Whenever you are towing a trailer behind your vehicle, it is important that you have the right hitch keeping it safely attached to your vehicle. There is more involved in the process than simply choosing a hitch that looks like it might fit. There are different categories that you need to take into consideration as you think about the weight, shape and other factors of the trailer you are towing. Longhorn Motors & Trailer Sales, Inc. is here to talk about different types of hitches and what applications they are usually used for.
What is the Difference in Classes of Trailer Hitches?
Trailer hitches are classified in different classes depending on several factors. Here is a description of each of these hitches.
– Class 1 Hitch: This is the most basic hitch you can use with your vehicle. It is a light-duty hitch that would only be used when towing small items like bikes or small cargo trailers. You would never use this hitch to tow anything that is over 2,000 pounds. These hitches can be used with vehicles as small as a mid-sized car and should be paired with a receiver that is 1 ¼ inch by 1 ¼ inch that has a tongue weight capacity of 200 pounds or less.
– Class 2 Hitch: As the most commonly used trailer hitch on the market today, this hitch is also known as a regular-duty hitch. You can tow up to 3,500 pounds when you are towing with this trailer hitch. They are used by cars, minivans, SUVs and compact trucks most of the time. The tongue weight is usually around 300 pounds.
– Class 3 Hitch: This is a heavy-duty trailer hitch and can handle weights up to 10,000 pounds. You want to make sure you have a 2 inch receiver measurement with this hitch. You would consider this hitch if you were driving a large truck, SUV or van that would be towing things like campers, mid-sized boats and mid-sized trailers.
– Class 4 Hitch: Anytime you are towing a trailer that is between 12 feet and 24 feet long, you will need a class 4 trailer hitch to do it. This is a super-duty hitch that has a towing capacity of up to 14,000 pounds. Most people towing between 10,000 and 14,0000 pounds will use this hitch. You will need a receiver measurement of 2-2 ½ inch.
– 5th Wheel Hitch: The most advanced trailer hitch you can buy is the 5th wheel trailer hitch. It can tow up to 20,000 pounds and is used to tow heavy equipment, machinery or cargo. The hitch is installed above the truck’s rear axle.
New Trailer & Used Car Sales in Temple, Troy, Cameron, Salado, Nolanville, Harker Heights, Killeen, Fort Hood, Copperas Cove, Gatesville & Greater Belton, Texas
If you are looking for the perfect trailer for your purposes, you can turn to Longhorn Motors & Trailer Sales, Inc. to help you find the right fit. We have several different types of trailers to choose from and are sure to have one that will fit your towing needs. Call us today!
