Trailer hitches are durable enough to meet a variety of commercial and personal towing needs, from hauling livestock and heavy machinery to transporting recreational vehicles. There are several types of hitches on the market, each designed to handle different tasks. The guide below outlines the right options for your needs, based on your vehicle, towing capacity, and load.

Which Trailer Hitch Do You Need?

1. Receiver Hitch 

A receiver hitch is ideal for most uses because it can accommodate a variety of loads and accessories. The hitch is mounted directly to the vehicle's frame, a ball mount is inserted into the hitch and  a trailer ball is mounted on the ball mount.  The hitch comes in five class ratings to indicate the capacity. Class 1 is generally for lighter loads that weigh no more than 2,000 pounds; this type is most commonly attached to passenger cars and crossovers to support personal items, such as bike racks and spare tire holders. At the other end of the rating scale is Class 5, which is equipped for heavy-duty trucks carrying up to 20,000 pounds.

2. Gooseneck Hitch 

A gooseneck trailer hitch uses a hitch ball to connect to animal trailers, car haulers, flatbeds, and other industrial trailers that would be too heavy for a bumper-mounted hitch. It can haul around 30,000 pounds and is installed in the bed of a truck just over the rear axle. It's considered a minimally invasive piece of equipment because the installation doesn't interfere with the truck bed's carrying capability. Since this hitch starts to move as soon as the truck does, it allows for tighter turns when towing heavy loads.

3. Fifth-Wheel Hitch

Similar to the gooseneck style, fifth-wheel hitches are built to connect to a truck bed. However, the bulkier design prevents use of the full space. Despite this, many drivers opt for these hitches because they are very stable, so it's easier to maneuver over bumps in the road. They’re also capable of towing up to 30,000 pounds, making them ideal for RVs and large boats. 

4. Pintle Hitch 

Comprised of a hook and lunette ring, pintle hitches are the most versatile trailer hitch available for heavy-duty applications, including military, agricultural, and industrial. They work especially well on rough terrain and allow for an extensive range of motion due to their construction. Although the system is noisier than the others, it has a very secure connection that can tow up to 60,000 pounds.

For help finding the right trailer hitch for your vehicle, turn to Smith Trailers and Equipment of Cincinnati, OH. In business for nearly 30 years, this family-owned retailer is a one-stop shop to maximize your hauling capabilities. They offer a large selection of high-quality trailer products for a smooth, secure ride. Call (513) 755-2497 for information about their inventory, or visit them online to learn more about their services.