How we researched this guide
We compared 6 products: 3 gooseneck accessories and 3 ball-hitch mounts. We checked 9 maker or manual sources and reviewed 4 owner forum threads for B&W, CURT, and Weigh Safe. Every rating is a maker-stated rating for the part named, and every Amazon link uses a verified ASIN from the research notes.
Where a spec was not published, this guide says so instead of guessing, and where ratings differ by ball size or system, it prints the condition.
The 30-second answer
Choose gooseneck accessories if you have a Turnoverball, factory puck, or fifth-wheel rail system in the bed and tow heavy gooseneck trailers within the system rating. Choose a ball hitch if your trailer has a rear coupler, your truck has a receiver, and loaded weight fits the mount rating. Top picks: B&W Turnoverball Replacement Ball GNXA2000, B&W OEM Gooseneck Ball and Safety Chain Kit GNXA2061, CURT Bent Plate Fifth-Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter 16055, B&W Tow and Stow Adjustable Ball Mount TS10037B, Weigh Safe Adjustable Drop Hitch WS10-2.5, and CURT Loaded Ball Mount 45036.
Gooseneck pick: Turnoverball ball
B&W Turnoverball Replacement Ball GNXA2000
Best if you own a Turnoverball under-bed hitch and need the original-style replacement ball that flips away for a level bed.
Gooseneck pick: factory puck kit
B&W OEM Gooseneck Ball and Safety Chain Kit GNXA2061
Best if your Ford, GM, or Nissan truck has the factory puck system and you want ball, chain anchors, and cover in one kit.
Gooseneck pick: rail adapter
CURT Bent Plate Fifth-Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter 16055
Best if you have industry-standard fifth-wheel rails and want to tow a gooseneck trailer without a new under-bed hitch.
Ball-hitch pick: adjustable mount
B&W Tow and Stow Adjustable Ball Mount TS10037B
Best if you tow several ball-hitch trailers with one truck and want height adjustment and two ball sizes.
Ball-hitch pick: tongue-weight gauge
Weigh Safe Adjustable Drop Hitch WS10-2.5
Best if tongue weight is your main worry on a heavy ball-hitch trailer and you want a built-in gauge.
Ball-hitch pick: simple fixed mount
CURT Loaded Ball Mount 45036
Best if you tow one common 2 inch coupler trailer and want a ready-to-use mount with the ball torqued in place.
| Product | Gross weight | Tongue / pin | Ball and fit | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B&W Turnoverball Replacement Ball GNXA2000 | 30,000 lbs (system) | 7,500 lbs (system) | 2-5/16 inch / Turnoverball socket | |
| B&W OEM Gooseneck Ball and Safety Chain Kit GNXA2061 | 30,000 lbs | 7,500 lbs | 2-5/16 inch / OEM puck system | |
| CURT Bent Plate Fifth-Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter 16055 | 25,000 lbs | 6,250 lbs | 2-5/16 inch / Fifth-wheel rails | |
| B&W Tow and Stow Adjustable Ball Mount TS10037B | 10,000 lbs | Not published in sources checked | 2 and 2-5/16 inch / 2 inch receiver | |
| Weigh Safe Adjustable Drop Hitch WS10-2.5 | 18,500 lbs (2-5/16 inch ball, 2.5 inch shank) | 2,200 lbs | 2 and 2-5/16 inch / 2.5 inch receiver | |
| CURT Loaded Ball Mount 45036 | 7,500 lbs | 750 lbs | 2 inch / 2 inch receiver |
Hitch finder: trailer weight, bed setup, and hitch type
Enter your loaded trailer weight (trailer plus cargo), choose your truck setup, and trailer type. Ratings below are maker ratings for these picks, and the lowest-rated component sets your limit.
Enter a loaded trailer weight to see a recommendation from this guide.
How to choose between gooseneck accessories and a ball hitch
Trailer coupler first
Start with the trailer: a gooseneck coupler needs an in-bed ball, while a rear coupler needs a ball on a receiver mount. No adapter here changes a trailer coupler type, and buying the wrong side first wastes the purchase.
Loaded weight and the lowest rating
Add trailer plus cargo weight, then compare it with every rating in the chain: truck, hitch, ball, adapter, coupler, and chains. Use the lowest as your limit. The same rule applies to an electric winch loading the trailer; see our electric trailer winch guide.
Truck bed system you already own
Your bed decides the route. Turnoverball sockets take Turnoverball balls, factory pucks take puck kits, and fifth-wheel rails take rail adapters. None fits the others, so confirm the bed system before ordering.
Tongue weight and stability
Ball-hitch trailers need tongue weight in the 10 to 15 percent range for stability, while gooseneck trailers place pin weight over or near the rear axle. Measure tongue or pin weight rather than guessing, and reload if the reading falls outside the safe range.
Bed use when you are not towing
A Turnoverball ball flips away for a level bed, a puck kit lifts out, and a rail adapter lifts out, but a fifth-wheel hitch leaves rails behind. A ball mount slides out of the receiver in seconds, so choose the system whose parked state you can live with.
Clearance, chains, and coupler checks
Gooseneck towing needs bed-rail clearance, correct safety chains, and a fully locked coupler latch. Ball-hitch towing needs a level trailer, a correct ball size, and a latched coupler. Both need a pin, clip, and latch check at every hookup.
Rating limits at a glance
Every row uses a maker rating. The limit column is the rating that must not be exceeded for that pick, and truck and trailer ratings may set a lower real limit.
| Pick | System | Maker rating limit |
|---|---|---|
| B&W GNXA2000 | Turnoverball system | 30,000 lbs gross; 7,500 lbs vertical |
| B&W GNXA2061 | Factory puck kit | 30,000 lbs gross |
| CURT 16055 | Fifth-wheel rail adapter | 25,000 lbs gross; 6,250 lbs tongue |
| B&W TS10037B | 2 inch receiver mount | 10,000 lbs gross |
| Weigh Safe WS10-2.5 | 2.5 inch receiver mount | 18,500 lbs gross with 2-5/16 inch ball; 8,000 lbs with 2 inch ball |
| CURT 45036 | 2 inch receiver mount | 7,500 lbs gross; 750 lbs tongue |
Gooseneck accessories vs ball hitch by budget
Budget means setup cost in effort and parts, not a price list. A ball-hitch setup is the simplest starting point, while a gooseneck setup is a bed-system investment for heavy, frequent towing.
| Tier | What you get | Example pick |
|---|---|---|
| Simple ball hitch | One fixed mount, one ball size, one trailer height | CURT Loaded Ball Mount 45036 |
| Flexible ball hitch | Adjustable height, two ball sizes, or a tongue-weight gauge | B&W Tow and Stow TS10037B; Weigh Safe WS10-2.5 |
| Gooseneck add-on | Ball, chains, or adapter for a bed system you already own | B&W GNXA2000; B&W GNXA2061; CURT 16055 |
| Full gooseneck system | Complete under-bed or puck hitch installation for your truck | Start with the kit made for your truck bed system |
Types of gooseneck and ball-hitch setups
| Setup | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turnoverball gooseneck | Level bed when stowed; high rating | Needs under-bed installation | Heavy gooseneck trailers, daily bed use |
| Factory puck gooseneck | Drop-in kit for prepared trucks | Needs factory pucks; pattern must match | Prepared trucks, heavy gooseneck trailers |
| Rail adapter gooseneck | Uses existing fifth-wheel rails | Lower rating; needs rails | Owners towing both trailer types |
| Receiver ball hitch | Simple, fits many vehicles | Lower ratings; sway needs tongue weight care | Light to heavy ball-hitch trailers |
Detailed reviews: gooseneck accessories vs ball hitch
Each review covers one pick in full: why it earns its place, maker specs, fitment, owner reports, who should not buy it, and what to pair it with.
Gooseneck replacement ball: B&W Turnoverball Replacement Ball GNXA2000
Gooseneck pick: Turnoverball ball
Why the B&W Turnoverball Replacement Ball GNXA2000 is our pick
The GNXA2000 is the straightforward Turnoverball replacement: a solid, machined 2-5/16 inch ball that drops into the under-bed socket, locks for towing, and flips upside down into the hitch for storage. That flip-away design keeps the bed usable when unhooked. The complete system is rated to 30,000 lbs gross and 7,500 lbs vertical load, limited by the lowest-rated component.
B&W Turnoverball Replacement Ball GNXA2000 key specs
- Part number: GNXA2000
- Ball diameter: 2-5/16 inch
- System gross trailer weight: rated to 30,000 lbs
- System vertical load: rated to 7,500 lbs
- Construction: solid machined ball
- Finish: powder-coat finish described by B&W retailers
- Mounting: Turnoverball under-bed receiver socket
- Storage: ball flips upside down into the hitch
- Compatibility: Turnoverball gooseneck hitch systems
- Safety chains: use the Turnoverball safety-chain anchors for your truck
- Limit rule: never exceed the lowest-rated towing component
B&W Turnoverball Replacement Ball GNXA2000: fits and best for
This ball fits trucks already fitted with a B&W Turnoverball under-bed hitch. It is not a standalone hitch and will not fit a puck system or rail set. It suits heavy gooseneck work when truck, coupler, and chains are rated for the load.
B&W Turnoverball Replacement Ball GNXA2000 pros and watch-outs
- Original-style Turnoverball replacement ball
- Flips away for a level, usable truck bed
- Solid machined 2-5/16 inch ball
- Part of a system rated to 30,000 lbs gross trailer weight
- No rails left in the bed when stowed
- Only fits a Turnoverball socket; not a universal ball
- Adds no capacity beyond the complete system rating
- Requires the matching under-bed hitch to be useful
- Gooseneck trailers still need safety chains and correct coupler fit
B&W Turnoverball Replacement Ball GNXA2000: what owners report
Owner discussion returns to two points: the level bed after flipping the ball away, and confirming the ball is fully locked before towing.
B&W Turnoverball Replacement Ball GNXA2000: who should not buy
Do not buy this ball if you do not already have a Turnoverball hitch, if your truck uses a factory puck system, or if your trailer coupler is not a 2-5/16 inch gooseneck coupler. The better alternative is the factory puck kit below or a complete hitch kit made for your truck.
B&W Turnoverball Replacement Ball GNXA2000: pair it with
Pair it with the safety-chain anchors for your Turnoverball installation and a rubber socket cover for stowed days. Check chain hooks, socket, and latch handle at every hookup.
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Before you buy a gooseneck part, confirm your truck bed system; our receiver-hitch mounting guide explains why the mount, not just the ball, sets the limit.
Gooseneck factory puck kit: B&W OEM Gooseneck Ball and Safety Chain Kit GNXA2061
Gooseneck pick: factory puck kit
Why the B&W OEM Gooseneck Ball and Safety Chain Kit GNXA2061 is our pick
The GNXA2061 is a complete gooseneck ball and safety-chain kit for trucks with a factory puck system. It includes the 2-5/16 inch ball, safety-chain anchors, a rubber plug for the hole when not towing, and a carrying case. B&W rates it to 30,000 lbs gross, limited by the lowest-rated component.
B&W OEM Gooseneck Ball and Safety Chain Kit GNXA2061 key specs
- Part number: GNXA2061
- Ball diameter: 2-5/16 inch
- Gross trailer weight: rated to 30,000 lbs
- Vertical load: 7,500 lbs on the Turnoverball system rating
- Fitment: Ford, GM, and Nissan factory puck systems
- Handle: solid grip latch handle, locks horizontal
- Chain anchors: safety-chain anchors included
- Hole cover: rubber plug included
- Carrying case: included
- Materials: plated or stainless steel parts
- Limit rule: never exceed the lowest-rated towing component
B&W OEM Gooseneck Ball and Safety Chain Kit GNXA2061: fits and best for
This kit fits only trucks with the matching factory puck system; without those pucks, the ball and anchors have nowhere to lock in. It suits factory-prepared trucks towing heavy gooseneck trailers within truck and trailer ratings.
B&W OEM Gooseneck Ball and Safety Chain Kit GNXA2061 pros and watch-outs
- Complete kit: ball, chain anchors, plug, and case
- Drop-in fit for factory puck trucks
- Handle locks to help prevent accidental unlatching
- Plated or stainless parts for corrosion protection
- Rated to 30,000 lbs gross trailer weight
- Useless without the factory puck system
- Puck pattern must match your truck brand and year
- Still limited by the truck and trailer ratings
- Gooseneck trailers need safety chains, unlike a fifth-wheel jaw
B&W OEM Gooseneck Ball and Safety Chain Kit GNXA2061: what owners report
Retailer reports praise the drop-in fit and the handle that keeps hands off a greasy ball. One negative report described a mismatched return, so check part number, pattern, and hooks on arrival.
B&W OEM Gooseneck Ball and Safety Chain Kit GNXA2061: who should not buy
Do not buy this kit if your truck has no factory pucks, if you have a Ram puck system (the Ram kit is a different part number), or if your trailer is a fifth-wheel trailer with a kingpin, not a gooseneck coupler. The rail adapter below is the better route with fifth-wheel rails.
B&W OEM Gooseneck Ball and Safety Chain Kit GNXA2061: pair it with
Pair it with correctly rated gooseneck safety chains whose hooks fit these anchors, and keep the rubber plug in the case so the bed hole stays covered when not towing.
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Factory preparation packages vary by truck; if you are unsure of your bed setup, compare it with the puck-system notes in our gooseneck truck-bed cover guide before ordering.
Gooseneck rail adapter: CURT Bent Plate Fifth-Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter 16055
Gooseneck pick: rail adapter
Why the CURT Bent Plate Fifth-Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter 16055 is our pick
The CURT 16055 is a bent-plate adapter that drops into industry-standard fifth-wheel rails and presents a 2-5/16 inch gooseneck ball. It is rated to 25,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 6,250 lbs tongue weight, with a 3 inch rearward ball offset. It bridges rails owners to gooseneck towing.
CURT Bent Plate Fifth-Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter 16055 key specs
- Part number: 16055
- Ball diameter: 2-5/16 inch
- Gross trailer weight: rated to 25,000 lbs
- Tongue weight: rated to 6,250 lbs
- Ball offset: 3 inch rearward
- Mounting: industry-standard fifth-wheel base rails
- Attachment: four pin-and-clip points
- Removal: lifts out for full bed use
- Finish: carbide black powder coat
- Trailer types: livestock, flatbed, and equipment gooseneck trailers
- Limit rule: never exceed the lowest-rated towing component
CURT Bent Plate Fifth-Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter 16055: fits and best for
This adapter fits only trucks with industry-standard fifth-wheel rails installed. It does not fit a bare bed, Turnoverball socket, or puck system. It suits owners towing both trailer types with one truck. Watch bed-rail clearance: the overhang and trailer nose must clear the rails in turns and on uneven ground.
CURT Bent Plate Fifth-Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter 16055 pros and watch-outs
- Uses fifth-wheel rails you already own
- Rated to 25,000 lbs gross trailer weight
- Removes for full bed use
- Four pin-and-clip attachment points
- 3 inch rearward ball offset for clearance
- Needs industry-standard fifth-wheel rails to work at all
- Lower rating than the 30,000 lbs puck and Turnoverball kits
- Bed-rail and trailer-nose clearance still must be checked
- Adds a plate in the bed while towing, unlike a flush Turnoverball ball
CURT Bent Plate Fifth-Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter 16055: what owners report
Owner discussion of rail adapters centres on versatility: one truck, two trailer types, no second hitch installation. The same threads warn chain, latch, and clearance checks do not disappear because the mount is a plate. Coverage is consistent on rating and rail fit, thinner on long-term wear.
CURT Bent Plate Fifth-Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter 16055: who should not buy
Do not buy this adapter if you have no fifth-wheel rails, if your trailer load exceeds 25,000 lbs gross or 6,250 lbs tongue weight, or if your trailer maker forbids a gooseneck adapter on its frame. Use a dedicated gooseneck hitch rated for the load, or a different trailer.
CURT Bent Plate Fifth-Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter 16055: pair it with
Pair it with safety chains for your gooseneck trailer, check all four pins and clips before every departure, and check clearance at full turn.
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Rail and trailer height must agree; see our fifth-wheel truck-bed cover guide for how bed equipment changes height.
Ball-hitch adjustable mount: B&W Tow and Stow Adjustable Ball Mount TS10037B
Ball-hitch pick: adjustable mount
Why the B&W Tow and Stow Adjustable Ball Mount TS10037B is our pick
The B&W Tow and Stow TS10037B is an adjustable ball mount for a 2 inch receiver, with a dual ball in 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch sizes, a 5 inch drop, and a rating to 10,000 lbs gross trailer weight. Two pins change height, the ball assembly rotates to swap sizes, and it stows under the vehicle. One mount covers two coupler sizes and several heights.
B&W Tow and Stow Adjustable Ball Mount TS10037B key specs
- Part number: TS10037B
- Receiver size: 2 inch
- Ball sizes: dual ball, 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch
- Drop: 5 inch
- Gross trailer weight: rated to 10,000 lbs
- Adjustment: two stainless steel pins
- Ball change: rotate the ball assembly
- Stowage: stows under the vehicle
- Construction: American-made steel described by B&W
- Use: ball-hitch trailers with matching couplers
- Limit rule: never exceed the lowest-rated towing component
B&W Tow and Stow Adjustable Ball Mount TS10037B: fits and best for
This mount fits a 2 inch receiver only; it is not a 2.5 inch mount, and a sleeve does not change its 10,000 lbs rating. It suits trucks and SUVs towing boat, utility, camper, and car-hauler trailers within that rating with a matching coupler. Measure coupler height at level and choose the drop that levels the trailer. Above 10,000 lbs, this mount is the wrong pick.
B&W Tow and Stow Adjustable Ball Mount TS10037B pros and watch-outs
- Two ball sizes on one mount
- Height adjusts in seconds with two pins
- Stows under the vehicle when not towing
- Simple swap between trailers
- Rated to 10,000 lbs gross trailer weight
- 2 inch receiver only
- 10,000 lbs ceiling is below the heavier ball mounts here
- Tongue weight not stated in the sources checked, so use the receiver and vehicle limits
- Heavier than a simple fixed mount
B&W Tow and Stow Adjustable Ball Mount TS10037B: what owners report
Tow and Stow material stresses adjust, rotate, stow, and drive, but both pins must be fully seated and the correct ball must face the coupler. Coverage of this variant is thinner than of the wider family, so rely on the maker rating.
B&W Tow and Stow Adjustable Ball Mount TS10037B: who should not buy
Do not buy this mount if your receiver is 2.5 inch, if your loaded trailer exceeds 10,000 lbs, or if you tow only one trailer at one height; a fixed loaded mount below is simpler and cheaper. The Weigh Safe mount below is the better ball-hitch pick above 10,000 lbs.
B&W Tow and Stow Adjustable Ball Mount TS10037B: pair it with
Pair it with a locking hitch pin and a coupler lock, and keep both adjustment pins clean.
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A receiver mount is only as good as its receiver; our hitch receiver guide covers classes and limits.
Ball-hitch gauge mount: Weigh Safe Adjustable Drop Hitch WS10-2.5
Ball-hitch pick: tongue-weight gauge
Why the Weigh Safe Adjustable Drop Hitch WS10-2.5 is our pick
The Weigh Safe adjustable drop hitch in 10 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank form (model WS10-2.5) is the heaviest ball-hitch pick here. With the 2-5/16 inch ball it is rated to 18,500 lbs gross trailer weight and 2,200 lbs tongue weight; with the 2 inch ball it is rated to 8,000 lbs gross trailer weight. Its built-in hydraulic scale measures tongue weight at the hitch, helping you hit Weigh Safe’s 10 to 15 percent range instead of guessing.
Weigh Safe Adjustable Drop Hitch WS10-2.5 key specs
- Model: WS10-2.5 (10 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank)
- Receiver size: 2.5 inch
- Ball sizes: 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch stainless steel balls included
- Gross trailer weight: rated to 18,500 lbs with 2-5/16 inch ball
- Gross trailer weight: rated to 8,000 lbs with 2 inch ball
- Maximum tongue weight: 2,200 lbs
- Drop: 10 inch, adjustable in 1 inch increments
- Material: aircraft-grade billet aluminium
- Scale: built-in hydraulic tongue-weight gauge
- Limit rule: never exceed the lowest-rated towing component
Weigh Safe Adjustable Drop Hitch WS10-2.5: fits and best for
This mount fits 2.5 inch receivers, common on three-quarter-ton and one-ton trucks, and is the natural pick for heavy car haulers, large campers, and equipment trailers within its ball-specific ratings. Ball size changes the rating, so a 2 inch coupler trailer is an 8,000 lbs setup, not 18,500 lbs. Check the gauge in the drop position and confirm receiver, truck, and coupler ratings.
Weigh Safe Adjustable Drop Hitch WS10-2.5 pros and watch-outs
- Built-in tongue-weight gauge at the hitch
- 18,500 lbs rating with the 2-5/16 inch ball
- Two stainless steel balls included
- 1 inch height increments for levelling
- Strong match for heavy ball-hitch trailers
- 2.5 inch receiver only; not a 2 inch mount
- Rating drops sharply with the 2 inch ball
- Heavier and more complex than a fixed mount
- Gauge reading depends on correct drop-position use
Weigh Safe Adjustable Drop Hitch WS10-2.5: what owners report
Manuals stress the gauge is only useful if read before driving, and an out-of-range tongue weight is a loading problem, not a gauge problem. Coverage follows the wider Drop Hitch family, so rely on manual ratings.
Weigh Safe Adjustable Drop Hitch WS10-2.5: who should not buy
Do not buy this mount if your receiver is 2 inch, if your trailer coupler is 1-7/8 inch, or if you want the simplest mount for a light utility trailer. The fixed CURT mount below is the better simple pick, and the B&W adjustable mount is the better 2 inch receiver pick.
Weigh Safe Adjustable Drop Hitch WS10-2.5: pair it with
Pair it with the keyed-alike lock set for receiver and coupler, and note your loaded tongue-weight reading for each trailer so repeat trips start from a known setup.
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Tongue weight is the ball-hitch number most owners guess; our hitch ball guide explains ball sizes and why size alone is not a rating.
Ball-hitch simple fixed mount: CURT Loaded Ball Mount 45036
Ball-hitch pick: simple fixed mount
Why the CURT Loaded Ball Mount 45036 is our pick
The CURT 45036 is a loaded ball mount: a Class 3 mount for a 2 inch receiver, with a 2 inch ball torqued in place and a hitch pin included. It is rated to 7,500 lbs gross trailer weight and 750 lbs tongue weight, with a 2 inch drop and an 8-1/4 inch length. Nothing adjusts or rotates. For one trailer, or several sharing a 2 inch coupler and similar height, simplicity is the point.
CURT Loaded Ball Mount 45036 key specs
- Part number: 45036
- Receiver size: 2 inch
- Ball diameter: 2 inch, factory-torqued
- Gross trailer weight: rated to 7,500 lbs
- Tongue weight: rated to 750 lbs
- Drop: 2 inch
- Length: 8-1/4 inch
- Class: Class 3
- Included: hitch pin
- Finish: gloss black powder coat described by CURT
- Limit rule: never exceed the lowest-rated towing component
CURT Loaded Ball Mount 45036: fits and best for
This mount fits 2 inch receivers and 2 inch couplers only. It suits boat, utility, small camper, and recreational trailers within its ratings, level on a 2 inch drop. If you need more drop, another ball size, or a higher rating, you need a different mount, not a workaround.
CURT Loaded Ball Mount 45036 pros and watch-outs
- Ball already torqued in place
- Hitch pin included
- Simple fixed design with nothing to adjust
- Clear 7,500 lbs rating for common trailers
- Good everyday mount for one-trailer owners
- Fixed 2 inch drop only
- 2 inch ball and coupler only
- 7,500 lbs ceiling is the lowest ball-hitch rating here
- No tongue-weight gauge or height adjustment
CURT Loaded Ball Mount 45036: what owners report
Coverage stresses the factory-torqued ball: no separate ball purchase or torque guess. The watch-out is that the mount fitting a first trailer may not level a second, so mixed-trailer owners tend to move to an adjustable mount.
CURT Loaded Ball Mount 45036: who should not buy
Do not buy this mount if your coupler is not 2 inch, if your trailer needs a different drop, or if your loaded trailer exceeds 7,500 lbs gross or 750 lbs tongue weight. The B&W adjustable mount is better for mixed trailers, and the Weigh Safe mount is better for heavy ball-hitch loads.
CURT Loaded Ball Mount 45036: pair it with
Pair it with a spare hitch pin and clip, and check the factory ball nut and coupler latch at every hookup, though the ball arrives torqued.
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If you add a second trailer with a different coupler, see our trailer hitch brands guide before buying a second fixed mount.
Spec comparison
Use this table to compare ratings. Ball size, receiver size, and bed system can each change the usable rating, so read the condition, not just the headline number.
| Spec | GNXA2000 | GNXA2061 | 16055 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part number | GNXA2000 | GNXA2061 | 16055 |
| Ball size | 2-5/16 inch | 2-5/16 inch | 2-5/16 inch |
| Gross rating | 30,000 lbs system | 30,000 lbs | 25,000 lbs |
| Tongue or pin | 7,500 lbs system | 7,500 lbs system | 6,250 lbs |
| Receiver or bed fit | Turnoverball socket | Factory pucks | Fifth-wheel rails |
| Height adjustment | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Safety chains | Turnoverball anchors | Included anchors | Gooseneck chains |
| Stowage | Flips into hitch | Lifts out | Lifts out |
| Best use | Turnoverball owners | Prepared puck trucks | Rail owners |
| Check |
| Spec | TS10037B | WS10-2.5 | 45036 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part number | TS10037B | WS10-2.5 | 45036 |
| Ball size | 2 and 2-5/16 inch | 2 and 2-5/16 inch | 2 inch |
| Gross rating | 10,000 lbs | 18,500 lbs with large ball | 7,500 lbs |
| Tongue or pin | Not published | 2,200 lbs | 750 lbs |
| Receiver or bed fit | 2 inch receiver | 2.5 inch receiver | 2 inch receiver |
| Height adjustment | Pin-adjusted | 1 inch increments | Fixed 2 inch drop |
| Safety chains | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Stowage | Stows under vehicle | Slides out of receiver | Slides out of receiver |
| Best use | Mixed ball trailers | Heavy ball trailers | One-trailer owners |
| Check |
Editorial judgement, not test results: ratings above are maker ratings, not measurements from this guide. No pick was tested here, and no score is assigned. Choose by coupler type, bed or receiver fit, and the lowest rating in your towing chain.
Installation and fitment basics
Fitment starts before any part arrives. Confirm trailer coupler size, truck bed system or receiver size, and loaded trailer weight, then match all three to one pick. A Turnoverball ball needs its socket, a puck kit needs its pattern, a rail adapter needs its rails, and a ball mount needs its receiver. Measure coupler height at level, and choose the drop or adapter height that keeps it level. Torque, pins, and latch checks follow the maker instructions for your part, and a driveway fitment check beats discovering a mismatch at a loading dock. For receiver basics, see our hitch receiver guide and our trailer hitch review, and for truck-bed setup, see our gooseneck bed cover guide and our truck-bed winch mounting guide.
After installation, hook up slowly: couple the trailer, lock the latch, attach safety chains with slack for turns but no dragging, connect lights and brakes, and check tongue or pin weight before the first mile. Re-check pins, clips, and latches after the first short stop, because a new setup can settle. If any part does not seat cleanly, stop and find the cause; forcing a ball, pin, or latch into place damages couplers and sockets. Fit any winch before the first tow; see our truck winch installation guide.
Safety essentials
1. Never exceed the lowest rating in the truck, hitch, ball, coupler, chain, and trailer chain.
2. Lock every coupler latch, ball latch, pin, and clip, and check them at every hookup.
3. Attach gooseneck safety chains to rated anchors, with slack for turns and no dragging.
4. Check bed-rail and trailer-nose clearance at full turn before any road trip.
5. Measure tongue or pin weight on loaded trailers; reload if the reading is outside the safe range.
6. Re-check the whole hookup after the first short stop, and again after rough roads.
Three safety accessories support this guide: a CURT safety chain for light trailers, a CURT replacement ball, and a CURT coupler for small trailers. Note the chain rating carefully: it suits light trailers only and must not be used as a gooseneck chain for heavy loads.
For recovery and towing support, see our D-ring shackle guide, our snatch block guide, our essential winching accessories guide, our winch recovery kit guide, and our tree saver strap guide.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Ball will not seat in socket or pucks | Wrong system or dirty socket | Confirm system and pattern; clean and inspect the socket |
| Coupler will not latch on the ball | Wrong ball size or worn coupler | Match ball to coupler size; inspect and replace a worn coupler |
| Trailer sways at highway speed | Too little tongue weight | Reload forward; re-measure tongue weight |
| Truck rear sags heavily | Too much tongue or pin weight | Reload; check truck payload and receiver ratings |
| Bed-rail contact in turns | Insufficient clearance | Check at full turn; change adapter height or trailer setup |
| Chains drag or bind in turns | Wrong length or hook fit | Resize chains; confirm hooks fit the anchors |
Who should NOT buy these
Owners with no bed hitch and no receiver plan: none of these picks creates a hitch system except as a replacement or add-on part, so start with a complete hitch installation instead of a ball or adapter.
Owners whose trailer exceeds every rating here: a load above 30,000 lbs gross, or a ball-hitch load above 18,500 lbs, needs a higher-rated system; do not stretch a pick beyond its maker rating.
Owners with a fifth-wheel kingpin trailer: a gooseneck ball or adapter does not couple to a kingpin, and converting a fifth-wheel needs trailer-maker guidance, not a ball swap.
Owners who tow rarely with one light trailer: a simple fixed mount covers that job, and a puck kit or gauge mount adds unused complexity; see our trailer winch guide for light-trailer support instead.
Final verdict
Gooseneck replacement ball: B&W Turnoverball Replacement Ball GNXA2000 —
Gooseneck factory puck kit: B&W OEM Gooseneck Ball and Safety Chain Kit GNXA2061 —
Gooseneck rail adapter: CURT Bent Plate Fifth-Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter 16055 —
Ball-hitch adjustable mount: B&W Tow and Stow Adjustable Ball Mount TS10037B —
Ball-hitch gauge mount: Weigh Safe Adjustable Drop Hitch WS10-2.5 —
Ball-hitch simple fixed mount: CURT Loaded Ball Mount 45036 —
FAQ
Can a gooseneck accessory fit a ball-hitch trailer?
No, not directly. A gooseneck ball, puck kit, or rail adapter couples to a gooseneck coupler in the truck bed, while a ball-hitch trailer couples to a ball on a receiver mount behind the truck. The coupler shapes, the hitch locations, and the safety-chain setups differ. If you own both trailer types, you need the correct hitch for each, or a rail adapter that lets one truck tow both, within its rating.
Do gooseneck trailers need safety chains?
Yes. Gooseneck trailers use safety chains attached to anchors in the truck bed, and the chain rating and hook fit must match those anchors. This is one clear difference from a fifth-wheel jaw hitch, where owners often note that chains are not part of the jaw connection. Never tow a gooseneck trailer with chains crossed incorrectly, dragging, or attached to a point that is not rated for the load.
What is the lowest-rated component rule?
The lowest-rated component rule means your real towing limit is the weakest part of the whole chain: the truck tow rating, the receiver or bed hitch, the ball or adapter, the coupler, the chains, and the trailer itself. A ball rated to 30,000 lbs does not make a 10,000 lbs receiver into a 30,000 lbs setup. Check every rating, use the lowest one, and never exceed it.
Can I use a fifth-wheel rail adapter for any gooseneck trailer?
Only if three things agree: your truck has industry-standard fifth-wheel rails, the adapter rating covers your loaded trailer weight and tongue weight, and your trailer maker allows a gooseneck adapter on its frame. The CURT adapter here is rated to 25,000 lbs gross and 6,250 lbs tongue weight. Bed-rail clearance and trailer-nose clearance must also be checked at full turn and over uneven ground.
Does a Turnoverball ball work in a factory puck system?
No. A Turnoverball replacement ball fits a Turnoverball under-bed socket, while a factory puck kit uses the puck pattern built into the truck bed by the truck maker. The ball shapes and locking systems differ by system. Buy the ball or kit made for the system already in your truck bed, and confirm the brand and year pattern before ordering.
Why does the Weigh Safe rating change with ball size?
Because the ball is part of the load path, and its rating changes with its size on this mount. With the 2-5/16 inch ball, the 2.5 inch shank mount here is rated to 18,500 lbs gross trailer weight, but with the 2 inch ball it is rated to 8,000 lbs. Always use the rating for the ball actually installed, not the highest rating printed anywhere on the mount.
What tongue weight should a ball-hitch trailer have?
Weigh Safe describes 10 to 15 percent of gross trailer weight as the target tongue-weight range for stable ball-hitch towing. Too little tongue weight invites sway, and too much tongue weight overloads the rear axle and steering. A built-in gauge, a separate scale, or a weighbridge reading is better than guessing from how the truck sits.
Is a gooseneck hitch always better than a ball hitch?
No. A gooseneck setup usually offers higher ratings and a hitch point over or near the rear axle, which helps stability and manoeuvring with heavy trailers. A ball hitch is simpler, fits more vehicles, costs less to set up, and suits lighter trailers well. The better system is the one that matches your trailer type, your truck, and your loaded weight, not the one with the highest headline rating.
Can I tow a gooseneck trailer with a short-bed truck?
Sometimes, but clearance is the deciding factor, not the ball rating. The gooseneck overhang must clear the bed rails and cab through turns and over uneven ground. Short beds, tall bed rails, and wide trailer noses make contact more likely. Check clearance at full turn on level ground and again on a slope before any road trip, and follow your trailer maker guidance.
Sources & changelog
Manufacturer and retailer sources: B&W GNXA2061 at Tractor Supply; B&W Turnoverball kit specifications; B&W Turnoverball overview; CURT 16055 specifications; CURT 60692 installation guide; CURT 45036 specifications; Weigh Safe adjustable mount manual; Weigh Safe Drop Hitch specifications.
Owner and comparison sources: Yesterday’s Tractors gooseneck versus fifth-wheel forum; TractorByNet gooseneck versus bumper-pull forum; iRV2 bumper-pull versus fifth-wheel forum; Gen-Y bumper-pull versus fifth-wheel versus gooseneck guide; TowLos gooseneck versus bumper-pull guide.
Changelog — October 30, 2026: guide first published.
By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider
Leo covers towing, winch, and recovery gear with a focus on maker ratings and fitment, so readers can match a hitch to their truck and trailer without guessing.
Related guides
Best hitch receivers under 500 · Best hitch balls under 20 · Top trailer hitch brands · Best truck bed cover for gooseneck · Best receiver hitch winch mount · Towing and Trailer archive
Top pick: B&W OEM Gooseneck Ball and Safety Chain Kit GNXA2061