Trailer hitches are an excellent addition to any vehicle. Being able to hook up a trailer and tow around heavy loads is helpful in several different scenarios. But is a hitch enough to get the job done? You’ve probably seen ads for hitch accessories, but how important are they? Knowing which accessories will enhance your towing experience and which products are unnecessary is difficult. So how important are hitch accessories, and which ones should you get? Here’s what you need to know.
Common Hitch Accessories
When considering the importance of hitch accessories, it’s necessary to look at several different products and identify what they do. Once you’re familiar with some standard hitch accessories, you’ll better understand which supplements will benefit you and which unneeded options. Here are a few standard hitch accessories.
Reducer Sleeve
A reducer sleeve works as an adapter, allowing you to switch out hitch balls without switching out your entire hitch assembly. This is an excellent accessory for those who tow multiple trailers and regularly need to utilize different size ball mounts.
Hitch Step
Perfect for those who want to protect the look of their truck, hitch steps are accessories that provide a foothold when gaining access to your vehicle’s truck bed, SUV trunk, or roof rack. This is optimal as it helps you avoid stepping on your vehicle’s bumper, which can damage it. Furthermore, a serrated hitch step, like those at GEN-Y Hitch, offers more traction than a bumper, keeping you from slipping or falling.
Weight-Distribution Shank
This accessory is beneficial because it allows you to adjust the height of your weight distribution system. A weight-distribution shank ensures that your tow vehicle and trailer are aligned correctly. Without proper alignment, your vehicle’s towing weight may be too high or too low, providing less control on the road and increasing your chances of an accident.
Mounting Plate
A pintle mounting plate is a beautiful hitch accessory that converts regular receivers to be used with pintle-type trailers. This makes your hitch even more diverse because you don’t need to purchase separate products. You can adapt your current receiver to your needs.
Hitch Extender
When towing, some vehicles need help staying clear of your towing kit, causing them to bump into each other during use. Hitch extenders keep this from happening by extending your hitch further away from your vehicle. However, it’s important to note that this will increase the leverage on your hitch, therefore decreasing your overall towing capacity by up to 50%.
There are many different hitch accessories, each with its purpose. Determining their importance depends entirely on your individual needs. If you regularly need to switch out hitches for other trailers, then a simple adapter could be a game changer. If you’re tired of scuffing your bumper with your boots, a hitch step would be an excellent addition to your vehicle.
Consider browsing GEN-Y’s selection of hitch accessories to find products that work for you. Don’t settle for a less-than-stellar towing experience when a simple hitch accessory could make a difference!
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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!
