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Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Hitch Installation
Heavy-duty hitch installations for towing trailers in Lufkin, Texas.
When you need to tow a livestock trailer, flatbed, or large RV in Lufkin, a standard bumper hitch will not provide the weight capacity or stability required for safe highway travel. Gooseneck and fifth wheel hitches mount directly over the rear axle of your truck bed, distributing the tongue weight more evenly and allowing you to pull heavier loads without the sway and bouncing common with rear-mounted receivers. To the Max Stereo & Accessories installs both hitch types and ensures the mounting points are reinforced to handle the load ratings your trailer requires.
A gooseneck hitch uses a ball mounted in the bed floor and connects to a coupler on the trailer's neck, while a fifth wheel hitch uses a horseshoe-shaped plate that locks onto a kingpin. Both systems require cutting access holes in the truck bed and bolting the hitch assembly to the frame with grade-eight hardware. We measure and drill the bed openings, install the hitch rails or puck system underneath, and torque all fasteners to manufacturer specifications so the connection stays secure under load.
If you are planning to tow heavy equipment or a camper in Lufkin, get in touch to discuss which hitch style fits your trailer and truck bed setup.
How the Installation Process Works
The installation starts by measuring your truck bed in Lufkin to locate the exact center point over the rear axle where the hitch will sit. We mark the drill points, cut the necessary openings in the bed floor, and then slide the hitch rails or puck mounts into position beneath the bed. The rails bolt directly to the frame using heavy-duty hardware, and the hitch head or ball assembly drops into place through the bed openings once everything is secured from underneath.
After installation, you will have a stable towing platform that keeps the trailer tongue weight centered over the axle, reducing rear-end sag and improving steering control when pulling steep grades or navigating curves. The hitch will also allow you to use the full weight rating of your truck without overloading the rear suspension.
Most gooseneck installations take a few hours depending on bed configuration and frame access. Some trucks require additional reinforcement plates if the frame does not have pre-drilled holes or if you are pulling near the maximum rated capacity. We inspect the frame and bed structure before starting to confirm what hardware your specific truck needs for safe towing.
Here is what people usually ask before booking
Most customers want to know which hitch type matches their trailer, whether the installation requires permanent modifications, and how much weight they can safely pull once the hitch is mounted.
What is the difference between a gooseneck and a fifth wheel hitch?
A gooseneck uses a ball in the bed floor and couples to a vertical coupler on the trailer, while a fifth wheel uses a plate-style hitch that locks onto a kingpin like a semi-truck. Goosenecks allow more bed space and easier removal, while fifth wheels offer a smoother ride for large RVs.
Will installing a hitch damage my truck bed?
We drill access holes in the bed floor to mount the hitch, but these openings are covered by trim rings and the hitch head when installed. If you remove the hitch later, the holes remain but can be plugged or covered with bed mats.
How much weight can I tow with a gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch?
Weight capacity depends on your truck's frame, suspension, and GVWR rating. Most heavy-duty trucks in Lufkin can safely tow between 15,000 and 25,000 pounds with a properly installed gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch, but we verify your specific limits before starting the work.
Can I still use my truck bed for cargo after the hitch is installed?
Yes, both gooseneck and fifth wheel hitches can be removed or retracted when not towing, leaving the bed open for hauling. Gooseneck balls unscrew from the base, and most fifth wheel hitches have a quick-release handle that lets you lift the entire assembly out.
How long does a typical hitch installation take?
Most gooseneck and fifth wheel installations in Lufkin take between two and four hours depending on your truck model and whether the frame has pre-drilled mounting points. We schedule enough time to complete the job without rushing the torque and alignment steps.
To the Max Stereo & Accessories handles gooseneck and fifth wheel hitch installations across a range of truck makes and bed configurations in Lufkin. Contact us to review your trailer type, towing needs, and truck specifications so we can recommend the right hitch and install it correctly the first time.
