What Is A Trailer Hitch?

A trailer hitch is an accessory made to enable a vehicle to tow a trailer.It can be both a receiver and a fixed-drawbar type.The receiver-type hitch has an opening towards backward to receive accessories for hitch mounting like a removable ball mount, a hitch mounted bike carrier.While fixed-drawbar hitches work as a single part instead.

The trailer hitch is attached to the vehicle chassis or rear bumper to provide a link for you to tow. Hitches are made into a series of height, length and other specifications. Many families have adopted the RV lifestyle, they travel together and enjoy a wonderful vacation by driving RV and leaving it at different RV parks.

Hitches are classified as Class I, II, III and IV by the SAE or Society of Automotive Engineers.Class V is accepted by some manufacturers while the SAE doesn't recognize it.

Class I means light loads under 2000 pounds;class II is up to 3,500 pounds;class III is for heavier loads like campers and boats up to 5000 pounds; class IV is up to 10,000 pounds.

The receiver type hitches has a typical 1.25 inches square opening belongs to I and II of height class.There are Class IV and V hitches with openings that are 2.5 inches wide.

The trailer hitch ball slips above the hitch with different sizes based on the load to carry and the country rules. The most widely used sizesare 1 and 7/8 inches , 1.97 inches (which meets ISO standard), 2 inches and 2 and 5/16 inches.

The ball mounts on the hitch is attached to a ball on the trailer. The hitch head can be lift and drop in line with the ball height on the trailer. The ball mount should adjust to the SAE standard based on the load to tow.

The trailer should be kept in a horizontal position and then connected to the vehicle to pull.The right combination of vehicle and trailer ensure safe towing.