Trailers are now a popular item to see on the road and with every one, there’s an trailer hitch pulling it. While the primary trailer hitches are used as a tow device, there’s several other reasons to use them that include bike racks, steps and even cargo handling. The majority of heavy-duty trucks come with the standard receiver hitch on the rear. However, there are many different types of hitches that could be added to trucks. In this article, I’ll give a brief overview of the seven popular hitch models.

Let’s Begin!

Rear Receiver Trailer Hitch

A rear-rear receiver is the most commonly used kind used in truck-mounted hitches. This kind of trailer hitch may be used to tow trailers, as well as various other applications like the ones I described above. The traditional rear receiver hitch is the square tube of the receiver that you can put a assortment of objects into. Because the receiver is a basic round tube, the possibilities for use are nearly infinite. In terms of the mounting of these, they are mounted directly onto an automobile’s frame from the rear. The weight ratings of these hitches are calculated using a five-class scales, with 1 being most lightweight while 5 is the most robust. One thing that differs in the ratings of the hitches is the dimensions of the tube that is used to connect them. The three sizes that are used for receiver tube sizes are 1 1/4” 1/4 2″” x 2” and 2 1/2” 1/2 2 1/2. As the capacity of the hitch grows, so will that the diameter of the tube. However there are some hitches that don’t do the same pattern and it’s always advisable to check. The front receiver type of hitch is the most commonly used kind of hitch.

Front Mount Hitch

Front mounts could be an excellent option to add on the side of the car. This kind of hitch is similar to a rear hitch in that it is bolted right to the frame, with the exception of to the front. It then provides an opening in the front which you can use to perform a variety of uses. You can put in an cargo carrier, put an winch inside or put in a snow plow, make it an extra tire mount or to put your trailer in a tiny space. The hitches are very adaptable as is that of the front hitch. A thing to keep in mind is that the front hitch does not have an identical rating scale used as the rear. Therefore, make sure you know what the hitch’s rating is prior to use.

5th Wheel Hitch

The fifth wheel hitch is a robust hitch that can be positioned to the truck’s bed and is placed directly or in front on the back axle. In general, they are used to transport large campers, travel trailers, as well as car haulers. One of the things that make the 5th wheel hitch different is the fact that the coupling mechanism is part of the hitch, rather than the truck. The hitch is able to receive the king pin of the trailer, and then it secures it the jaw mechanism. Fifth wheel hitches are only accessible for pickup trucks. Another cool aspect with fifth wheel hitches, is they usually come with a pivot feature that can absorb bumps and follow the curves of the road. They can typically support up to 24,000 pounds. But you’ll want to verify.

Gooseneck Hitch

Gooseneck hitches are similar with 5th wheel hitches, in many ways. They are mounted in the same location that is just in front from the back axle.

Gooseneck hitches can also be made for pickup trucks exclusively. One thing that’s attractive with Gooseneck hitches is the fact that they’re less pervasive as 5th wheel hits. The Gooseneck hitches are constructed to allow all the bed space you want while not towing anything. These hitches are usually tested for approximately 3000 Ibs but every truck is different in its weight capacity therefore it is advisable to verify. In general, these hitches are employed to tow cattle trailers, car haulers and large flatbeds as well as other industrial or commercial trailers. Gooseneck hitches are an extremely useful tool to use.

Pintle Hitch

The line of difference between a regular hitch and something similar to the ball mount may be a bit blurred when using Pintle Hitches we will still consider it an actual hitch. The hooking portion in this type of system the pintle. The pintle is connected to the truck, while the telescope (which forms the part it hooks onto) is connected on the trailer. The pintle is able to be attached directly to the frame of commercial trucks that are large, dump trucks, or be attached to a mounting that is inserted onto the receivers of hitches. While these hitches are likely to be somewhat louder than a conventional ball mount but their weight ratings can be significantly greater. They can tow anything between 10,000 and 60,000 Ibs. gross trailer weight. They are frequent in the construction industry.

Bumper Hitch

It is a simple hitch that is attached directly to the front of the automobile. It comes with a Square receiver tube that can be used for a array of purposes. Because it is attached on the bumper, it can’t be able to carry a significant amount of weight. That is one of the drawbacks. In the end, they can be beneficial for applications that require light weights.

Hitch for Weight Distribution

Though they are attached to the rear of the vehicle but they’re still considered to be a hitch or a hook attachments. The function of the hitch for weight distribution is to distribute the weight of the tongue across the tow vehicle and trailer. The primary purpose of the hitch for weight distribution is the utilization of long rods referred to as “spring rods” which are used to leverage the connecting point. These rods are able to take part of the tongue weight off and distribute it to different parts, which means they take burden off of rear end of vehicle, and assisting in steering more effectively. These hitches are frequent in camping RVs.

In all, there’s a vast selection of hitches available currently to assist you in any job. As we said earlier the typical front receiver hitch happens to be the most popular, but other ones are more widespread.