When towing a trailer, it’s important to make sure you have a strong hitch that can get the job done. Depending on the weight of your load, your towing vehicle, and your style of hookup, you may need different hitches. While some hitches are multi-functional, not all trailer hitches are universal. To ensure you buy the right hitch for you, here’s what you need to know about the different types of trailer hitches and which you might need!
There are Different Types of Trailer Hitches
There are many different types of hitches depending on your towing needs. Furthermore, they are separated into classes based on your towing vehicle and maximum weight capacity.
A few of the common hitch types include:
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Bumper Mount Hitch
- Gooseneck Hitch
- Pintle Hitch
- Receiver Hitch
Each of these hitches has a slightly different purpose and depending on your towing needs, you may need to choose one over the other. If you’re uncertain which hitch you need, check out our guide to different hitches and their purpose.
These hitches can then be divided into classes. Generally, your hitch will fall into one of the following.
- Class 1 – up to 2,000 lbs
- Subcompact cars
- Sedans
- Crossovers
- Class 2 – up to 3,500 lbs
- Sedans
- Crossovers
- Minivans
- ¼-ton trucks & SUVs
- Class 3 – 3,500 lbs – 12,000 lbs
- Crossovers
- Minivans
- ¼-ton trucks & SUVs
- ½-ton trucks & SUVs
- ¾-ton trucks
- 1-ton trucks and flatbeds
- Class 4 – 8,000 lbs – 14,000 lbs
- ½-ton trucks & SUVs
- ¾-ton trucks
- 1-ton trucks and flatbeds
- Class 5 – 16,000 lbs – 20,000 lbs
- ½-ton trucks & SUVs
- ¾-ton trucks
- 1-ton trucks and flatbeds
Determining your towing needs and vehicle capabilities is the first step in choosing the right hitch. But what if you need a hitch for multiple towing applications?
Trailer Hitches are Not Universal
Trailer hitches are not fully universal in that you can’t use one hitch for every imaginable situation. However, at GEN-Y Hitch, we have pioneered innovative hitches that can cover multiple towing applications. We believe a GEN-Y hitch should be the only hitch you’ll ever need and have therefore made them as versatile as possible.
For example, our MEGA-DUTY drop hitch can be used in both the drop and rise positions, and it has both a 2″ and a 2 5/16″ ball mount. This means you don’t have to switch hitches when switching trailers. You just have to rotate it to the other side!
Additionally, the MEGA-DUTY drop hitch is available in 10k, 16k, 21k, and 32k towing capacities, meaning that you have an option regardless of what you’re towing.
Our goal is to provide innovative towing solutions to our customers. If you need help identifying which hitch is best for you, contact one of our qualified towing professionals to discuss your needs. We have a hitch that can get you and your cargo where you need to go!
Let Us Help!
Gen-Y Hitch exists to better the lives of our customers, dealers, vendors, employees, and the automotive industry. We will always put our customers’ needs ahead of our own. Contact us today and let us help you!
