What Are the Different Types of Trailer Hitch Classes
Trailer hitches are categorized into various classes
determined by their tow capacity. There are five classes of cruisers,
classified according to their capacities. Class I has the least capacity in
terms of towing and Class V the most. The classes are divided as such:
Class I
Class I hitches are specific to light duty. They have a towing
capacity of up to 2,000 pounds only.
Class II
In Class II hitches, you can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Class II hitches are used in most cars
and SUVs to tow lighter trailers and boats.
Class III
Class III hitches have a 5,000-pound
capacity. They are used in half-ton trucks in order to tow small to midsized
campers or boats.
Class IV
Class IV hitches have a higher weight capacity to
accommodate larger loads of up to 10,000 pounds. They require a proper working
tool and a heavy-duty pickup.
Class V
Class V hitches are the most robust and can pull
loads of over 17,000 pounds. To hold the load, a one-ton dually pickup must be
hired.
Types of Hitch Receivers
Each trailer
hitch receiver has a standard size for the receiver tube. The specific size
ensures a proper and safe fit. The different trailer hitch receiver sizes
include:
- Class I: Uses a 1-1/4 inch receiver tube.
- Class II: Typically uses a 1-1/4 inch receiver tube. However, some models may use a 2-inch receiver.
- Class III: It requires a 2-inch receiver tube.
- Class IV and V: It requires a 2-1/2 inch or larger receiver tubes for heavy-duty towing.
What Are the Different Types of Trailer Hitches?
There are numerous
variations and specific types of hitches available. From these, the following
are the most common and widely used hitch systems:
1. Receiver Hitch
The most common type, receiver
hitches, are characterized by a square tube-shaped receiver that
attaches to the vehicle's frame. Different classes of receiver hitches, like
Class I, II, III, IV and V, determine their specific towing capacity.
They are versatility, adaptable
with various accessories and wide availability. It is best for towing a wide
range of trailers, from small cargo carriers to larger boats or campers.
2. Fifth Wheel Hitch
Fifth-wheel hitches are
designed for heavy-duty towing. They are mounted in the bed of a pickup truck
and engaged with a kingpin on the trailer. Compared to receiver hitches,
fifth-wheel hitches offer superior stability and weight distribution.
Additionally, they are
quite stable. Fifth-wheel hitches generally require a pickup truck bed. They
are best for towing large fifth-wheel trailers, such as RVs and campers.
3. Gooseneck Hitch
Similar to fifth wheel
hitches, gooseneck hitches are also mounted in the truck bed but use a
ball-and-coupler system. They offer exceptional towing capacity and stability,
often used for heavy-haul applications.
They offer extremely high
towing capacity and excellent stability but require a pickup truck bed. Suited
best for towing heavy-duty trailers, such as livestock trailers, flatbeds and
heavy equipment.
4. Bumper Hitch
Once common but less
popular today, bumper hitches attach directly to the vehicle's bumper. They are
typically used for light-duty towing of small trailers or cargo carriers.
It has a simple design
with limited towing capacity. It’s best used for towing very light loads, such
as bike racks or small utility trailers.
5. Weight Distribution Hitch
Weight distribution
hitches are not standalone hitches. They are an accessory for receiver hitches.
They help equalize the weight distribution between the towing vehicle and
trailer. This improves handling, stability and tire wear.
It improves towing
performance and reduces sway. It’s best used for towing heavy trailers where
weight distribution is a concern.
Thus, weigh in your needs
and requirements for the hitches and plan what your total weight will be before
buying a hitch for your trailer.