The Complete Guide to Selecting a Trailer Hitch
Are you wanting to add a trailer hitch to your vehicle? Don’t know where to start? That’s okay. A lot goes into installing a trailer hitch, but the experts at U-Haul are here to help you with our complete guide to selecting the right one.
Can You Put a Trailer Hitch on any Vehicle?
Most vehicles can have a trailer hitch installed on it. U-Haul, North America’s No. 1 Hitch Installer with over 1,500 install locations, makes it easy on you. Simply tell us your vehicle year, make and model, and we will show you available trailer hitches and related towing components.
What are the Three Basic Types of Trailer Hitches?
The three basic types of trailer hitches are receiver hitches, 5th wheel hitches, and gooseneck hitches. Receiver hitches are the most common and broken up into five different classes based on maximum weight. 5th wheel hitches and gooseneck hitches are heavy-duty hitches that attach into the bed of trucks. The difference is that a 5th wheel hitch has a kingpin, while a gooseneck attaches to a hitch ball. Now we go deeper into the details of these hitches.
A Detailed Look into Types of Trailer Hitches
A trailer hitch is a valuable investment for your vehicle. It’s important to know what the different types of trailers hitch receivers are and how each one can benefit you. The information in this chart gives you a detailed look into the towing capacities, towing vehicles, and cargo in tow. Use this handy guide to select the proper type of hitch for you depending on what your vehicle can handle and what you want to tow.
Light-Duty Receiver Hitches (Commonly known as Class 1)
Light-duty receiver hitches are designed typically for towing bike racks and cargo carriers. This style of hitch can also be used to tow smaller utility or enclosed trailers, and motorcycles as well. The maximum gross trailer weight should be less than 2,000 lbs. The towing vehicle commonly associated with this specific type of hitch receiver is usually a compact or midsize car.
- 1 1/4" receiver
- Tongue weight capacity up to 200 lbs.
Regular-Duty Receiver Hitches (Commonly known as Class 2)
A regular-duty receiver hitch can tow up to 3,500 lbs. and has a tongue weight of 350 lbs. Tow vehicles which usually have a Class 2 type of hitch receiver installed include midsize cars, minivans, small pickup trucks, and midsize SUV's. Some tow items for this style hitch include small fishing boats, ATVs, motorcycles, and cargo trailers up to 12ft in length. Additionally, a regular-duty trailer hitch receiver is bolted onto the frame of the towing vehicle.
- 1 1/4" receiver
- Tongue weight capacity up to 350 lbs.
Heavy-Duty Receiver Hitches (Commonly known as Class 3)
A heavy-duty receiver hitch is attached to the frame of the vehicle and considered an 'undercar' receiver hitch. Heavy-duty trailer hitches are designed to carry or tow up to 7,500 lbs. of weight. They have a removal drawbar which is attached to the frame of the vehicle. Many types of vehicles can be towed with this style hitch, including mid-to-large sized SUVs, vans, full-size cars, and pickup trucks.
- 2" receiver
- Tongue weight capacity up to 750 lbs.
Super-Duty Receiver Hitches (Commonly known as Class 4)
Full size pickups and SUVs have a higher towing capacity. These trailer hitches have a much larger capacity for towing travel trailers, heavier machinery, and boats larger than 24ft. This receiver hitch has a tow capacity rating of up to 10,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 1,700 lbs. tongue weight.
- 2" receiver
- Tongue weight capacity up to 1,000 lbs.
Commercial Duty or Xtra Duty Receiver Hitches (Commonly known as Class 5)
Class 5 receivers can break up between commercial and xtra duty. Trucks, SUVs, Dually and Chassis Cab trucks can all use this receiver for heavy jobs. These hitches are used for campers, RVs, and heavy commercial equipment, up to 20,000 gross trailer weight. Customers can find Class 5 available in 2” and 2 1/2” sizes.
- 2" & 2 1/2” receivers available
- Tongue weight capacity up to 2,700 lbs.
5th Wheel Hitches
Not to be confused with a bumper mount receiver hitch, the 5th wheel trailer hitch is specifically for pickup or flatbed trucks and has up to 30,000 lbs. of towing capacity. The 5th wheel hitch mounts in the bed of a truck and has a plate similar to a semi-tractor that a king pin on the 5th wheel trailer attaches to.
What Hitch Receiver Size Should I Pick for my Vehicle?
To pick the right hitch receiver for you, you have to consider the size of your vehicle, how much weight you need to tow (understanding which hitch class fits best), and how you can maximize your vehicle’s potential.
If you need help refer back to the graphic. For instance, if you have a compact car and need to tow up to 2,000 lbs., a light-duty receiver or class one hitch is for you. As we’ve mentioned before, U-Haul can put together a selection of ball mounts, hitch balls, wiring, trailer accessories and other towing components to help you get on the road and towing.
What is the Average Cost of a Trailer Hitch?
The cost of a trailer hitch varies based on the size and accessories you get. On average, hitch installations can cost anywhere between $100-600 based on the price of each individual part and availability.
Consider it an investment especially if you’re getting your trailer hitch from U-Haul. All trailer hitches sold and installed at a?U-Haul?Moving Center®?come with the option of a lifetime warranty plan guaranteed to replace your hitch with no limitation for any damage, including collision, corrosion, accidental overload, jackknifing, and vehicle theft. A wiring service plan is also available. This covers repair and replacement of any damage to your wiring setup for up to two years.
Do you have more questions? Chat with a trailer hitch specialist here and make sure you will be towing safely.