseneck system provides a powerful connection for heavy-duty cargo and keeps your trailer steady.

Installing a gooseneck hitch correctly is essential for safety, performance, and long-term reliability. In this guide, we’ll walk through a gooseneck hitch installation step by step, explain what tools you’ll need, and share expert tips for getting the job done right.

A gooseneck hitch is a heavy-duty towing system that mounts in the bed of your truck, positioning the trailer’s tongue weight over or just forward of the rear axle. This design gives you improved stability and control compared to traditional bumper-pull hitches.

Unlike a 5th wheel hitch, which uses a large coupling plate, a gooseneck system connects to a hitch ball in the bed of the truck. The trailer’s coupler fits over this ball and locks into place.

Key components of a typical gooseneck setup include:

• Hitch ball – The central connection point for the trailer coupler
• Center section or hitch platform – The main mounting plate installed beneath the truck bed
• Side brackets and hardware – Secure the hitch frame to the truck’s chassis
• Safety chain loops – Provide backup security in case of disconnection

CURT gooseneck hitches, available through Lippert, come in several configurations, including:

• Under-bed kits, like the CURT Double Lock™ EZr gooseneck hitch, which keep your truck bed free of obstructions
• OEM puck system kits, designed for trucks pre-equipped with towing points from the factory
• 5th wheel adapters, such as the CURT X5™ plate, for those who want to switch between towing styles

Before you start your gooseneck hitch installation, gather your tools and read through your hitch’s installation manual. Truck frames and bed dimensions vary by make and model, so always verify measurements before drilling.

Common tools and materials:

• Torque wrench
• Drill and hole saw (4-inch size is typical)
• Ratchet and socket set
• Tape measure and marker
• Safety glasses and gloves
• Paint or rust-preventive spray
• Jack stands (optional for easier under-bed access)

Most Lippert / CURT gooseneck hitch kits come complete with custom brackets, grade-8 hardware, and safety chain anchors, reducing the need for extra parts.

Preparation is key for a smooth, safe installation. Follow these setup steps before you begin:

• Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Remove the spare tire to give yourself better access under the bed.
• Inspect the frame and bed area for obstacles such as exhaust pipes, heat shields, wiring harnesses or brake lines. Move or protect these as needed.
• Mark the hitch ball location. Refer to your installation guide for exact measurements — usually a set distance from the rear edge of the truck bed based on the vehicle model.

Marking accurately is critical; drilling even a half-inch off-center can affect how your trailer tows.

Below is a general installation process for an under-bed CURT gooseneck hitch. Exact steps and measurements may vary by truck. Always follow the instructions in your specific kit.

Locate the previously marked center point (see above) and drill a small pilot hole through the bed. Double-check that it aligns with the center section mounting position underneath. Once confirmed, use a hole saw to cut the full-size hole (typically around 4 inches in diameter).

After drilling, clean and paint the exposed metal edges to prevent rust.

Working from beneath the truck, place the frame brackets on each side of the truck’s frame. These brackets will support the center section and distribute towing forces evenly. Insert bolts through the frame and finger-tighten them for now — you’ll torque everything later.

Lift the hitch center section into place beneath the hole you drilled. The gooseneck ball opening should line up precisely with the hole in your truck bed. Attach the center section to the frame brackets using the supplied hardware. Many CURT hitches feature side-plate slots that make this step easier during alignment.

Once everything is in position, use a torque wrench to tighten all bolts according to the specifications in your installation manual. This step is critical to ensure the hitch won’t loosen under heavy loads.

Work methodically from the center section outward, tightening bolts in stages to ensure even pressure.

Next, locate the safety chain anchor points and drill the smaller holes needed to mount them. Insert the safety chain loops from above and fasten them from underneath. Drop the gooseneck ball into the center hole and make sure it locks securely. CURT’s Double Lock™ system uses dual-locking pins for added seand quick ball removal when you need a clean bed surface.

Once all components are torqued and tested, reinstall your spare tire and any other removed parts. Clean your work area and check for any leftover tools or debris in the bed.

Follow torque specs exactly.

Over-tightening can distort brackets or strip out the threads, while under-tightening can cause shifting.

Protect nearby components.

Move or remove obstacles as needed for the installation, such as heat shields, fuel or brake lines, the tailpipe. Your installation instructions should provide specific details for this step.

Seal exposed metal.

Always paint or spray any drilled edges to prevent corrosion.

Enlist a helper.

Lifting the hitch center section can be heavy and awkward.

Take your time.

A precise installation will make coupling and towing smoother down the road. Think of the years and countless miles ahead that you'll use your hitch. A couple extra hours spent are well worth it.

If you’re not comfortable working beneath your truck or drilling through the bed, professional installation is always an option — but most confident DIYers can complete the process in an afternoon.

With the hitch installed, it’s time to verify that everything functions as intended.

• Inspect all bolts and brackets for proper torque.
• Connect your gooseneck trailer and check that the coupler seats smoothly on the hitch ball.
• Attach safety chains and ensure they have enough slack for turning, but not so much that they drag.
• Test the turning clearance between the trailer and truck cab before hitting the road.

After your first few trips, recheck torque settings to confirm nothing has loosened. Periodic inspection is key for long-term safety.

To keep your hitch performing like new:

• Clean and lightly grease the hitch ball to reduce wear.
• Inspect welds, bolts, and brackets regularly for rust or fatigue.
• Replace worn components with Lippert replacement parts when needed.

Even experienced DIYers can run into issues. Avoid these frequent mistakes for a safer, cleaner install:

1. Drilling in the wrong location. Always verify measurements at least twice. Each truck bed has specific fitment points.
2. Skipping corrosion protection. Bare metal can rust quickly, especially in wet climates.
3. Incorrect torque settings. Loose bolts lead to instability; over-tightened bolts can damage your truck frame.
4. Forgetting safety chain anchors. Chains are a vital backup if the coupler disengages.
5. Ignoring clearances. Ensure the gooseneck ball and safety chain loops don’t interfere with crossmembers, exhaust, or suspension parts.

How long does gooseneck hitch installation take?

For most DIYers, installation takes about 3–5 hours depending on truck model and experience level.

Can I install a gooseneck hitch myself?

Yes. Most Lippert and CURT gooseneck kits include vehicle-specific brackets that simplify the process. If you’re comfortable using a drill and torque wrench, you can do it yourself. Just remember that gooseneck hitches can be heavy, so you may need to use a hoist or come-along to assist in lifting the hitch into place.

Do I need to remove the truck bed to install a gooseneck hitch?

No. Most under-bed systems are designed for installation without removing the bed, though you’ll need under-truck access.

What’s the towing capacity of a typical gooseneck hitch?

Most CURT gooseneck hitches are rated between 25,000 and 30,000 pounds, but always verify your truck’s towing capacity before hauling.

Installing a gooseneck hitch doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right tools, a careful approach, and a trusted product like a CURT gooseneck hitch from Lippert, you can create a durable, high-capacity towing setup built for years of dependable performance.

From weekend hauling to daily work use, a properly installed gooseneck hitch has many advantages and gives you unmatched strength, stability, and confidence every time you tow.

Explore Lippert’s full lineup of gooseneck hitches, adapters, and towing accessories to find the perfect fit for your truck — and get ready for your next heavy-duty haul.