Trailer Tips Blog

There are many different things that you might need a trailer hitch for and there are many different kinds of trailer hitches. You will be happy to know that you have many options when it comes to choosing one for you and your needs. Depending on your needs, you might want to buy one or maybe just rent one.

People use a trailer hitch typically to pull a trailer behind their vehicle. They may be pulling a moving van, camper, boat, bikes, motorcycles or much more. Whatever you have a need to be towing, you will need a hitch to help you with it. The hitch attaches to your car or truck and lets you attach the trailer to it.

When choosing a trailer hitch and accessories, you need to know a few things first. You need to know what you plan to tow and you also need to know your manufacturer’s recommendation towing allowance. You need to be sure your vehicle is able to move the weight you are trying to pull and you need to be sure the hitch can handle the trailer weight. A boat trailer will need different equipment that a horse trailer, etc.

Do some careful research and be sure to calculate it correctly. You wouldn’t want to end up with a terrible accident from trying to pull too much or not getting the right equipment. You also need to understand the trailer tongue and its capacity, your impact on the vehicle and the accessories and also how to install it correctly. If you can not install the equipment properly, you need to have an expert do it or you can have major problems on the road.

When you have chosen the right trailer and trailer hitch, your towing needs can be met in an easy fashion.

Whether you have a compact car or lifted diesel-powered 4X4, a trailer hitch is a vital part for towing any load. It is crucial to have the right tow-setup for your vehicle, so today I’m going to cover the basics of towing and the different types of trailer hitch setups to simplify your search for the perfect hitch.

If you own a car, your towing capacity will obviously be lower than if you owned a truck. The first thing you need to know is the towing capacity of your vehicle. This information can be found in the owner’s manual. Most cars can tow around 3,000 pounds safely, while some trucks are built to tow loads of up to 30,000 pounds! The second thing you need to know is how much weight you need to tow. If you don’t know the exact weight, you can try to estimate it to see if the total weight you’ll be towing is within the specifications set forth by your vehicles manufacturer. If you can’t reasonably estimate it, get some help and have the load towed to a scale so you can get the exact weight.

It is important to remember that safe towing involves a number of different elements: not only does your vehicle need to get the load up to a safe speed, but it also needs to be able to control that weight. When towing a load, brakes are just as if not more important than engine horsepower and torque because if you can’t safely stop the vehicle, then you shouldn’t be towing a load that heavy. So you need to evaluate the current condition of the brake system on your car or truck. Have the brakes been maintained properly? When was the last time you had the brake fluid changed? The last thing you want when towing is a brake system failure. You also need to think about where you are going to be driving. Are you going to be towing up or down hills? How windy do you expect it to be? Will the pavement be dry or wet? How much traffic do you have to navigate through to safely reach your destination? For the safety of you, what you’re towing, and everybody else on the road, all these questions should be thought about and answered before you ever hitch something up to your vehicle.

For cars, towing setups are fairly simple because you can’t tow that much weight. You’ll need a trailer hitch, also known as a trailer hitch receiver, a trailer ball mount, and a trailer hitch ball. Hitch balls come in three sizes: 1-7/8”, 2”, and 2-5/16”. A 2” ball with a 1” diameter shank is the most common size used for towing small and medium sized trailers. However, double check the size of the ball you need for towing and make sure the balls shank fits snuggly in the ball mount you are using. You will also want the trailer-hitch connection to be near level, but with a slight downward angle toward the car. This will help evenly distribute the weight and reduce trailer sway. Trailer ball mounts come in different sizes, make sure to choose one that will work well for your situation.

For trucks, there are far more towing accessories to choose from. In this article, I will only be covering the most common types used today. Some trucks have trailer hitches built into their rear bumper, others have a normal trailer hitch installed on them from the factory, and others will lack a trailer hitch all together. You’ll need to evaluate what your truck has and go from there. Hitch ball sizes are the same: another tow option usually found on trailers which are intended for heavy loads use what’s called a pindle hitch. A pindle hitch is basically a donut or ring which is made of thick steel that can handle the extreme torsional stress. Larger trucks also have 5th wheel mounting points in the bed of the truck, to which a 5th wheel hitch can be mounted. 5th wheels are used for hauling very heavy loads because it uses a much stronger hitch connection and because it centers the weight on the vehicle between the axles. This keeps the truck from tipping over backwards once it’s loaded. Similar to a 5th wheel is the gooseneck hitch. A gooseneck hitch also attaches to the bed of the truck and thus centers the trailers weight, but a gooseneck hitch uses a traditional ball-style hitch rather than the 5th wheel-style of hitch connection. If you are towing a really heavy load, you might want to purchase a weight distribution system or stabilizer bars to help reduce or eliminate trailer sway.

I hope this article helps clarify the different types of trailer hitches and makes you think about some important aspects of towing loads. Remember, safety is the name of the game.

I have a 2002 subaru outback. The trailer hitch specifically sold for it at the subaru dealer is $250, but autozone and other places sell trailer hitches for around $110. Could I get by with the cheaper hitch?

There are a number of trailer hitch accessories that make the hitches easier to operate safely. Some accessories, like trailer hitch balls, ball mounts and hitch receivers are necessary for the hitch to be usable. Other trailer hitch accessories, like hitch locks are convenient and make the hitches easier to use and maintain.

The hitch ball is the part of the trailer hitch that the cargo is attached to. Hitch balls are usually made of chrome or another strong metal. Bigger, heavier hitch balls can bear more weight than smaller ones. Hitch balls are removable and can be changed if another size is needed.

The hitch ball is usually connected to a ball mount. The ball mount is a hollow metal square that slides into the trailer hitch receiver opening. Trailer hitch ball mounts come in a variety of sizes to fit different trailer hitch receiver openings. Some ball mounts are curved to let the user attach the ball lower or higher than the trailer hitch opening to accommodate trailers with different socket heights. Other ball mounts are extra long and come in handy when hauling horse trailers and other irregularly shaped trailers.

Trailer hitch receivers are similar to bumpers. They are horizontal bars fastened to the rear of the truck. They have an opening that accommodates the ball mount. Once the ball mount is locked in the receiver opening, the trailer hitch can be attached to its cargo.

Trailer hitch locks are similar to hitch covers except that they can be locked into place and only taken off with a key. These are useful for security and can keep water and debris out of the hitch receiver opening.

Some trailer hitch accessories are needed for the hitch to work properly, while others merely make it easier and more convenient to use the hitch

With a few handy accessories, an average family vehicle can be transformed into an awesome towing machine, capable of taking on extremely heavy loads.

A trailer hitch is the standard accessory which is used as a bridge from the vehicle to trailer. These hitches come in a variety of types which are often classified in categories based on position or how much weight the hitch can tow. A trailer hitch often requires a certain amount of drilling and it may thus require a professional to lend a hand.

–Front mount hitches are attached to the front of the vehicle and are often seen on trucks and SUVs that employ winches or snowplows.

–A receiver hitch is often the choice for those wishing to attach a trailer or bike rack. These are often quick to bolt on and are custom made for many types of vehicle. It is important to try to select a hitch that matches the vehicle’s color scheme as well as to find one that has a lifetime warranty if possible.

–Heavy duty hitches are use for hauling very large trailers or RVs, including those which weigh up to 30,000 lbs.

One extremely important component to consider is a brake controller. Brake controllers come in handy for stops because they are able to control the trailer’s brake system. One popular type is the timed brake controller which has a set delay between the time the brake is engaged to when the full output is reached.  Another type is the proportional brake controller, which monitors the slowing of your vehicle and proportionally adjusts the trailer’s brakes for an even stop. A third type is the Inertia Brake Controller which is able to automatically adjust the slowdown based on the braking rate.

Once the basics are down, some might choose to explore various other hitch components. For example, a trailer hitch camera can be used to connect to a trailer without assistance. It allows for reverse navigation and can be used at night. Cargo Net Tie Downs are used to hold down cargo loads that are hitch mounted.

When you are looking to tow a trailer, attach a cargo carrier or essentially connect one vehicle to another, you’ll find that you need to look for the right trailer hitch. After a brief consultation, though, you’ll realize that trailer hitches come in a wide variety of classes and that each class is meant for a different function. When you are trying to find the right hitch for your situation, you’ll find that there are several different things that you need to keep in mind when it comes to what class is best for your purposes. Remember that for the definitions below, GTW refers to gross trailer weight, which is the weight of the trailer when fully loaded, not when it is sitting empty.

Class I

Class I trailer hitches are meant for the lightest towing duties. They tend to be rated up to 2000 pounds GTW, and they tend to be fitted with a draw bar or a ball mount where the accessories will be attached to the hitch itself. You’ll find that they will work with any class I accessory and that they will usually use a 1/2″ pin to secure the ball mount in place. A Class I trailer hitch is ideal for hitch adapters, cargo carriers or bike racks.

Class II

Class II hitch adaptors tend to be made for light towing duty, and as such, they will be rated at 3500 pounds GTW. As the name implies, they can be used for Class I or Class II accessories, and thy will use a removable drawbar. Keep in mind that it will work with a Class I and II hitch balls, but that a 2 and 5/16″ hitch ball will not work in this setup.

Class III

Class III trailer hitches are also known as round receiver hitches and they will be rated up to 6000 pounds GTW. There is usually a 2″ by 2″ receiver opening, and you’ll find that these hitches tend to have the most options when you are looking at things like bike racks and cargo carriers. You’ll also find that you’ll be able to make sure that you can simply carry more gear. When you are looking at Class III trailer hitches, you’ll find that the ballmounts can be sold separate, and you’ll find that there are many available which can ensure that your trailer rides level with the tow vehicle in question.

Class IV

Class IV will more or less duplicate what has been said for Class III except that it will be rated for an impressive 12,000 pounds GTW and that it is mean to carry accessories that are Class III and below. Make sure that you get your trailer weighed appropriately, as overworking the trailer hitch can have disastrous consequences.

Class V

Class V trailer hitches have a system in place that is meant to handle up to 17,000 GW without a problem, and you’ll find that a Class V trailer hitch is meant to take care of class III accessory as long as an adapter is in place. Ball mounts are frequently sold separately, and that this class of trailer hitch is designed for heavy duty trucks and vans.

When you are towing any amount of weight with a trailer, the control you have over your vehicle and trailer is vital for ensuring a safe trip. A trailer with unevenly distributed weight or one that is too heavy for your vehicle can be very difficult to handle and may cause an accident. This is why it is so important to choose the right type of trailer for both your load and your vehicle. It is also very important to make sure that you attach your trailer to your vehicle using the correct towing hitch.

One sure way to know that something is wrong with your tow vehicle and trailer combination is that the rear end of the tow vehicle is visibly weighed down while the front end is raised up. This uneven distribution of weight will severely affect your steering and braking capabilities.

There are several different types of trailer hitches; one type is called a weight distributing trailer hitch. This hitch is most often used for heavy loads and trailers. A weight distributing hitch makes carrying a heavy load safer by distributing the weight of the load evenly between the wheels of the tow vehicle and the wheels of the trailer resulting in improved steering and brake control.

A weight distributing trailer hitch has a special bar that slides into the vehicle attachment. This attachment transfers the tongue weight of your trailer to the front axle of the towing vehicle and the axles of the trailer. It also has two spring bars, one for each side of the trailer tongue, that help provide leverage to the towing vehicle.

You should always use a weight distributing hitch if you are towing a large amount of weight. These types of hitches are considered class 3 hitches and are capable of pulling up to 10,000 pounds trailer weight and 1,000 pounds of tongue weight. The cost for these hitches generally range anywhere from $200 to $300. While a weight distributing hitch is a little bit more expensive than a standard hitch, the price is well worth the stability it provides when towing a heavy trailer.

Before attaching any trailer to your vehicle, you should find out what the maximum towing and tongue weight capacity is for your particular type of vehicle. You can do this by consulting your owner’s manual or a dealership that sells the type of vehicle you have. You may also be able to find this information online. In addition to all of these considerations, be sure to use the right type of trailer to tow your load. This will result in a smooth and safer trip for all.

So, you have a receiver hitch. Have you ever used it? Do you know how handy your trailer hitch can be, even if you don’t have a trailer to haul? What do you need to get the most out of your trailer hitch?

First. let’s talk about the receiver. It’s a square hole located below your bumper. it’s called a receiver because it “receives” the stuff you stick into it. Makes sense, right?

Your receiver is either 1.25 or 2 inches square. The smaller receivers are either class I or class II hitches depending on how much weight they can handle. The 2 inch receivers are class III, or IV; as the class number increases so do the weight limits. For example, a class I hitch can tow up to 2000 lbs. and handle up to 200 lbs. downward pressure on the actual hitch (that’s called tongue weight), while a class IV hitch can tow up to 10,000 lbs. and handle 1,000 to 1,200 lbs. tongue weight.

Equally important to the trailer hitch’s weight specifications are the towing specs for your vehicle. You can find these in your owner’s manual and they should always be respected. Overloading your trailer hitch will not only risk damage to your vehicle, but it will also make steering and braking more difficult, making you a danger on the road.

So, what can you do with your receiver hitch? Obviously, you can tow a trailer. If it falls under the weight specs for your hitch and vehicle, you’ll just need a ball mount and a hitch ball. The ball mount is the square metal shaft that slides into the receiver. The hitch ball mounts onto the ball mount and sticks out behind your vehicle when properly installed. You can tow cargo trailers, camping trailers, utility trailers, just about anything that you want.

Beyond towing, you can use your receiver hitch for cargo carriers, bike racks, boat carriers, ATV ramps, ski racks, hitch mounted grills, hitch steps, and to display your personality with a custom hitch cover.

The bike racks, cargo carriers, and ski racks are all generally mounted to a shaft that slides into your receiver. These racks offer great convenience as they allow you to safely carry bulky and/or dirty items outside your car. Many of them fold for easier access to the rear of your vehicle and to require less storage space. Sports racks and cargo carriers are a great use for your receiver hitch.

You can also get bed extenders and hitch mounted boat racks that allow you to put one end of a ladder or canoe on top of your pickup cab and support the other end with a rack that mounts to your hitch. Similarly, hitch mounted ramp supports are available to allow you to attach ramps to the back of your pickup so you can drive what ever you need to right into the bed without fear of damaging the tailgate.

A hitch mounted step is a great way to access the rear of your vehicle; they are simple to install and fold to be out of the way when you’re not using them. They often double as hitch covers which keep your receiver clean.

If you’re a tailgater, you will love a hitch mounted grill. Forget hauling the mess of a charcoal grill or dealing with the small rack on a portable grill; with a hitch mounted grill you can bring the comforts of your back patio with you–it’s easy and awesome. Even if you don’t go with a hitch grill, you’ll want a tailgater hitch cover. It displays the logo of your favorite team and has a built in bottle opener for your convenience.

Whatever trailer accessories you choose, make sure you get a hitch lock to keep your stuff safe. This handy little lock replaces the tow pin you use to keep the ball mount in your receiver hitch and will give you peace of mind as you make the most of your trailer hitch.

I am trying to sell a patented trailer hitch alignment system and I need to know some of the top places that sell trailer hitches and accessories. The product fits any kind of trailer including boat, rv, camper, utility, horse, ect.

So how many of us are really pulling a trailer behind our cars, trucks, or suvs? That many? OK, even if you have a trailer, how often are you really pulling that load behind your vehicle? I used to know a family that had 9 children. They had 6 devilish boys and 3 unlucky daughters and all were in constant risk of brotherly and sisterly arguments which usually turned into quick fisticuff brawls. One even ended with two brothers tying up a sister for a day, left alone in the basement until her parents found her. Just imagine their road trips! They eventually hired a nanny (a very brave one) and traveled with the 9 children and nanny in the trailer pulled behind their F250. Avery rare case indeed, most normal families and single vehicle owners have no need for trailer hauling.

The undressed spot where trailer hitches call home are left naked on a daily basis. I’ll address the harms that we cause by leaving them uncovered and how to improve them by covering them up right, and I’ll also list some extra bonuses that you may be able to receive. With this top five, you may be able to see all five pros happen within one month. It can happen to you if it can happen to me.

1. Hitch covers are designed in all sorts of personalized ways. You can support your favorite sports team with a logo cover and represent one for the gipper.

2. Uncovered, the naked eye can see the inevitable rust that settles on trailer hitches. The hitch cover styles out your shiny prize.

3. In the parking lot, uncovered hitches are dangerous and many exposed shins have been injured by hard to see trailer hitches. Hitch covers are very noticeable and safe shins for the kins.

4. They are one of THE most inexpensive accessories that you can purchase to help personalize your vehicle

5. Hitch covers that fold out as steps add an extra functionality that didn’t exist on your vehicle. They greatly help you access the cargo carriers or roof racks on top of your vehicle and can help you get access to that tall bed on your lifted truck.