You’ve got your truck, and now you’re ready to start towing. Well… not so fast. The only thing standing between your truck and your first tow is choosing the right hitch. Given the large selection of hitches available on the market, figuring out which hitch would work best for your truck can understandably be tricky.
We’ve put together a guide on choosing the best trailer hitch. Let’s get started!
Determine How Much Weight Your Vehicle Can Carry
The amount of weight your vehicle can accommodate is a major factor in determining what hitch to select.
With a full-size pickup truck, you’ll likely need a hitch from class 3, class 4 or class 5.
- Class 3 trailer hitches can accommodate up to 8,000 pounds gross trailer weight (GTW).
- Class 4 hitches can pull up to 10,000 pounds GTW.
- Class 5 hitches can pull between 16,000 and 20,000 pounds GTW.
Class 3 to 5 hitches work with half-ton, three-quarter and one-ton trucks. Your owner’s manual can tell you how much weight your truck is designed to pull and thus what trailer hitch is the best option for you.
Weight Distribution Hitches
If you plan to pull a trailer that is over 3,500 pounds, it would be in your best interest to also purchase a weight distribution hitch.
These types of hitches are receiver hitch attachments that level out trailers and vehicles by distributing the tongues’ weight across the vehicles’ axles. This device might also boost the trailer hitches’ overall GTW capacity.
Weight distribution hitches will work with most class 3 to class 5 receiver hitches.
Gooseneck or Fifth Wheel Hitch
For certain applications, the type of hitch you choose might already be determined for you due to the kind of trailer you’ll be towing.
Specifically, if you’re using a fifth wheel trailer, you’ll need a fifth wheel hitch. This is also true for gooseneck trailers, which have to be pulled with gooseneck hitches or gooseneck hitch adapters connected to fifth wheel base rails.
Note that even when you’re using these types of specialized hitches, you’ll still have to consider your towing system’s, trailer’s and vehicle’s weight capacities. Fifth wheel hitches can pull between 16,000 and 25,000 pounds. Gooseneck hitches can usually pull as many as 30,000 pounds.
So, there you have it! With these key considerations and a little research, you’re well-equipped to choose the perfect trailer hitch for your truck.
Remember, safety and compatibility are what’s most important. Don’t hesitate to consult a professional if you have any doubts or need help with installation. Hit the road with confidence, knowing your trailer is securely attached and your truck is ready for any adventure!
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