5 Different Types of Trailer Hitches – Trick Trucks
Selecting the right trailer hitch for your vehicle can actually be one of the easiest steps in getting ready to tow. If you already know the weight capacities of your vehicle and you know the type of trailer you are planning to tow, then there are only a few simple steps to finding the right trailer hitches.
A trailer hitch is a device attached to the chassis of a vehicle for towing. It can take the form of a tow ball to allow swiveling and articulation of a trailer, or a tow pin, or a tow hook with a trailer loop, often used for large or agricultural vehicles where slack in the pivot pin allows similar movements. Selecting the right trailer hitch for your vehicle can actually be one of the easiest steps in getting ready to tow. If you already know the weight capacities of your vehicle and you know the type of trailer you are planning to tow, then there are only a few simple steps to finding the right hitch.
The Right Trailer Hitch for You
- Bumper Mounted Hitches: A bumper hitch allows for adjustment and flexibility in towing application, it mounts onto your vehicle’s bumper, rather than the frame, and provides a receiver tube for a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack or other hitch-mounted accessories.
- Front Mounted Hitches: Front mount trailer hitches allow you to use the front end of your vehicle for various towing purposes. They can be used for mounting a winch, snow plow or other accessories
- Gooseneck Hitch: A gooseneck hitch is designed to handle the heavy tow load that accompanies a gooseneck trailer. Trailers of this sort typically come in the form of an RV or livestock trailer but can also include other large trailers such as flatbeds.
- 5th Wheel Hitch: A fifth wheel hitch is installed in the bed of a pickup. The weight of the trailer will press down between the cab of the truck and the rear axle.
- Receiver Hitches: Receiver hitches are categorized in classes 1 through 5, according to the maximum amount of weight they can tow.
Knowing the Essentials
Towing a trailer can be a trial. Seemingly minor details, like adding a couple of hundred pounds to the rear, can make profound changes in the rig’s stability. But by following a few simple guidelines, you can stay on track, towing with the utmost ease and safety. All hitches are not created equal. The weight that your vehicle can tow is specified by the manufacturer and listed in the owner’s manual. Find two numbers: the gross trailer weight (GTW) and the maximum tongue weight. With those figures in hand, you can then pick the appropriate hitch.
Truck Accessories from Trick Trucks
Looking to get your truck ready for your next road trip? Trick Trucks is here to help. With over forty years of experience servicing trucks, we have the expertise and equipment you need. Contact Trick Trucks online or by calling 1-866-60-TRICK. To find out more about our services and trucks, follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.