The three most common types of hitches are:
👉 Weight-carrying hitch: Weight-carrying hitches are designed to carry all of the trailer’s tongue weight.
👉 Weight-distributing (or load equalizer) hitch: Weight-distributing hitches are used with a receiver hitch and special parts that distribute the tongue weight among all tow vehicle and trailer axles.
👉 Fifth-wheel hitch and gooseneck: These hitches are designed to mount the trailer connection in the middle of the truck bed.
When buying a hitch, use the tow vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations based on the trailer type and gross vehicle weight rating. Learn more about hitching here:
https://www.trailersafetyweek.com/hitching/
Hitch Weight Classes:
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has designated four weight classes for trailer hitches which can be helpful in determining if you have the right hitch for your intended load.
- 1️⃣ Hitch Class 1 - Capacity of up to 2K lbs. gross trailer weight and 200 lbs. tongue weight.
- 2️⃣ Hitch Class 2 - Weight carrying rating of up to 3.5K lbs. gross trailer weight and 300/350 lbs. tongue weight.
- 3️⃣ Hitch Class 3 - Weight carrying rating of up to 5K lbs. gross trailer weight and 500 lbs. tongue weight.
- 4️⃣ Hitch Class 4 - Weight carrying rating of up to 10K lbs. gross trailer weight and 1K-1.2K lbs. tongue weight.
No matter which type of hitch system is used, the hitch needs to have a strength rating equal to or greater than the GVWR of your trailer. Learn more about hitching here:
https://www.trailersafetyweek.com/hitching/