Looking for the official guide to different types of truck hitches? If so, we've got you covered. Take a look at what you should know here!
Whether you're hauling a truck or a trailer, there is a variety of hitches that will help you move your heavy load.
However, this will all depend on your selection prowess and getting the right type of hitch and its class that best suits your needs as well as fit your vehicle.
If you're dipping your toes into the trailer life or even looking for the right hitch for your truck, we've got it covered.
Keep on reading for a full breakdown of the different types of truck hitches, as well as a quick definition of what exactly is a trailer/truck hitch in the first place.
Truck Hitches: The Definition
Both known as a trailer or truck hitch, it's a device that allows you to tow another vehicle. It basically attaches the chassis of a vehicle to another.
Hitches come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Yet, all have the same mechanism, a tow ball, a tow pin, or a towing Pintle, to allow the articulation and swiveling movements of a trailer or a truck.
Moreover, the foundational breakdown of trailer hitches classification is whether a hitch is weight carrying or weight distributing. In addition, trailer hitches can be categorized by their weight capacities, also known as "classes."
Weight Carrying Versus Weight Distributing
As we mentioned earlier, the main distinction between hitch types are the weight carrying hitches versus the weight distributing ones.
Weight carrying hitches are the most common and popular type of hitches on the market. They work by bearing the trailer's tongue weight on the end (or rear) of the towing vehicle.
Usually, these hitches are enough to tow small and medium-sized trailers.
On the other hand, we have weight distributing hitches. These are more commonly used for heavier trailers and trucks because they work by evenly distributing the trailer's weight amongst the wheels of the trailer and the towing vehicle.
Types of Hitches: The Weight Carrying Edition
For the majority of trailers and trucks, you can select a weight carrying hitch, preferably a B&W hitch for their great quality, and you're set. However, the question is: which type?
There are mainly six types of hitches, so let's take them one at a time.
Receiver Hitches
A rear receiver hitch is the most common type of trailer hitch. In short, it's a square receiver tube that you can use to mount a variety of components and accessories.
Furthermore, you'll find that most heavy-duty trucks already have a preinstalled standard receiver hitch in the rear. It's that common.
In addition, receiver hitches are further broken down into five classes according to the maximum weight they can safely tow.
Class I: Gross trailer weight of up to 2,000 lbs
Class II: Gross trailer weight of up to 3,500 lbs
Class III: Gross trailer weight from 3,500 lbs to 6,000 lbs
Class IV: Gross trailer weight from 6,000 lbs to 10,000 lbs
Class V: Gross trailer weight over 10,000 lbs
Of course, as the highest class of hitches, class V, are usually installed on heavy-duty commercial trucks. They're needed to tow heavy loads like large boats, full-sized campers, and even construction equipment.
Bumper-Mounted Hitch
It's exactly what it sounds like. This type of hitch is mounted to the bumper of your vehicle instead of the frame. It gives you a bit more leeway for adjustments.
Moreover, it provides more flexibility, so you can tow things of different shapes and sizes, like campers and boat trailers.
Yet, it's key to keep in mind that the bumper-mounted hitch can only tow or support as much weight as the bumper of your vehicle can.
Front-Mount Hitch
If you're looking for a hitch that won't bother your road vision, then a front-mount hitch is the one for you. Also, it provides a much easier lining up process for your rig.
That's doubly true if you're planning on towing a boat, and would like to get it in and out of the water without tearing your hair out.
Fifth Wheel Hitch
This type of hitch is perfect for heavy-duty towing, especially with pickup trucks.
With a load-carrying capacity of 15,000 to 30,000 pounds, it'll be installed inside the truck and the hitch will rest on the front of the rear axle. Therefore, it's a great choice for long-bed trucks.
In addition, please keep in mind that this type of hitch can only be used with pickup trucks.
Gooseneck Hitch
In case you're on the lookout for a hitch that would provide a smooth towing experience with a tighter turn radius, then a gooseneck hitch is a winner.
Yet, it's similar to a fifth wheel hitch in terms of only being mounted in the bed of a pickup truck.
The core difference between a fifth-wheel hitch and a gooseneck hitch is that the first uses a ball and coupler connection. On the other hand, a gooseneck hitch uses a kingpin connection.
Furthermore, a gooseneck hitch is great at towing bulky loads like large trailers, and flatbeds.
Pintle Hitch
Moving away from the common use of a ball mount, a Pintle hitch uses a hook (otherwise known as a Pintle), and a ring to attach the thing you want to tow with your towing vehicle.
A Pintle works by attaching the framing of the towing vehicle and the ring (or lunette) will be attached to the trailer.
This type of hitch is used for towing extremely heavy-loads, making them a perfect choice for large commercial trucks, dump trucks, and huge trailers.
Your Trailer Is Now Ready to Go
It might be a bit of a disorienting experience to figure out which type of truck hitch to use when there is a variety of truck hitches out on the market.
Yet, we hope that our breakdown of the different types, as well as their weight capacities, have simplified the search for you.
There is nothing quite like grabbing (well, towing) your trailer and going on an adventure.
If you're searching for more tips, we have many blogs in our travels section that will help you set everything up for your trip from your wardrobe to your hiking boots. Make sure to give it a look before you go.
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