I'm not positive but I'm pretty sure most people don't think about trailer hitches too much. Maybe you are buying a new trailer, whether it be a boat trailer or a horse trailer. Maybe you know exactly what hitch you will need for your current trailer, but what if you decide to upgrade in the future? What if you just have no idea what hitch you will need for the trailer set up that you just bought? Luckily, this article is here for you!
Generally, people will look through 5 different hitches when looking for a hitch for their towing purposes. 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. So, if you have a new trailer, or are planning to get one soon, make sure to check out these 5 hitches listed below.
Class 1 is the smallest of the bunch and can tow up to 2000 lbs. on the trailer itself. The tongue can support up to 200 of those lbs on the trailer. These kinds of trailer hitches are generally used on small trailers, such as recreational vehicle trailers. Almost any automobile is able to tow a class one trailer, if it has the right hook ups of course. Class 2 can tow 3500 lbs on the trailer itself and can support up to 350 lbs on the tongue. 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 5 ton and up to a half ton on the tongue. Class 4 hitches are generally custom made for certain vehicles and are used in 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 hitches can be used to tow vehicles, extra large boats, and extra large campers.
If the class 5 hitch can handle the load that is where gooseneck and 5th wheel trailers come into the picture. Most of the common loads that a lot of people will tow will be able to use one of these 5 hitches. Each of the hitch classes listed above also can be used for many other types of trailers than the few examples that I gave for each. Also, just a general tip, you should invest in a hitch cover to prevent any damages that could be done to an open hitch receiver, such as rust. You can display your favorite sports team logo or just find something unique to make your vehicle stand out. Or, you can be boring and get a standard cover!
Before you invest in a trailer and a hitch, you have to make sure that your vehicle is compatible. Don't go buy a huge boat and expect your small truck or car to be able to tow it around. Your vehicle must meet the necessary requirements to tow certain things. If you have a beefy truck then you are probably good to go with any trailer that you may need to tow. 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 your trailer and find the hitch that you will need. 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!
