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How to Determine Which Trailer Hitch you Need?

 

Trailer hitches can make towing a stress-free experience, and with so many options available, it can be tough to determine the best fit for your needs. As a leading manufacturer of trailer hitches in North America, Curt offers a diverse range of products to cater to your towing requirements. Their hitches come in a variety of options based on tongue weight and gross towing weight capacity, including:

1. Receiver Hitches: The most common type of trailer hitch, with five different classes based on gross towing weight capacity and the tube opening size.
2. Bumper Hitches: Mounted on the vehicle bumper with a 2” x 2” receiver tube opening and carrying capacity determined by the bumper's rating.
3. Front Mount Hitches: Mounted on the front of pickups, SUVs, and full-sized vans with a 2” x 2” receiver tube opening and carrying capacity of up to 2,000 lbs.
4. Specialized Hitches: Designed for heavy loads, with four types available, including weight distribution hitches and 5th wheel hitches.
   

When selecting a hitch, it's crucial to consider the type of trailer and tow vehicle you have. Curt's hitches are custom-fit and available in various options to suit various vehicles, including small crossovers and passenger cars, pickups, minivans, SUVs, and full-size sedans. Whether you need to tow a fishing boat trailer, ATV trailer, or add storage space to your vehicle, Curt has a trailer hitch solution for you.

There are many types of hitches in the market and people may get confused as to which one is the right one for them. In the end, it all comes down to the type of trailer and tow vehicle that determines the best trailer hitch to complete the circle.

Curt is one of the leading manufacturers of Trailer Hitches in North America, with Parts Engine being one of the very few online distributors of its amazing products. Trailer hitches made by them are available in different options concerning their Tongue Weight and Gross Towing Weight Capacity.

Receiver Hitches

With Curt's wide range of trailer hitches, you can easily find the perfect fit for your towing needs. From heavy-duty equipment to small crossovers, our diverse collection of custom-fit trailer hitches offers something for everyone. Whether you need a Class 3 receiver hitch or a specialized weight distribution hitch, Curt has you covered. Discover the perfect trailer hitch for your vehicle and towing needs with Curt.

Receiver hitches are one of the most popular types of trailer hitches on the market today. They are highly versatile and can be mounted onto the frame of your tow vehicle. With a wide range of options available, Curt offers custom-fit receiver hitches that cater to nearly every type of vehicle on the road. These are mounted onto the frame of the tow vehicle. It has a receiver tube opening that receives the shank of a ball mount or other type of insert. Receiver Hitches are vehicle specific and divided into 5 classes according to the gross towing weight (GTW) capacity and size of the tube opening.

1. Class 1 Receiver Hitches: 1 ¼” x 1 ¼” receiver tube opening/fixed tongue and up to 2,000 lbs. GTW capacity. Perfect for small crossovers and passenger cars.
   
2. Class 2 Receiver Hitches: 1 ¼” x 1 ¼” receiver tube opening with 3,500 lbs. GTW capacity. Designed for pickups, minivans, small SUVs, crossovers, and full-size sedans.
3. Class 3 Receiver Hitches: 2” x 2” receiver tube opening with a GTW capacity of 8,000 lbs. (expandable up to 12,000 lbs. when used in combination with a weight distribution system). Can be mounted on full-sized pickups and SUVs.
4. Class 4 Receiver Hitches: 2” x 2” receiver tube opening with a GTW capacity of 10,000 lbs. (expandable up to 14,000 lbs. when used in combination with a weight distribution system). Can be mounted on full-sized pickups and SUVs.
5. Class 5 Receiver Hitches: These are further divided into 2 types depending upon the GTW capacity and receiver tube opening size.
6. Class 5 XD Series Receiver Hitches have 2” x 2” receiver tube opening and up to 17,000 lbs. GTW capacity. These can be mounted on full-sized pickups.
7. Class 5 CD Receiver Hitches have 2 ½” x 2 ½” receiver tube opening and up to 20,000 lbs. GTW capacity. These are usually mounted on large commercial trucks.
8. Class 5 Receiver Hitches are capable of carrying such a large load independently, the weight distribution system is futile here.
9. Bumper Hitches: With a 2” x 2” receiver tube opening, it mounts on the vehicle bumper, with a carrying capacity of that bumper.

Hitches

Trailer Hitches are essential devices that connect a trailer to a towing vehicle, enabling the transportation of various loads. These hitches are available in different types and classes that cater to various towing capacities and vehicles. A typical hitch comprises a ball mount attached to the towing vehicle and a coupler attached to the trailer. Hitches can be mounted on the vehicle's bumper, frame, or front end. They are integral in ensuring secure and safe towing, making it possible to transport anything from small utility trailers to heavy equipment.

1. Front Mount HitchesThese are mounted on the front of pickups, SUVs, and full-sized vans. With a 2” x 2” receiver tube opening, it can carry up to 2,000 lbs. It’s usually rated higher owing to its straight pull applications and versatility of use.
   
2. Specialized Hitches: These are used for very heavy loads. Specialized hitches facilitate weight distribution and maneuvering. There are 4 types of specialized hitches:
3. Weight Distribution Hitches: It’s a receiver hitch attachment that redistributes tongue weight across all axles of the tow vehicle and the trailer itself. WD Hitch is compatible with Class 3, 4, and 5 Receiver Hitches.
4. 5th Wheel Hitches: Used to tow 5th wheel campers, car haulers, and travel trailers. Mounts on the bed of a pickup, with GTW capacity ranging from 16,000 lbs. to 25,000 lbs.
5. Gooseneck Hitches: Small yet powerful hitches used with only pickups. Mounts on the bed of a pickup truck take up very limited space. Can carry up to 30,000 lbs. of GTW.
6. Pintle Hitches: Pintle Hitches employ a simple hook-and-loop coupling system to tow up to 60,000 lbs. of GTW depending upon the tow vehicle and trailer.
   
   

Different types of hitches have their unique advantages and benefits when it comes to stability and ease of maneuvering. For example, conventional receiver hitches can enhance their gross towing weight capacity and provide trailer sway control when combined with advanced WD hitches. It's important to know what you need and wants when choosing a hitch, and Curt offers a diverse selection of hitches to meet your specific requirements. So whether you're towing small trailers or heavy-duty equipment, you can trust Curt to provide the perfect solution for your towing needs.