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If you are towing a trailer for the first time you will
want to have everything going for you. Changing from a
single vehicle to what is essentially double that, is not
a step to be taken casually. The hitch you use to link
your tow vehicle to your trailer is a key element in your
safety and the safety of other motorists on the road.
A great deal hinges on the choice of hitch in the world
of towing. There are a number of factors that you need to
take into consideration when making the decision. Before
doing anything else, you will need to consult your vehicle
owner's manual. This comprehensive source of information
will give you valuable information regarding the towing
specifications of your vehicle.
You will want to stay well within the parameters
outlined in the manual, being ever cautious not to place
the rig under more pressure than it can safely handle.
Remember that what you can tow under ideal towing
conditions and what you can tow under challenging
conditions are two completely different things.
The tow combination that you put together needs to have
capacity to spare in order to handle these challenges when
they arise. Both the tow vehicle and the hitching system
have weight capacities that impact the safety of the whole
rig.
Once you have determined the tow vehicle's maximum
towing capacity you will be able to choose the trailer and
hitch that is the best fit. Tow hitches come in varying
classes to match the weight capacities of the vehicle and
the gross trailer weight, known as the GTW.
Trailer hitches are specific to each vehicle so you
need to find the exact hitch for your vehicle model and
year. Most online websites will have you key in these
details before coming up with the hitch for your vehicle.
The most common hitches are receivers. They are the
ones that you see on most SUVs, trucks, vans and RVs. They
come in Classes specific to their weight carrying
capacity. Class I hitches have a GTW of anything up to
2,000lbs. They are the best option for light duty tow
vehicles and commonly allow for the towing of smaller
loads like bike racks and utility trailers.
Class II hitches, with a GTW of 3,500lbs, are commonly
used on passenger vans and the less powerful SUVs. Class
II hitches are capable of towing smaller, lighter travel
trailers safely. Some class II hitches can have their tow
capacities expanded in combination with a good weight
distribution system. Details on this option should be
available in your vehicle owner's manual.
Class III hitches have a more generous tow capacity of
up to 5,000lbs. They are the most common hitch for the
more powerful SUVs and trucks and allow for heavier duty
towing and a broader range of weight distribution systems
that balance out the trailer load between the wheels of
the tow vehicle and those of the trailer. The addition of
this kind of hitch system offers enhanced safety in the
form of improved steering and brake control.
Once you have selected the correct hitch for your
vehicle and trailer and you have had it shipped to your
door you will be faced with a mysterious bundle of odds
and ends that bolts onto your vehicle frame without
welding. Installation times vary from 30 minutes to an
hour so don't rush. If you have doubts about the finished
product of your work you might want to invest in a second
opinion from a professional before heading out onto the
highway.
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