What type of hitch do i need for a trailer

Hitches allow convenient carting and towing options for dozens of unique transportation situations. Use trailer hitches to easily and securely transport:. Renting a vehicle with a pre-installed hitch and the capacity to haul trailers is expensive and cumbersome. Rental companies might also require specialty trailer registration and insurance, depending on your towing situation.

There are five classes of rear hitches, with each managing a higher towing capacity as well as receiver opening sizes. Class 1 hitches are known as light-duty receiver-hitches and are the most basic hitch style available. These units work primarily to mount bikes or as small cargo carriers. They can also be a versatile option for towing small, enclosed utility trailers and vehicles.

Class 1 hitches support a maximum trailer weight of 2, pounds or less. Class 1 hitches work with nearly any towing vehicle. This includes both compact and midsize cars whose light transmission coolers are in good condition. New and pre-owned class 2 hitches are installed onto the frames of its towing vehicle, which range from midsize cars and SUVs to minivans and compact pickup trucks. These vehicle types contain regular-duty transmission coolers more than capable of managing up to 3, pounds of towing weight and tongue weights around pounds.

Class 2 hitches work great for towing ATVs, motorcycles, small boats and trailers up to 12 feet in length. Class 3 hitches are considered heavy-duty hitch types. This style of trailer hitch is also widely crowned the king of general towing, with a towing capacity of up to 10, pounds, a tongue weight capacity of , pounds and a 2-inch receiver measurement. Class 3 heavy-duty hitches are attached via a drawbar to the frame of a towing vehicle.

For that reason, some manufacturers and distributors categorize class 3 trailer hitches as under-car receiver hitches, given this placement. Consider a class 3 hitch if you drive a mid- or large-sized pick-up truck, SUV or van and need to tow campers, mid-sized boats, mid-sized trailers and cargo-carrying flatbeds.

Dubbed the super-duty receiving hitch, class 4 styles carry a towing capacity of 10,, pounds and a tongue weight of 1,, pounds. Those who regularly haul heavy equipment, machinery or cargo and transportation vehicles often opt for the fifth and most advanced trailer class, the 5 th -wheel hitch.

This hitch type is built specifically for the beds of pickup and flatbed trucks. Each unit connects to its towed trailer via a central king pin that, once positioned, appears similar to the plate of a semi-tractor.

Like 5th wheels, they are designed explicitly for pickup and flatbed trucks. Also like 5th wheels, gooseneck hitches are installed on the beds of a truck, near the rear axle, and carry a towing capacity around 30, pounds. They are a prime hitch choice for hauling both commercial and industrial trailers, including horse and livestock trailers.

Gooseneck hitches are also designed to be more spatially conscious than other trailer hitch types. More specifically, you can still make full use of your truck bed with an attached gooseneck hitch, which is difficult with the more obtrusive 5 th -wheel trailer hitch. As their name suggests, front-mount hitches are installed on the front of your vehicle. This hitch type allows for a range of attachments and new hauling applications, including:. Front-mount hitches come with a different class rating system than rear mounts.

It is best to consult with an expert to match your vehicle type with an appropriate front mount hitch beforehand to ensure you install the proper style and unit. Nearly every vehicle made today is hitch-specific, clarifying the hitch receiver selection and measuring process. However, pickup truck owners have a bit more flexibility, as they can select 5th wheel and gooseneck trailer hitches, among others.

Cut through the clutter of how to choose the right trailer hitch by keeping in mind these suggestions. Trailer hitches may not line up perfectly. Yet a little research using the year, make, model and even sub-model of your vehicle can provide a sound springboard assuring a damage-free, fully operational hitch unit that keeps working over the years. However, trailer hitches do come in two forms you should consider beforehand, round tubing or square tubing.

Round tubing tends to provide a sleeker, more expensive-looking hitch. However, round-tubed hitches are less common than square-tube bodies and will likely cost more. You may also need to consider your preference for an exposed or concealed hitch. Additional trailer or towing accessories may be necessary depending on your towing needs. For example, cargo management accessories are common if your vehicle frequently transports heavy materials, and hitch-mounting accessories are popular when sourcing or replacing individual hitch gear necessary for a safe ride.

Ball mounts are pivotal when creating a safe couple between your trailer with your hitch. Some trailer hitch kits come with a matching unit ball mount. Others will not. During mock assembly, you can put together the central drawbar, the pin and the clip, then proceed to review the model in its intended position.

Majority of those vehicles have a regular-duty transmission cooler which should be able to handle 3, lbs of towing weight. Some typical tow items for this style hitch can include small fishing boats, ATV's and motorcycles, and cargo trailers up to 12ft in length.

Additionally, the a regular-duty trailer hitch receiver is bolted onto the frame of the towing vehicle. A heavy-duty receiver hitch is attached onto the frame of the vehicle and also considered an 'undercar' receiver hitch.

Heavy-duty trailer hitches are designed to carrying or towing up to 7, lbs of weight, they have a removal drawbar which is attached to the frame of the vehicle. Many types of vehicles can town with this style hitch, including mid-to-large sized SUVs, vans, full size cars and pick up trucks. Full size pickups and SUVs have a higher towing capacity, these trailer hitches have a much larger capacity for towing travel trailers, heavier machinery, and boats larger than 24ft.

This receiver hitch has a tow capacity rating of up to 17, lbs gross trailer weight and 1, lbs tongue weight. Not to be confused with a bumper mount receiver hitch, the 5th wheel trailer hitch is specifically for pickup or flatbed trucks, and has up to 30, lbs of towing capacity.

The 5th wheel hitch mounts in the bed of a truck and has a plate similar to a semi-tractor that a king pin on the 5th wheel trailer attaches to. Do you have more questions?