Choosing between a B&W, Curt, or Reese gooseneck hitch? Each one mounts in your truck bed, accepts a gooseneck trailer ball, and is rated for 25,000–30,000 lbs of towing capacity — but the install methods, ease of use, and long-term durability differ in important ways. This guide compares B&W vs Curt vs Reese gooseneck hitches head-to-head: install difficulty, turnover speed, retail price, warranty, and which one fits each pickup brand best. For broader gooseneck trailer buying advice, see our gooseneck trailers buyer’s guide.
The Three Major Gooseneck Hitch Brands
B&W Companion / Turnoverball
B&W invented the turnover-ball gooseneck design and still sets the standard. The B&W Turnoverball mounts under the bed; the Companion is a fifth-wheel-style above-bed hitch that uses the same under-bed mount. Premium price ($700–$1,300 installed), best ergonomics, lifetime warranty.
Curt EZr Double Lock
Curt’s value-tier gooseneck hitch. Manual handle to flip the ball up for use or down to flush-mount in the bed. Cheaper than B&W ($400–$700 installed), generally good quality, 10-year warranty.
Reese ELITE
Reese’s premium hitch. Hidden-receiver design, automatic latch, mid-tier price ($550–$900). Lifetime warranty. Used by many factory truck packages.
B&W vs Curt vs Reese Side-by-Side
| Factor | B&W | Curt EZr | Reese ELITE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (installed) | $700–$1,300 | $400–$700 | $550–$900 |
| Capacity | 30,000 lbs GTW | 30,000 lbs GTW | 30,000 lbs GTW |
| Ball storage | Flips to flush-mount | Flips to flush-mount | Removable |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 10 years | Lifetime |
| Installation | 4–6 hr at shop | 3–5 hr at shop | 3–5 hr at shop |
| Best for | Daily commercial use | Budget-conscious occasional use | OEM-style integration |
Which One Fits Your Truck?
Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty: any of the three works. B&W is the most popular OEM-fitment.
RAM 2500/3500: RAM’s factory gooseneck prep is built to accept B&W, Reese, or Curt directly with the prep package.
Chevy/GMC 2500/3500: all three install cleanly. Curt EZr is most popular as a value pick.
Older trucks (pre-2011): need full hitch frame brackets installed (not just bed prep). B&W is the most universal.
Installation Differences
B&W and Reese both require bolting frame brackets through the truck bed and frame. Curt EZr can install with bed brackets only on factory-prepped trucks, saving 1–2 hours of install time. Always have a shop install — a misaligned hitch transfers stress to the truck frame and can void warranty.
Outbound References
For DOT towing requirements above 26,001 lbs combined gross weight, see FMCSA CDL rules. For trailer ball thread specifications, the SAE J684 standard governs.
Common Questions
Can I install a gooseneck hitch myself?
Technically yes, but most owners pay a shop $200–$400 for proper alignment and torque-checking. The hitch holds 25,000+ lbs — not the place to learn.
Will a gooseneck hitch ruin my truck bed?
No — modern hitches mount with no permanent damage to the truck. The 4-inch hole for the ball is typical and doesn’t affect resale value.
Which is the easiest to use day-to-day?
B&W. The handle action to flip the ball is the smoothest, and the ball alignment is forgiving on hookup.
Ready to Buy?
Browse gooseneck trailers for sale and pair the right hitch to your truck. See our gooseneck pillar guide for trailer sizing.
Request a free delivered quote with your truck spec and we’ll match the right gooseneck setup. Free delivery to all 50 states from PrimeLoad Trailers.
