The 5 Types Of Trailer Hitches

I'm not positive but I'm pretty sure most people don't think about trailer hitches too much. That trailer could be for a boat, horses, tractors, or even recreational vehicles like ATVs. Maybe you know exactly what hitch you will need for your current trailer, but what if you decide to upgrade in the future? Do you really know what hitch is required for all of your trailers? Luckily, this article is here for you!

The 5 classes of hitches listed later in this article are probably the most common hook ups. They are class 1-5 hitches and are usually good for almost any towing situation. Of course, in the rare case that these hitches can't handle a low, there are always higher options, like gooseneck trailers. If you know your trailer isn't in one of those categories, go ahead and read on and see what you will need.

Class one trailer hitches are meant for small loads up to one ton. On the tongue of the trailer, it can support 200 lbs. These types of hitches are used when towing small trailers, like pop ups, or even a dirt bike and snowmobile trailer. Generally, a trailer fitting in this class can be towed by a car, truck, or van. The next class, class two, can handle 3500 lbs and the tongue can handle a tenth of that weight (350 lbs). Most of the time, these hitches can be used for boat trailers and small campers. Class 3 can tow 2.5 ton and can handle 500 lbs on the tongue. These hitches are generally used with medium sized campers and horse trailers. Class 4 hitches can handle a whopping 10 thousand lbs and up to one thousand on the tongue. These hitches are custom made for your vehicle and usually are used for towing large boats and campers. Obviously, a class five trailer hitch can handle over 10000 lbs and up to 1200 lbs on the tongue. These are used to haul extra large loads, like huge boats or automobiles.

If a towing job is too much for even a class five hitch, different styles of trailers are used, like gooseneck trailers. Most of the common loads that a lot of people will tow will be able to use one of these 5 hitches. Of course, each of the hitches have more flexibility than the few examples that were mentioned for each. If you are not towing and do not have a hitch hooked up all the time, you should consider getting a hitch cover to prevent rusting in the hitch receiver. You can display your favorite sports team logo or just find something unique to make your vehicle stand out. Of course, you could always go for something boring as well!

You have to make sure your vehicle can handle your towing needs before you go out and buy a trailer. Don't be that person that goes and buys a huge boat and only has a small truck that they expect to tow it with. You will have to have the right vehicle for the right job. There are a lot of nice trucks out there that can tow almost anything so if you have one, you are probably good to go. It is better to be safe than sorry. You don't want to be the guy that has a trailer in his garage forever because you can't even move it! Research is definitely essential when it comes to big time purchases like trailers. You can always go for the next hitch class up just in case you ever decide to upgrade as well. Have fun with the right hitch for your new trailer!