The wrong trailer hitch can put excessive pressure on the rear axle, making it difficult to steer. All trailers have a maximum towing capacity, which determines the hitch’s ability to evenly distribute weight to all axles of the trailer and towing vehicle. Hitches allow convenient carting and towing options in dozens of unique transportation situations like bicycles, ATVs, camping gear, boats, utility or landscaping trailers, livestock, 5th wheelers, and other equipment or heavy machinery.
Here is a guide to determining which hitch type is the right match for your trailer:
Types of trailer hitches
There are seven classes of rear hitches
Class 1 hitch: These are light-duty receiver hitches that are used primarily to mount bikes, small cargo carriers, and other small, enclosed utility trailers and vehicles. They can support a maximum trailer weight of 2,000 pounds.
Class 2 hitch: These regular-duty receiver hitches are popular for towing midsize cars, SUVs, minivans, and compact pickup trucks. You can easily tow up to 3,500 pounds of towing weight and tongue weights around 300 pounds.
Class 3 hitch: These are heavy-duty hitches that have a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds, a tongue weight capacity of 750-1,000 pounds, and a 2-inch receiver measurement.
Use them if you drive a mid- or large-sized pick-up truck, SUV, van, tow campers, mid-sized boats, mid-sized trailers, and cargo-carrying flatbeds.
Class 4 hitch: These are heavy-duty hitches that are suitable for travel trailers longer than 12 feet, boats larger than 24 feet, heavy machinery, and other large-sized vehicles. They have a towing capacity of 10,000-14,000 pounds and a tongue weight of 1,000-1,400 pounds.
5th-Wheel hitches: These are the most advanced hitches for hauling heavy equipment, machinery, or cargo. Most suitable for pickup beds and flatbed trucks, they have a towing capacity between 12,000-20,000 pounds with a tongue weight capacity between 1,200-1,700 pounds.
Gooseneck hitch: Designed especially for pickup and flatbed trucks, they have a towing capacity of around 30,000 pounds and are useful for commercial trailers, industrial trailers, and livestock trailers.
Front-mount hitch: They allow attachment for new hauling applications like snowplowing, scooping and dumping, small cargo carriers, and winch insertions.
Tips for choosing a trailer hitch
Since most vehicles are hitch-specific, you must match your towing needs with your vehicle’s towing capacities.
Identify the class: Match your vehicle’s make, year, and model, so you can find a damage-free, fully operational hitch unit that continues to work over the years.
Select the right look: Even if aesthetics aren’t your top priority, you have the option to choose between round tubing or square tubing hitches. Round tubing hitches provide a sleeker, expensive look, whereas square-tubed hitches cost more. You can also get a concealed hitch rather than an exposed one to prevent distraction from your car’s original appearance.
About Silver Moon Trailers
Hitches unlock the ability for autonomous long-distance towing. If you’re looking to buy the right hitch for your trailer, Silver Moon Trailers should be your one-stop destination. If your businesses require you to tow heavy equipment, livestock, or other large items, we can help you find a trailer that meets your needs. We have trailers for all kinds of businesses, budgets, and cargo requirements. You can call us at 870.330.9133 or email us at silvermoontrailers@gmail.com for more information.