Trailer Towing Hitches Which One Is Right For You

Trailer towing hitches are the components that hook together your vehicle and the objects being towed. The trailer hitch is either bolted to the rear of your vehicle or welded to the frame and joined at the front of the vehicle or object being towed. There are various types of trailer towing hitches available and remember the hitch you select must be compatible with the receiving end of the trailer.

Based on tongue weight and total weight, the trailer towing industry has developed a classification system that differentiates trailer towing hitches. Most manufacturers provide all classes of hitches, and the three most common types of trailer hitches are:
 Weight-carrying hitches, which are designed to carry the entire trailer tongue weight at the hitch connection point, and are usable in light duty applications.
 Weight distributing hitches, (or load equalizers) are designed to distribute the tongue weight over all four wheels of the tow vehicle and trailer axles. These hitches can handle a heavy trailer weight and tongue weight.
 Fifth-wheel hitches are designed for mounting the trailer connection point in the middle of the truck bed.

When towing be sure you have the correct hitch, as the consequences of an accident can be rather dreadful. Make sure your trailer towing hitches have provisions for the connection of safety chains, to ensure that the trailer does not disengage from the tow vehicle.