What Do I Need to Tow a Trailer?

This is usually the most often asked question by shoppers. 

Generally speaking, you will need a trailer hitch receiver, a ball mount, a pin and clip, a trailer hitch ball and a wiring harness.

You will find trailer hitch receivers in class I, class II and class II weight classes. The "class" refers to the weight capacity of the hitch system. A class "1I" is rated for trailers up to 2000 pounds, meaning it is safe to pull a trailer which has a loaded total weight of under 2000 pounds. The total tongue weight or downward force on the hitch at the bumper is limited to 200 pounds.  The receive takes a 1 1/4" square ball mount.

A class "II" trailer hitch is rated at a weight capacity of 3500 pounds.  The tongue weight on this hitch is 300 pounds.  Again this means the total of the trailer itself and it's cargo should be under the 3500 pound mark.  The receive takes a 1 1/4" square ball mount.

The class "III" trailer hitch is rated for load weights up to 5000 pounds total with a tongue weight of 500 pounds.  These are most commonly found on full size SUV's and pickup trucks.  The receive takes a 2" square ball mount.

The classes mentioned above are the most commonly used trailer hitches used today.  But beyond these common hitches are heavy duty class 4 and class 5 hitches, Fifth wheel trailer hitches and Goosenect trailer hitches. 

To determine what size hitch is best for your specific vehicle, always see your vehicle's factory manual for specifics.

Please Use Common Sense:

 There are reasons relating to engineering and simple science that makes a car or truck manufacturer rate their vehicles at certain levels.  Don't exceed those levels.  You WILL DAMAGE YOUR VEHICLE and possibly your trailer and it is dangerous. 

But you do not have to limit the size hitch to your towing class.

For example, a Honda Element 4cyl, 4WD SUV is rated at 1500 pounds towing capacity.  But most accessories such as heavy duty bike racks, canoe roof mounting extensions and so forth are only available in class III, 2" diameter size.  So owners will mount a class III hitch although they would never tow any trailer weight over the 1500 pound rating.  But the larger class receiver enables use of more accessories.