Heavy Truck Hitches - For Safe Towing Of Heavy Cargo

Heavy truck hitches have a number of uses. They can be used to tow heavy trailers, boats and other heavy-duty items. However, the truck must be strong enough to haul whatever is connected to the trailer hitch. The performance of heavy truck hitches depends a lot upon the towing vehicle. The truck must have enough engine power to build up momentum to pull the trailer.

Trailer hitches have different classifications, ranging from class I to class V.  Heavy truck hitches are those that are class IV or V and can handle a minimum of 10,000 pounds gross trailer weight and at least 1,000 pounds of tongue weight.  In addition to differences in classes, hitches are also differentiated by their type.  The two basic types of hitches are weight carrying and weight distributing hitches. 

Weight-distributing heavy truck hitches are made with two spring bars, one for each side of the trailer. These bars lift the weight and redistribute it from the back axle to the front. A weight-distributing hitch is more stable than the other types of hitches while towing.

Fifth wheel trailer hitches and gooseneck hitches are considered heavy truck hitches. They can be used to fasten trailers weighing 5 tons or more to the tow vehicle.