Pintle Hitches - Heavy Weight Adaptable Hitches

Pintle hitches are a common heavy-duty hitch type, which utilizes a Pintle hook, attached to a tow vehicle to pull a trailer having a lunette eye. Pintle hitches are commonly used on military, construction, industrial and agricultural equipments. A Pintle hitch is used on a Pintle hitch trailer are also referred to as a "GI" or military type hitch.

For obvious reasons, the hitch you use to draw your cargo must be compatible with the receiving end of the trailer you are going to tow. Although the "ball" hitch is most common, Pintle hitches can be used on larger vehicles and for towing heavier loads over rough terrain. While the strength of the hitch is important, the vehicle's engine and drive train set the maximum load limit. Your Pintle hitch is the vital link between the trailer and the towing vehicle and you need the best possible hook-up to avoid any untoward incident.

The vital components of the Pintle hitch are:
- The Pintle hook, which is the jaw" portion of the Pintle hitch which attaches to the tow vehicle; and
- The Pintle mount, which is an insert for a receiver hitch, having a shank with a flat plate to bolt the Pintle hook to

These mounts are typically adjustable for vertical heights. Ideally, a spring-loaded, double engagement latch attaches the Pintle sleeve for increased strength and reliability. Some Pintle hitch manufacturers offer the feature of quick conversion from Pintle hitches to ball hitches to clevis hitches without the need for tools. This increases the functionality and flexibility of use.