Trailer Hitches

Trailer hitches are used for towing all kinds of loads.  A trailer hitch enables you to securely attach a trailer to your car so you can haul your load safely.  The type of tow hitch you need depends on the towing capacity of your vehicle.  In general, trailer hitches for cars have a weight capacity of 3,500 to 10,000lbs.  Of course, you should always refer to your vehicle owner's manual for clarification.  Most tow bar packages come with a ball, mount, pin and clip and providing you choose one that's custom fitted for your particular vehicle, it should be quick and easy to install. 

Heavy duty trailer hitches, such as gooseneck and 5th wheel hitches, are required for higher weight capacities, and need to be fastened to the bed of a truck.  A gooseneck trailer hitch should be used on a truck only and never on a car.  Using a ball mount, it secures the trailer's connection point to a centrally-mounted position on the truck bed and is supported by the rear axle.  Gooseneck hitches allow you to tow more gross and tongue weight, and are commonly used for hauling horse trailers, agricultural and industrial equipment.

Fifth wheel hitches have different weight capacities of 15k, 16k, 20k, 22k and 30k.  Which type you need depends on the year, make and model of your vehicle.  A fifth wheel hitch will become a permanent fixture of your truck bed, mounted to a steel plate and fastened with a pin.  Some 5th wheel trailer hitches require sliders, which enable them to be used, for example, with a short bed pickup truck.  Sliders are required for safe turns and ample clearance.  Well-known, reputable brands of tow bars include Hidden Hitch, Drawtite, Curt and Reese hitches.