Selection of hitch
Trailer hitches, hitch ball mounts, fifth wheel hitches, gooseneck hitches
Now you are familiar with the basic terminology of towing
and have determined about the weight you will be towing. Since now, you
also have known about the capacity/tow rating of your vehicle. The next
step is to choose suitable towing hitch from the several types of hitches
available in the market. You should not take it lightly while selecting
a hitch as it is perhaps the most important component of your towing expedition.
It plays an important role in assuring safe reaching of your tow vehicle
and load to its destination. In some cases the selection of hitch may be
dependant upon the trailer to be towed.
Hitches may be rated on the basis of their classes, Gross Trailer Weight
and Tongue Weight. These are divided into 4 classes, class-I to class-IV.
Hitches belonging to different class rating are suitable for different gross
trailer weight and tongue weight in ascending order from class-I to class-IV.
The class-I is suitable for gross trailer weight of up to 2000 lbs and tongue
weight of up to 200 lbs where as class-IV is suitable for gross trailer
weight of up to 10,000 lbs and tongue weight of 1000 lbs.
Hitches can also be categorized in two types:
1. Weight Carrying Hitches
2. Weight Distributing Hitches
Weight Carrying Hitches are attached to the frame of the
towing vehicle
and are used to connect towing vehicle with the vehicle or trailer being
towed. These hitches are more suitable for small to medium sized loads as
these support all of the trailer tongue weight.
Weight Distributing Hitches are suitable for heavy trailers.
These hitches distribute the trailer load evenly between the wheels of tow
vehicle and trailer. These also provide better steering brake control.
Besides above mentioned hitches some other hitches are also available in
the market. Some hitches that are commonly used are:
Bumper Hitches may be suitable for light weight trailers
but these may reduce the energy absorbing benefits of modern bumpers. Also
most of the modern bumpers are not designed for towing so bumper-mount hitch
is not recommended.
Receiver Hitches are the most popular hitches for most
of the vehicles used for towing. These may be used with most of the trucks,
SUV’s, vans and RVs. These can also be installed on the front of tow vehicle
for recovering boats and bike racks easily. The class-I and class-II receiver
hitches can be used only as weight carrying hitch where as class-III and
class-IV receiver hitch can also be efficiently used as weight distributing
hitch as well.
Gooseneck Hitches and 5th Wheel Hitches are special hitches
designed to be mounted on the bed of towing
truck to the vehicle’s frame. Hidden hitches and Reese hitches
are also popular these days. On the other hand Advanced Air Hitches provide
better handling, braking and traction system.
|
