Different Classes Of Tow Hitches For Your Truck
The most popular tow hitches are called receiver hitches and they’re divided into five classes. Other tow hitches types are gooseneck hitches and 5th wheel hitches. Also, note that each trailer comes with its properties, purpose, size, and capacity.
For starters, towing is not simple, like hitching trailers and traveling.
You need to understand the truck’s towing capacity, its impact on the tow vehicle, trailer, and the major functional components.
Also, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to tow hitches, and there are multiple tow hitches used for towing a trailer.
So, what are the classes of tow hitches?
Types of Tow Hitches Classes
Class 1 Hitch
This type of hitch has a 1.1/4” * 1-1/4” receiver tube and is ideal for towing light-duty trailers.
It can also mount onto other light vans, crossovers, and other cars.
The class 1 hitches have a maximum weight rating of 2,000 lbs.
Class 2 Hitch
Like Class 1 Hitch, the Class 2 Hitches have the same receiver tube and are made to tow light-duty trailers.
Their only significant difference is the higher weight rating of class 2 hitches which goes up to 3,500 lbs.
These hitches are common in minivans, crossovers, full-size sedans, pickup trucks, and even small SUVs.
Class 3 Hitch
Class 3 hitches come with a 2” *2” receiver tube and have a weight rating of up to 8,000 lbs.
They are common in full-size trucks and vans and can also be used with others in weight distribution to accommodate up to 12,000 lbs.
These hitches are very versatile since they can carry different types of trailers and loads.
Class 4 Hitch
Like the class 3 hitch, the class 4 hitches have a 2” *2” receiver tube and are common in full-size SUVs and pickup trucks.
These hitches can support weights of up to 10,000 lbs, and some can also be used in weight distribution to support weights of up to 12,000 lbs.
The hitches that support weight distribution have better weight control and capacity.
Class 5 Hitch
The class 5 hitches have the highest weight rating than the other classes and can support up to 20,000 lbs.
They are common in commercial trucks and full-size pickups.
The common types are Xtra Duty (XD) which goes up to 17,000 lbs, and commercial duty (CD) to support up to 20,000 lbs.
XD has a 2” receiver while the XD has a 2 1/2” receiver.
Types of Hitch Receivers
Besides the five common classes of tow hitches, others do not fit into their categories.
Custom Hitch
These hitches are made for specific applications and are easy to install, and have the best fit and optimum weight.
Front Hitch
The front hitch usually attaches to a vehicle’s front. It has a receiver tube for a winch mount, snow plow, and others.
Rear Mount Hitch
From its name, this type of hitch attaches to a vehicle’s back and has a receiver tube that hooks up the trailer with the car.
Multi-Fit Hitch
The multi-fit hitch is made to fit most types of vehicles with its standard receiver tube. It also offers a higher weight capacity.
RV Hitch
RV hitches are specially made to be used in recreational vehicles (RV) or motorhomes. They attach to the rear of these vehicles and are used to tow a vehicle or trailer.
Bumper Hitch
Bumper hitches attach to the bumper of a vehicle and have an optimal weight capacity.
How to Choose the Right Tow Hitches?
When choosing the right tow hitch for your vehicle, you will consider the size and towing capacity of the vehicle.
For instance, if you own a smaller vehicle or SUV, it will have a lower towing capacity.
It can therefore handle only smaller loads, and you will use Class 1 or 2 hitches.
On the other hand, if you own a large full-size truck, they can handle the higher towing weight, and you will use class 4 or 5 tow hitches.
Most vehicles have their towing capacity and other important weight capacities in their user manual.
However, if you cannot access the information, then you can head to your vehicle’s website and find out.
Alternatively, you can contact a local mechanic for help with determining the towing capacity of your short or long bed truck and the right tow hitch to use.
Other Equipment used in Towing
Also, when towing, other equipment is vital to carrying loads.
These include:
Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck
The fifth wheel hitch connection is common on the inside bed of large pickup trucks or the rear in some trucks. It connects large trailers such as horse trailers, RVs, and others.
Hitch Adapter
The hitch adapter usually fits into the receiver tube to expand its opening to become larger or smaller. However, when used, it can reduce your trailer’s towing capacity.
Hitch Ball
The hitch ball is also referred to as a coupler ball or a trailer ball and is available in different sizes. It will attach to the ball mount, and the trailer couple usually locks tightly over this ball.
Safety Chains
The safety chains usually connect the tow vehicle to the trailer.
They are used as backup systems when the ball or the coupler fails.
However, you will need two, and you must attach them to their retainers.
Trailer Wiring
The trailer wiring will emulate the towing vehicle brake lights and turn signals.
The law requires you to connect the tow vehicle to the trailer lights using a wiring harness.
This wiring has wires which control the brake’s light and other lighting functions.
Hitch Pin
The hitch pin is manufactured using solid and rigid materials, and it locks to ball mount onto the hitch tube.
Weight Distribution Hitch
This hitch is used for carrying very heavy loads, and it distributes the weight between different tow hitches.
It attaches spring bars to the vehicle’s frame, which helps to distribute weight evenly between the front and the rear wheels.
Conclusion
Knowing the tow hitch your vehicle uses is very important, especially when you want to carry loads.
It will enable you to use the right tow hitch and carry loads within your vehicle’s towing capacity.
This will ensure your vehicle doesn’t get damaged in the long term.
Cheers,
Truck Report Geek
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