Are you unable to figure out the right hitch for your car? Well, when there are so many choices for hitches, it is common to get confused. Furthermore, things can get overwhelming if you hadn’t bought a hitch before or installed it on your vehicle. However, worry not, as Bills Mobile Hitch And Tow Bar Installation is here to sort out your requirements. Whether it’s your first time or you are already familiar with the tow bar and hitches world, this post will definitely come in handy when you choose.
Well, first of all, you need to understand the various types of hitches for cars. While there are many choices, in general, you can use five hitch types for your vehicle. This includes:
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- Bumper Hitch
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Gooseneck Hitch
- Pintle Hitch
Each type has its own uniqueness and features, and which will suit your needs the best will depend on as we discuss these various hitches. So, without wasting any moment, let’s explore each of these hitch types so you, as a buyer, can make an informed decision while purchasing one.
Also Read:- Tow Bar Types: Uses, Advantages, Disadvantages, And More
Most Common Types Of Hitches For Cars
So, as previously mentioned, there are commonly five hitches that people generally use for their trucks and cars. Now, what towing limit do these hitches offer, and do they satisfy your vehicle requirements? Well, here are all these hitches explained one by one:
Bumper Hitch
The first one we have is the bumper hitch which is also known to be the most common hitch for performing towing activities. This hitch gets attached under the vehicle’s rear bumper and has a standard two-inch ball mount receiver. Furthermore, it also has points for the attachment of the safety chain.
Bumper hitches usually come in use when light-duty towing is involved. For example, you can use this particular hitch if you want to pull domestic vehicles or RVs. In addition, you can determine the weight rating based on the rating of the bumper. So, you can use this ball mount on almost every truck, big SUVs, and even small-size sedan. One more thing you should know about bumper hitches is that they come in various styles and sizes.
Now, talking about the receiver insert sizes, they can range from 1-¼ inches to 3 inches. And the towing capacity of these hitches ranges somewhere between 2000 pounds to 21000 pounds. Other than insert sizes and towing capacity, this hitch type also has a variety of different drop lengths.
However, it is not crucial that you need a tow ball that comes with a drop length. You can either get a hitch with a drop length of 2 inches or go for a tow ball with a drop length of 10 inches. Other than that, you can also buy a tow ball mount with some rise length.
Now, this hitch also comes in various styles, each with different features. At Bills Mobile Hitch And Tow Bar Installation, we provide many choices regarding tow bars and hitches. Therefore, if you have any particular demand for your vehicle regarding hitch installation, feel free to contact us.
Weight Distribution Hitch
Now, for the second hitch, we have a weight distribution hitch that is quite similar to the bumper hitch. However, as we mentioned at the start, each of these hitches has different benefits and features. Hence, these different features and benefits make weight distribution hitches unique in their own way.
This hitch is typically used when someone needs to level their trailer, minimize trailer sway, and restore balance. And this is usually the case when a person buys a travel trailer or an RV. So, let’s understand how the weight distribution hitch works.
Well, whenever you try to tow a trailer, the rear end of your RV or tow trailer faces a significant amount of weight. This is where the hitch comes into play. As its name suggests, the weight distribution hitch helps distribute the weight your RV faces. It helps spread the tongue weight and level it around the other axles in order to restore balance.
Once this weight becomes distributed around the axles, your car’s driving performance improves, it faces lower stress due to the towing load, and you experience a better, smoother ride while obtaining maximum efficiency from the hitch.
While this hitch can help redistribute the load weight and balance the load, it is vital to know it doesn’t increase your vehicle’s towing limit. So, if the load you need to carry surpasses the towing limit of the car or towing capacity of your hitch, make sure you look for better, recommended choices.
Fifth Wheel Hitch
Now, at the third number, we have a fifth wheel hitch, also known as 5th wheel hitch. This hitch is popular when heavy-duty towing is involved. It is mounted over the axles and sometimes a bit in front of your vehicle’s axles which are present in the truck bed. Furthermore, this hitch involves using a kingpin mechanism which helps with connecting the towing load.
This hitch type comes under the unique category because it has a coupling system as a part of it rather than being a trailer part. Usually, fifth-wheel hitches are required when you need to tow large car haulers and travel trailers. In addition, semi-trucks are popularly seen using this hitch. And we should also mention that these hitches are made this way so that they can absorb and pivot unexpected bumps while you drive your car. Furthermore, 5th-wheel hitches also help with increasing your vehicle’s turning radius.
So, in general, you can use this hitch if you need to carry a heavier load which the standard ball hitches cannot handle. However, remember one thing: this hitch leads to constant contact between the horseshoe-shaped hitch plate and the trailer plate. Therefore, you need to lubricate these parts from time to time so your hitch can function optimally.
Gooseneck Hitch
A gooseneck hitch is quite similar to a fifth-wheel hitch. Just like the 5th wheel, this hitch gets mounted in the truck bed slightly in front or above the rear axles. This hitch type is commonly used to tow car haulers, livestock, large flatbeds, or industrial and commercial trailers. Furthermore, with a gooseneck hitch, you can easily make sharp or tight turns compared to a bumper trailer and tow hitch. Now, gooseneck hitches have different types, including above-bed and under-bed hitches.
So, firstly, let’s talk about the above-bed gooseneck hitches. This type of hitch is attached to the same standard rails as the fifth-wheel hitches. And hence it is easy to take this hitch on and off of your car. Furthermore, you’ll prefer this hitch if your work involves switching hitches again and again.
Now, what is an under-bed hitch? Well, this hitch is quite popular because of its high demand in the category of gooseneck hitches. You can custom fit an under-bed hitch to your car. And also, this hitch type comes with rails that are connected beneath the truck bed. Out of all the options available for under-bed gooseneck hitches, the most popular ones are B&W and OEM gooseneck hitches.
You should know that the OEM hitch doesn’t need extra installation brackets and is easy to install. It is so straightforward to install this hitch because of its unique design and its exclusive use for truck hitch installation.
Pintle Hitch
At last, we have pintle hitches which are primarily used for heavy-duty towing. You will find these hitches more common on rough terrain. Well, this hitch type comes with a hooking system, known as pintle, and is connected to your truck. You need to hook the pintle hitch to the ring called lunette, which is further connected to the trailer. If you are looking for a hitch that can work for agricultural, industrial, and military needs, then this hitch is for you. It is a popular hitch category whenever there is a requirement to tow higher loads.
Besides that, you can experience a larger range of motion with a pintle hitch than the regular bumper tow hitches. And due to the fact that it offers greater motion range, this hitch is ideal for intense and uneven angles, especially for off-road and rough terrains. However, as pintle offers such an open range of motion, you may experience a noisier and rougher towing experience.
How To Select The Right Hitch For Your Car? Understanding Different Hitch Classes
Now, you have a basic understanding of the types of hitches for cars. However, even after learning about the various hitches types, it is vital to learn about the different classes of hitches. Buying the perfect vehicle for a truck matters because a wrong purchase wastes not only your money but also your time.
So, let us help you introduce these various hitch classes so you can better know which will be more suitable for your vehicle.
Light-Duty Receiver Hitches: Class 1
If you want to tow cargo carriers and bike racks, light-duty receiver hitches are the ideal choice. Furthermore, this hitch style allows it to pull smaller, enclosed trailers and motorcycles. However, remember that the maximum trailer weight should not exceed 2000 pounds. Usually, you’ll find this type of trailer hitch in a compact or midsize vehicle.
- 1 ¼ inch receiver
- Has a 200-pound tongue weight capacity
Regular-Duty Receiver Hitches: Class 2
This hitch allows you to tow 3500 pounds of weight. In addition, the tongue weight of a regular-duty receiver hitch is 350 pounds. Typically, this class of hitch is for towing vehicles such as midsize cars, SUVs, minivans, and small pickup trucks. Furthermore, some items you can tow with this style of hitches are motorcycles, small fishing boats, cargo trailers (maximum length of 12ft), and ATVs.
In addition, it is vital to know that this hitch receiver is bolted onto your towing vehicle frame.
- 1 ¼ inch receiver
- Has a 350-pound tongue weight capacity
Heavy-Duty Receiver Hitches: Class 3
This hitch class is often called an “undercar” receiver hitch. The primary reason behind this name is due to the fact that this hitch is connected to your vehicle’s frame. As the name suggests, these hitches are for pulling and towing heavy loads. And that’s why this hitch can carry up to 7500 pounds. Furthermore, it comes with a removal drawbar that is connected to your car’s frame.
With this hitch class, you can tow different kinds of vehicles, including medium to big-sized vans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and full-size cards.
- 2-inch receiver
- Has a 750-pound tongue weight capacity
Super-Duty Receiver Hitches: Class 4
Now, for class 4, we have super-duty receiver hitches. The hitch is generally for large SUVs and full-size pickup trucks as they offer a greater towing capacity. Compared to class three hitches, this hitch class offers better capacity for towing heavier machinery, travel trailers, and boats more than 24ft in size. Furthermore, this receiver hitch towing capacity is about 10000 pounds.
- 2-inch receiver
- Has a 1000-pound tongue weight capacity
Commercial Duty Or Xtra Duty Receiver Hitches: Class 5
Now, for the last category, we have class 5 hitches. This hitch class is divided into two parts which are commercial and extra duty. Heavy job-performing vehicles, such as SUVs, trucks, etc., can use this receive hitch. Furthermore, you can use the class five hitches for heavy commercial equipment, campers, and RVs. In addition, this hitch offers a towing capacity of up to 20000 pounds.
- Available in two sizes; 2 inches and 21/2 inch
- Has a 2,700-pound tongue weight capacity
What Is The Right Receiver Size For My Vehicle?
Now, you not only know about types of hitches for cars but also different classes of hitches. However, the question remains: What will be the right receiver hitch size for my car? Don’t worry; sorting this out is possible with a few details in your hand.
Firstly, if you want to make the right choice for your hitch receiver, it is pretty essential that you consider your vehicle’s size. Furthermore, knowing how much weight you need to pull or tow can help you select your hitch class that offers such a towing limit. In addition, you need to think about how you can maximize the potential of your vehicle.
So, for example, suppose you own a compact car and need to tow a 2000-pound weight. In that case, the best choice for you will be to pick a class one hitch or a light-duty receiver. However, even if you can’t choose, you can leave it to Bills Mobile Hitch And Tow bar Installation experts. We’ll guide you on the best equipment, hitches, and tow bars so you can achieve the maximum efficiency out of your car and hitch.
How Much Does A Trailer Hitch Cost?
Now, talking about the trailer hitch cost, you need to understand that the price can vary based on what accessories and hitch size you choose for your vehicle. However, if we talk about the average hitch installation cost, know that it can be anywhere between $100 to $600. This price difference is based on the pricing of various parts used in installation and the product’s availability.
You can contact our professionals to maximize the installation efficiency and get your installation done on time at a reasonable price. Our team can provide you with a quote, so you know you are paying the right amount.
Conclusion
So, we hope you are now familiar with the types of hitches for cars and know which hitch type will be best for your vehicle. If you still have any doubts, please call us at (623) 210-5427. We will solve all your doubts regarding hitch installation for a car and can also provide the most effective installation service. Also, don’t worry about the equipment as our installation includes everything that is needed for perfect hitch installation. So, call Bills Mobile Hitch And Tow Bar Installation now!