Choosing a Trailer Hitch for your vehicle should be a no brainer since all you need to know in finding the ideal Trailer Hitch are two key factors; the Gross Trailer Weight and the Tongue weight. The Gross Trailer weight (GTW) is the maximum weight of your trailer in the condition that it would be towed in while the Tongue Weight is the downward force that the tongue of the trailer applies to the hitch of the vehicle towing it.
What is expected of you as a vehicle owner is to determine the GTW and the TW ratings when you are fully loaded. These ratings determine if your trailer’s weight is acceptable for your vehicle.
Furthermore your type of vehicle is also a determinant of what type of hitch you will consider. A small car or SUV will not require a weight carrying trailer hitch which is designed to pull 10,000 pounds of Gross Tongue Weight and 1200 Tongue Weight.
Hence the principle rule is if your vehicle’s GTW and TW ratings are higher than the actual GTW and TW ratings of your trailer, then it is acceptable to buy a trailer hitch. Otherwise you are supposed to either reduce your trailer’s weight or increase your vehicle’s towing capacity.
Classes of Hitches
Getting the measurements right for your trailer’s GTW and TW and comparing them with the ratings from your vehicle is fundamental and the most crucial step in choosing your trailer hitch. From that understanding you are able to match your trailer and vehicle to the classes available in the market.
Class 1
It is the lightest with a Gross Trailer Weight of up to 2000 pounds and a maximum tongue weight of 200 pounds handling capability. Hence if you are in the category of a car, minivan, boat or a bicycle track owner this should be your choice of hitch.
Class II
Designed for loads of the range of 3,500 pounds and 300 pounds handling capability, the class 11 trailer is appropriate for SUVs, small boats and even pickup vans. Motorcycle trailers or campers are also in this category for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Class III
You can either order a universally designed class III or a customized type that can perfectly on your vehicle’s rear bumper. Its handling capability is up to 5000 pounds or 500 pounds although it is also designed for general towing.
Class IV
It is also customized for your vehicle and can handle Gross Tongue Weight of up to 10000 pounds and a Tongue Weight of the range of 1000 to 1200 pounds. Class IV hitches is among the category of weight distributing hitches.
Class V Hitches
For cargo that is heavier than 10000 pounds Gross Tongue Weight and 1200 pounds Tongue Weight, Class V is also a weight distribution hitch. Hence if you are planning for a vacation up in the woods and need to tow a camper, this is your ideal hitch. To have a safe experience in towing your cargo, consider choosing a Hidden Trailer hitch or a Draw Tite Trailer Hitch that is tough enough, can handle the total weight of your trailer, but does not exceed the towing capabilities of your vehicle.
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