Ball Hitches - Will They Get The Job Done?

There are two big factors that determine how much we can haul on a trailer: the hauling capacity of the vehicle and the hitch used to connect the vehicle to the trailer itself. While there are several different types of hitches from which to choose, ball hitches remain the most popular and can be fastened to trucks and cars. While not always the case, it is generally true that the bigger the ball, the more weight it can handle being hitched to it. So how much weight can a trailer hitch ball accommodate being fastened to it?

Hitches - Hauling Capacity Determined By Class

While a larger ball generally means that it can handle more weight being fastened to it, hauling capacity is actually determined by class. Hitches and the weight they can handle is determined by the class of the hitch itself, not the ball. There are five different classes of hitches from which to choose: Class I hitches can haul up to 1 ton and accommodate a maximum tongue weight of 200 pounds; Class II hitches can handle up to 3,500 pounds with a max tongue weight of 300 pounds; Class III hitches can safely handle 5,000 pounds and a tongue weight of 500 pounds; Class IV hitches can fasten up to 5 tons and a tongue weight of 1,000 pounds; Class V hitches are for weights in excess of 5 tons with a max tongue capacity exceeding 1200 pounds.

The trailer hitch ball mount is the most common type of hitch because it is easy to install and can fasten to almost any trailer. You can even use an adjustable ball mount if you anticipate hauling different types of trailers behind your vehicle. The class of hitch you choose will ultimately depend upon the vehicle you are towing with and the amount of weight being hauled. Online merchants are probably the best resource to consider using when thinking of buying a hitch as they can help you find the best hitch at the most affordable prices.

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