Trailer Hitch Selection Guide

At HitchSource.com we strive to make it easy for you to find the right products for your application. We are providing this hitch selection guide to help clarify the hitch selection process.

Once you have found the hitch for your vehicle using our hitch search tool below , check the bottom of the product listing for Other Suggested Products. Our hitch specialists have carefully selected related products that are a good match for each hitch.

Find Your Trailer Hitch Hitch Finder. Use the HitchSource.com vehicle database to find the right trailer hitch for your vehicle.

Find Your Trailer Hitch  Vehicle info:

Step 1: Gather your information about your trailer hitch application

Your Vehicle:
Your Trailer:

Step 2: Determine your GTW and TW Capacities

Two of the most important factors in selecting a trailer hitch are Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and Tongue Weight (TW). First, you should determine the GTW and TW of your trailer when fully loaded. Table 1 shows some common examples of trailer weights. Then, you should determine whether your vehicle is rated to accept the weight of your trailer.

Your Trailer:
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the fully loaded weight of your trailer in the condition that you would tow it in. If you don't know the weight of your trailer, the best way to measure it is on a vehicle scale. Weigh stations in your area are a good resource for determining GTW.

How to weight your gross towing weight

The Tongue Weight (TW) is the downward force exerted by the trailer coupler onto the hitch ball and the trailer hitch. Your vehicle's suspension carries this weight. In most cases, the TW is 10-15 percent of the overall trailer weight.

Tongue Weight of up to 300 pounds can be measured on a standard bathroom scale by resting the trailer coupler on the scale. You should make sure the scale is securely propped up so that the Tongue Weight is measured with the trailer coupler at the standard towing height.

How to weigh the trailer tounge weight

For tongue weights over 300 pounds, place a household scale and a brick that's as thick as the scale three feet apart as shown the figure below. Set a length of pipe on each and rest a beam across the pipes. Re-zero the scale to correct for the weight of the beam and pipe. Securely block the trailer wheels. Rest the trailer jack on the beam as shown, one (1) foot from the brick and two (2) feet from the scale. To obtain the TW, multiply the scale reading by three (3). For greater tongue weights, place the scale and brick four (4) feet apart, rest the jack on the beam three (3) feet from the scale and multiply the scale reading by four (4).

How to weight a heavy trailer tongue weight

Your Tow Vehicle:
Find your vehicle's maximum towing capacity by consulting the owner's manual. Contact your local car dealer if you cannot find the information or have lost the manual.

Step 3: Match the Tow Vehicle and Trailer

Compare the GTW and TW ratings from your vehicle to the actual GTW and TW measurements from your trailer. If the vehicle specifications are higher than the actual weights of the trailer, then it's time to select a trailer hitch. Otherwise, you will either need to get a vehicle with more towing capacity or lighten your trailer.

Step 4: Select a Trailer Hitch

Determine which trailer hitch type is right for your application by selecting the row and column that best match your vehicle and trailer.
TRAILER HITCH SELECTION GUIDE
Trailers Class 1 Class 2 Class 2.5 Class 3 Class 3 WD Class 4 WD 5th Wheel
  Hitch Class   CLASS 1   CLASS 2   CLASS 2.5   CLASS 3   CLASS 3   CLASS 4  
  GTW   2000   3500   4000   3500-6000   4000   5-12000  
  TW   200   300   400   350-600   400   500-1200  
  Hitch Type   WEIGHT - CARRYING   WEIGHT - DISTRIBUTING   5th WHEEL  
  Compact   Class 1            
  Receiver            
  Mid Sized   Class 1  Class 2  Class 2.5  Class 3  Class 3    
  Receiver  Receiver  Receiver  Receiver  WD    
  Minivans & SUVs   Class 1  Class 2  Class 2.5  Class 3  Class 3    
  Receiver  Receiver  Receiver  Receiver  WD    
  Full Sized   Class 1  Class 2  Class 2.5  Class 3  Class 3  Class 4  RV Style
  Receiver  Receiver  Receiver  Receiver  WD  WD  


Weight Carrying Trailer Hitches:
Weight Carrying trailer hitches are typically used for trailers up to 3,500 lbs GTW and 300 lbs TW. Some vehicles such as pickups and vans have stronger springs to support higher loads. Weight Carrying trailer hitches support the entire tongue weight on the rear of the car. Most passenger car and light truck applications use Weight Carrying trailer hitches.

There are two main types of weight carrying hitches:

Weight Distributing Trailer Hitches:
Instead of directly supporting the trailer tongue weight on the hitch, the Weight Distribution trailer hitches apply leverage between the towing vehicle and the trailer. This leverage helps to distribute the trailer weight to the front of the towing vehicle and to the rear of the trailer. By distributing the TW, a Weight Distribution trailer hitch allows trailers with greater weights to be towed. The Weight Distribution trailer hitch also results in a more level ride and gives better steering and brake control.

Weight Distribution

A Weight Distribution system includes a receiver attached to the towing vehicle and a removable hitch head and spring bar assembly. Most Weight Distribution trailer hitch heads and spring bar assemblies are designed to mount to the receiver of a standard Weight Carrying trailer hitch.

Weight Distribution Componets

* Some figures provided courtesy of Sequent Towing, Inc.

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