If you’re planning to tow a trailer, then you’ll need to equip your vehicle with a trailer hitch. But with so many different types of hitches on the market, how do you know which one is right for your needs?
Read on for a quick guide to choosing the right trailer hitch for your vehicle and towing needs.
We’ll go over the different trailer hitches, the types of hitches available and what they’re best suited for, so you can make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase.
Why Do You Need Trailer Hitches?
The first thing you need to consider is which type of vehicle will be doing the towing. Towing a Jeep on a trailer hitch is not the same as towing a trailer. Although it all seems similar but there are a lot of factors in play. When choosing a trailer hitch think of all the options that are available to you.
Different types of trailer hitches are used for towing the following:
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Recreational Vehicles (motorcycles, trailers, snowmobiles)
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Boat
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Horse Trailer
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Bikes
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Mount spare tire
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Cargo
How to Choose a Trailer Hitch Basics
Some hitches are made specifically for certain types of vehicles so keep that in mind when you start looking for a trailer hitch. The second is what you will be using the hitch for. The third is your budget. There are many different types and brands of trailer hitches, so it is important to find one that fits your needs and budget.
If you have a smaller car, you will want to choose a hitch that is designed for a smaller car. If you have a larger SUV or truck, logically, you will want to choose a hitch that is designed for a larger vehicle.
If you plan on using the hitch for occasional use, such as towing a small boat or trailer, you will want to choose a lighter-duty hitch. If you plan on using the hitch more frequently or for heavier loads, such as a large RV or trailer, you will want to choose a heavier-duty hitch.
Gross Trailer Weight/Tongue Weight
The two most important factors when looking for a trailer hitch are Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and Tongue Weight (TW). In order to determine how much weight your trailer can carry, you first need to know the GTW and TW of your trailer when fully loaded.
Gross trailer weight is the fully loaded weight of your trailer, including any and all cargo. The best way to measure it is on a vehicle scale. If you don't know the weight of your trailer and don't have access to a vehicle scale, weigh stations near you will be able to help.
The Tongue Weight, or TW, is the downward force exerted by the trailer coupler as it rests on the hitch ball and hitch of your vehicle. The TW is 10-15% of the weight of your trailer.
So do the maths first and of course, you need to consult the experts in order to ensure safety for your vehicles and of course, your own safety.
What Are The 5 Different Types Of The Hitch?
Once you’ve chosen the type of hitch you want to use, you should make sure that the brand you buy is compatible with your vehicle. Ask a dealer or get it installed for you, that way you will know that the hitch fits and is compatible.
Here is a brief list of hitches and what they can be used for:
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Ball mount hitches are the most common type of hitch. They are used to tow trailers with a ball mount receiver. Ball mounts come in different sizes and weights, so you must choose the right size for your trailer.
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Drop hitches are used to tow trailers that have a drop-down receiver. Drop hitches allow the trailer to be lower to the ground, which can be helpful when loading or unloading cargo.
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Gooseneck hitches are used to tow trailers with a gooseneck coupler. Gooseneck hitches provide a more stable connection between the trailer and the tow vehicle than other types of hitches.
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Pintle hitches are used to tow trailers with a pintle hook receiver. Pintle hitches provide a more secure connection than other types of hitches, but they can be more difficult to attach and remove.
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Weight distribution hitches are used to distribute the weight of the trailer evenly over the axle of the tow vehicle. This type of hitch is often used when towing heavy trailers.
Weight Carrying trailer hitches are typically used for trailers up to 3,500 lbs GTW and 300 lbs TW. Some vehicles such as pickups and vans have stronger springs to support higher loads. Weight Carrying trailer hitches support the entire tongue weight on the rear of a car.
While most passenger car and light truck applications use Weight Carrying trailer hitches, some people prefer a tongue-weight trailer hitch which is only suitable for heavier loads.
There are two different types of weight-carrying trailer hitches:
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Fixed Drawbar - The ball is mounted to a permanent platform that is fixed inside the hitch.
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Removable Drawbar - It is mounted on a removable platform.
Before trying to tow a trailer behind your car keep the following in mind:
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Make sure that the size of your trailer hitch ball is correct
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Check that your cargo load does not exceed the recommended weight for your vehicle and your hitch
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Make sure that safety chains and locks are secure.
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Make sure that your trailer wiring harness is working correctly
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Make sure that all parts are in working order
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Practice: Make sure you are comfortable towing
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Check that your load is balanced
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Check tire pressure on tow vehicle and trailer
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Make sure brakes are in good working order
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Make sure you have a spare for your trailer
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Adjust your mirrors, and watch your blind spots
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Slow down and avoid sudden steering manoeuvres
You should also try not to go for the cheapest model of hitch out there. The quality is important, and you will want to use your hitch for many years.
Is A Class 2 Or Class 3 Hitch Better?
There are three classes of trailer hitches, and the weight limit for each class is as follows:
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Class 1: 2000 pounds
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Class 2: 3500 pounds
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Class 3: 6000 lbs
There are a few things to consider when deciding if a Class 2 or Class 3 hitch is better for your needs. Class 2 hitches are typically used for smaller trailers, while Class 3 hitches are designed for larger trailers. If you're not sure which class of hitch is best for your trailer, it's always best to consult with a qualified professional before making your purchase.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding between a Class 2 and Class 3 hitch:
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The size of your trailer: A Class 2 hitch is typically used for smaller trailers, while a Class 3 hitch is designed for larger trailers. If you're not sure which size hitch is best for your trailer, it's always best to consult with a qualified professional before making your purchase.
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Your vehicle's tow capacity: Your vehicle's tow capacity will determine how much weight it can safely tow. Check your vehicle's owner's manual or ask a qualified professional to determine your vehicle's tow capacity before choosing a hitch.
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Your intended use: If you plan on using your hitch primarily for towing recreational vehicles (RVs) or large boats, then a Class 3 hitch would be the better choice. However, if you don't anticipate needing to tow large loads often, then a Class 2 hitch would likely suffice.
Our goal is to offer you high-quality, affordable components specific to your 4WD. Be assured when you purchase our Roadsafe 4WD branded suspension products, you will have a top-quality item, fully warranted, and developed to suit Australian conditions.
What Is The Strongest Hitch?
There are many factors that contribute to the strength of a hitch. The weight of the trailer, the tongue weight, the type of coupler, and the size of the receiver all play a role in how strong a hitch is. The strongest hitches are typically found on heavier-duty trailers, such as those used for RVs or boats. They often have larger receivers and more robust couplers.
What Is The Difference Between A Tow Hitch And A Trailer Hitch?
The main difference between a tow hitch and a trailer hitch is that a tow hitch is designed to be used with a vehicle that has a towing capability, while a trailer hitch is designed for use with a trailer. A trailer hitch can be either bolted or welded onto the frame of the vehicle, while a tow hitch must be bolted onto the frame. Tow hitches are typically used for towing trailers, boats, campers, and other large objects, while trailer hitches are mainly used for towing smaller objects such as bicycles and snowmobiles.
