Choosing the right truck trailer hitch is an important process. Without the right truck hitch, you may not be able to tow a trailer effectively. Furthermore, there are several different types of hitches, each with its own unique towing application. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps to help identify the right hitch for you. Here’s a guide to choosing the right truck trailer hitch.
Look up Your Truck
Not every vehicle has the same towing capacity. This will affect which hitch you need for a safe towing experience. Vehicles are made in different classes and can therefore handle different weights.
Furthermore, not all hitches fit on all trucks. It is best to look up your vehicle’s hitch receiver size. This will help you identify which hitch can be attached to your vehicle without interfering with your spare tire, tailgate, or other truck components.
Choose an Appropriate Hitch Class
After looking up your vehicle’s specs, you can find an appropriate hitch class to match your truck.
Hitches are typically divided into five different classes, and certain vehicles work with different classes. Here is a brief guide to help you identify which class is right for you.
- 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
After identifying your needed class of hitch, you can begin shopping for a quality product. Most hitches are available in different classes, meaning you don’t have to settle for limited options.
Identify Your Towing Needs
After analyzing your vehicle and determining which class of hitch you need, it’s important to consider what you’ll be using your hitch for.
For example, will you need to be able to utilize a clevis attachment or hook up a hay wagon? Or will you simply use your hitch to haul your boat to the lake each weekend? What type of heavy-duty towing do you plan to use your tow hitch for? Additionally, gooseneck hitches and standard ball mounts accomplish different things, making it necessary to think through each situation where you’ll need to tow.
At GEN-Y Hitch, we believe that your hitch should be multi-functional, which is why we work tirelessly to create innovative products that are perfect for multiple towing applications. A prime example is our MEGA-DUTY drop hitch.
Capable of being used in both the drop and rise positions, this hitch has both a 2″ and a 2 5/16″ ball mount, so you don’t have to switch hitches when switching trailers. Simply rotate it to the other side!
Additionally, this fully-adjustable drop hitch can easily be raised or lowered to match the height of your trailer and is available in 10k, 16k, 21k, and 32k towing capacities meaning there’s an option for you regardless of which truck you’re towing with!
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!
