In towing trailers, the “one-size-fits-all” solution is not applicable. For this reason, there are many different types of trailer hitches available. Thus, it would be best to find the most suitable hitch to tow your small or heavy-duty trailers efficiently and safely. This guide will explain the differences between trailer hitches and how to choose the right one for you.
There are many uses and applications for towing and many types of vehicles. Over the years, the number, and styles available in hitches have increased to meet the growing demand. Here are the seven standard trailer hitches:
Rear Receiver
The most popular type of hitch, rear receiver hitches, can be found on nearly all vehicles. They are classified according to their weight. Rear receiver hitches can be used for many towing applications, including trailer lights, cargo carriers, bike racks, and cargo carriers.
They are easy to put together, which makes them an excellent choice for people who have limited skills.
The receiver hitch has a square tube at the end, which accepts various towing accessories like trailer ball mounts and bike racks.
Bumper Hitch
A bumper hitch attaches to the vehicle’s rear bumper. They are prevalent because they are easy to connect and can be attached to almost any vehicle’s bumper. This tube is used with towing accessories or to mount tow ball mounts.
The sizes of the receiver inserts range from 1-1/4″ to 3″ and can offer between 900 to 9525 kg of maximum towing capacity. This hitch is limited in carrying as much weight as your bumper. It would be best if you ask your tradesman dealer to have a solid foundation of the measurement.
Bumper hitches transport lighter loads such as bikes, trailers, and pop-up campers.
Weight Distribution Hitch
A trailer hitch, known as a weight distribution hitch, distributes the trailer’s tongue weight evenly over the vehicle’s axle.
To reduce the weight distribution hitch’s low tongue weight, long rods known as “spring rods” are used. They provide leverage against the connection points to lower the tongue weight. This is vital because it prevents sag and improves stability when towing.
For heavier trailers, weight distribution hitches are commonly used. These hitches can be more complicated than the bumper, and rear receiver hitches and are, therefore, more challenging to install.
A weight distribution hitch can provide a smoother ride when towing heavy loads and is an excellent choice for those who can install it properly.
Fifth Wheel Hitch
Fifth-wheel hitches attach directly to the frame of a pickup truck at the rear axle. They provide strong connections for towing.
This connection looks a lot like a trailer ball. The 5th wheel hitch is U-shaped and has locking jaws. It closes around the trailer’s kingpin.
These hitches are ideal for large fifth-wheel trailers as they can tow up to 13,000 kg.
Gooseneck Hitch
It refers to a trailer hitch that attaches to a pickup truck’s bed and can be used to tow a gooseneck trailer.
Gooseneck trailers look similar to fifth-wheel trailers except that they are heavier and larger than travel trailers. It attaches directly to the truck’s frame near the cab, unlike fifth-wheel hitches. This reduces the distance between the trailer axle and the connection point, improving towing stability.
Gooseneck hitches appear like a trailer ball sticking out of the truck’s bed. This is where the gooseneck trailer coupler rests.
Pintle Hitch
Pintle hitches are a type that uses a pin-and-collar system to tow. It can be used to tow heavy-duty equipment, such as military trailers and construction equipment.
A pintle hitch is a large metal pin (the “pintle”) that inserts into the vehicle’s receiver. A ring (called a lunette) secures the pin in its place.
Pintle hitches can tow up to 27,000 kg and are often found on dump trucks, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and military vehicles.
Front Mount Hitch
A front mount hitch works similarly to a rear receiver hitch but is bolted to your vehicle’s frame.
The look is like the receiver tube, which can accept different accessories.
The most common uses of front mount hitches are snow plows and winches, spare tyre mountings, cargo baskets, and many other things.
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