Receiver Hitch
If you have a pick up truck or SUV you can install a receiver hitch on it so you will be able to pull a trailer, boat or cargo van. Having this option can expand your capacity to haul or carry extra cargo around to various locations too and are useful and necessary for company trucks that need to haul extra equipment around. If you are into camping and want to tow a camp trailer to your favorite camping spot you will need a receiver hitch installed on your pull vehicle to safely tow these types of trailers as well. A receiver hitch is a useful invention that was designed to create a sturdy anchor on the rear bumper on vehicles that are used to tow various kinds of trailers and cargo carriers. You can get a receiver hitch in a number of different shapes and sizes. The best type for your tow vehicle will depend on the trailer size and weight that you will be towing.
There are two kinds of receiver hitches. One type is classified as the weight-carrying (WC) receiver hitch. The second type is classified as a weight-distributing (WD) receiver hitch. These two classes can be broken down into sub-types numbering I, II, III, IV, AND V. A weight-carrying receiver hitch is best for use with trailers that weigh up to 3500 lbs or less and with a tow vehicle that tow that can carry that load. These are the WD types that are classed as I, II, and III. This type allows for the tongue weight to be carried on the rear of the tow vehicle which is suitable for lighter loads.
A WD receiver hitch is necessary for towing heavier trailers that can weigh from 5000 lbs up to 10,000 lbs. WD receiver hitches are also classified as IV and V. These are usually used to tow large trailers and boats. The WD type redistributes tongue weight from the rear of the vehicle to the front by using 2 spring bars, also known as stabilizing bars. The weight distributing receiver hitch comes in 2 configurations, trunnion and round bar. The trunnion type is made up of square bars.
Receiver hitches are designed to bolt directly onto the frame of the vehicle, not the bumper. A bumper hitch is a different kind of hitch and can not handle heavy loads. You can install a receiver hitch yourself or you can have a professional install it for you. Most tow vehicles come from the factory with pre-drilled holes in the frame so a receiver hitch can be quickly bolted on. Some brand name receiver hitches are Valley, Draw Tite, Hidden Hitch and Curt. These receiver hitches are rugged and sturdy enough for towing as well as durable.
Before you buy a receiver hitch for your tow vehicle you will need to check its maximum towing capacity. You will normally find this listed in your vehicles owner manual. You should never attach a receiver hitch that fails to meet your vehicles towing capacity because this can be dangerous. You can find all kinds of accessories to use with your receiver hitch too. If you are not familiar with how to hook up a receiver hitch you should have the professionals install it for you. They will have the knowledge of what is needed and will be able to tell you which class is best for your needs and vehicle design and towing capacity. The professionals who hook up your receiver hitch will also know what electrical accessories are needed to hook your vehicle lights to your trailer brake lights, etc.
