It is important to know the overall as well as the tongue weight of your vehicle. This is because in order to choose the correct hitch for towing, there is need to have all the information of that vehicle. It is always a good practice to have excess capacity when getting a hitch. If a trailer is fifth wheel or has design of gooseneck, then you may already know the style of the hitch. The remaining task is to choose the right hitch with the right weight rating.
When towing needs increase, it better to replace it with heavier hitch. In fact, one can tow lighter hitch using a heavier hitch, except weight distribution hitch. This is because weight distribution hitch is a spring and it uses a higher rated spring bar. This then will create stiffness and may be potentially problematic. In order to prevent such issues, it is important to have the knowledge of various types of hitches.
Class for the Hitch
Class 1: This class can provide towing capacity up to 2,000 lbs, with 200 to 250 lbs of tongue weight capacity.
Class 2: This class can provide towing capacity up to 3,500 lbs, with 250 to 350 pounds of tongue weight capacity.
Class 3: This class has 2 types of hitches; round and square-shaped. For round hitch, it can provide towing capacity up to 6,000 lbs, with 350 to 600 pounds of tongue weight capacity. For square-shaped hitch, it can provide towing capacity up to 6,000 lbs, with 350 to 600 pounds of tongue weight capacity.
Class 4: There are 2 variations to this class; the square-shaped and the other which has weight distribution mechanism. Both of them have towing capacity up to 10,000 lbs, with 600 to 1,000 pounds of tongue weight capacity.
Class 5: Gooseneck and fifth wheel are 2 types of hitches in this class, and they have towing capacity up to 25,000.
Do Some Homework
Once you know the hitch class you need, find out about the designs available from trailer dealers. Some may need specific recommendations for certain types of vehicles. Finding out and investing the hitch that suits functional and appearance needs is advisable. This is because other than the hitch style, color and appearance, safety can also be ensured.
Certain hitches need specialized or custom installation techniques, thus one should know the installation requirements, before making purchase. There are hitches that come with manufacturer installation instructions.
Time to get a Ball Mount
Once a hitch is selected, it is time to find out the right ball mount. The shaft size needs to match receiver tube, and it can raise or lower the hitch ball so that the towed vehicle and trailer can remain level when travelling.
When choosing the hitch components, the same procedure should be followed; the weight of the loaded trailer has to match to the design and capabilities of the hitch. Don’t forget to leave margin of safety in the hitch and towed vehicle. Example, a gooseneck may seem convenient, but has right capacity to tow the trailer safely. Therefore, a heavier hitch needs to come in place.
