Hitches Guide - Review and Buying Guide

Buying a trailer hitch is a valuable investment for your vehicle, and it’s important to know what the different types of trailers hitch receivers are and how each one can benefit you. Check out the great information below regarding the types of trailer hitch receivers and get a detailed look into the towing capacities, towing vehicles and cargo in tow.

Choosing the Right Trailer Hitch for Your Vehicle

Finding the perfect trailer hitch for your vehicle is simple with our guide. Virtually all of hitches are made vehicle-specific, allowing you to use your vehicle’s model and style to find the exact hitch needed. Follow the guide in our blog to find the best trailer hitch receiver for your vehicle. For pickup truck owners, you may also be interested in choosing the best 5th wheel hitch or gooseneck hitch for your towing needs.

The Different Types of Trailer Hitches

There are many different types of hitches used for towing a trailer. Receiver hitches are perhaps the most common, divided into five classes. Each type of trailer hitch has a unique purpose and coupling style, as well as its own set of capacities and sizes.

5th Wheel Hitch

A 5th wheel hitch is a heavy-duty truck bed hitch that accepts the kingpin of a 5th wheel trailer. The design is similar to a tractor-trailer coupler.

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Gooseneck Hitch

A gooseneck hitch is a heavy-duty truck bed hitch that provides a ball to couple to a gooseneck trailer. Gooseneck hitches are commonly used on farms.

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Weight Distribution Hitch

A weight distribution hitch is a receiver hitch attachment. It is designed to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer across the vehicle and trailer for increased control.

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Pintle Hitch

A pintle hitch is a simple but strong coupling mechanism, consisting of a hook and a ring. Pintle hitches are commonly used in agriculture and industrial settings.

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Receiver Hitch

Receiver hitches are divided into five classes, depending on their towing capacity and receiver tube size. The higher the class number, the higher the capacity and the larger the receiver tube is.

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Trailer Hitch Classes

Receiver hitches are divided into five classes, depending on their towing capacity and receiver tube size. The higher the class number, the higher the capacity and the larger the receiver tube is. While it is helpful to distinguish between the various tow hitch classes, it is important to note that most receiver hitches are made vehicle-specific. In other words, not all five classes are available for each vehicle.

Class 1 Hitches

Up to 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight
Common on cars and crossovers

Class 2 Hitches

Up to 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight
Common on cars, CUVs and minivans

Class 3 Hitches

Up to 8,000 lbs. gross trailer weight
Common on CUVs, vans, SUVs and trucks

Class 4 Hitches

Up to 12,000 lbs. gross trailer weight
Common on trucks and SUVs

Class 5 Hitches

Up to 17,000 lbs. gross trailer weight
Common on trucks and SUVs

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