If you are looking to tow a trailer behind your truck, you may be looking at installing a gooseneck hitch on the back. A gooseneck hitch allows you to tow heavy items, such as fifth wheel trailers and livestock trailers. If you need this type of hitch installed, you have two options. You can do it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you may be wondering what the advantages and disadvantages are to doing it yourself. Here are some of those pros and cons. 

The Pros of Installing a Gooseneck Hitch Yourself

• The Cost

The biggest advantage to installing a gooseneck hitch yourself is the cost. It is cheaper to do it yourself than it is to pay a professional to do it. If money is tight or is a leading factor in your decision, this may be the right option for you. 

• It's Not a Terribly Challenging Task If You Have the Right Skill Set

The other benefit to doing it yourself is that it is not a challenging task. It can be a bit time consuming, but it is fairly straight forward. If you know how to cut a hole in metal, and are comfortable using a hole saw, wrench and screwdriver, you should have no problems completing this task on your own. 

The Cons of Installing a Gooseneck Hitch Yourself

• You May Not Have the Right Tools

One of the disadvantages to installing a gooseneck hitch yourself is that you may not have the right tools. You will need a hole saw to cut through the metal in your truck for the holes need for the hitch. If you do not have the right tool, you may either have to buy, rent or borrow one. Buying one can cost as much, if not more, than having the hitch installed. And availability may vary in your area as far as renting one goes. If you can't rent or borrow one, it may be best to have a professional install the hitch for you. 

• You Only Get One Shot at Sawing the Hole

The biggest downside to installing a gooseneck hitch yourself is that you only get one shot as sawing the hitch hole. If you measure incorrectly and drill the hole too big, there is no fixing it. You will either have to buy a bigger hitch or purchase a new bumper and start over. If you are not confident in your measuring or sawing skills, you should leave this install to a professional. 

Weighing the pros and cons will help you determine whether you should install a gooseneck hitch yourself or leave it to a professional to install.