Types Of Hitches
Class 1 hitches tow up to 2,000 pounds or 907 kilograms; they can be used to pull a trailer that is six feet or 1.8 meters long, or a boat that is 14 feet or 4.3 meters long. These hitches are good for use on smaller cars, such as small sedans, sports cars, and compact cars. Although some class 1 hitches are only available in designs that attach to the bumper, a hitch that attaches to the frame in some fashion is more desirable. You can also get a hitch with a removable tongue, so that when you’re not towing anything you don’t have to have a hitch sticking out of the back end of your car; however, if you plan on towing frequently, you are probably better off with a hitch that has a permanently affixed tongue.
Class 2 hitches tow up to 3,500 pounds or 1,588 kilograms; they can be used to pull a trailer that is 12 feet or 3.7 meters long, or a boat that is 20 feet or 6 meters long. These hitches work well on larger cars, such as midsize sedans and minivans, but are not suitable for compact cars. Like all larger hitches, class 2 hitches attach to the frame of a vehicle.
Class 3 hitches are more heavy-duty hitches. They come in different sizes, but the largest of them can tow up to 5,000 pounds or 2,268 kilograms. A class 3 hitch can be used to pull a 24-foot or 7-meter boat trailer.
Class 4 hitches are also much more heavy-duty hitches, especially because their mounting brackets distribute weight more evenly along the frame of the truck that is doing the towing. Class 4 hitches are designed for use with full-size trucks, and will easily pull 7,500 pounds or 3,402 kilograms.
Class 5 hitches are the largest hitches available. Like class 4 hitches, they utilize heavy-duty mounting brackets designed to distribute weight more evenly along the frame of the truck, which helps prevent an uneven load from being placed on the driveshafts or suspension in the rear of the car. Class 5 hitches can pull as much as 14,000 pounds or 6,350 kilograms.
Clearly, choosing a hitch for your car is an important decision, one you need to be fully prepared and well educated to make. It’s important to know what you will be using the hitch for, and how much weight you could possibly be pulling, as well as what kind of vehicle will be doing the pulling.
About Towing
It is very important to review an operator's manual before purchasing a towing system. Your vehicle manual has helpful information about your vehicle's capabilities and limitations. You also need to be aware of the different laws and restrictions which exist when you tow from state to state. Your area State Patrol is a good resource for finding this information.
The downward force that is exerted on the hitch ball by the coupler is called the tongue weight. The tongue weight will vary depending where the load is positioned in relationship to the trailer axle(s). To measure the tongue weight, use either a commercial scale or a bathroom scale with the coupler at towing height. When using a bathroom scale with heavier tongue weights, use the method shown and multiply the scale reading by 3.
Electrical and Brake Control Accessories
Finding the right towing accessories is fast and easy. Simply input your vehicle's information, and we'll show you all the electrical wiring and brake control options compatible with your vehicle. Our selection includes converters, adapters, connectors, and more.
Visit TrailerHitches.com for more details and information about trailer hitches and the below items:
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About The Author:
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This article was written by J. Mark Soveign who writes for Wertheim Communications LLC as well as Mooker.Com Did you like this story? If so, vote for it on your favorite social bookmark site: |
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