Choosing A Hitch For Your Trailer
If you own a trailer, you will need a hitch in order to connect it to the tow vehicle. But with so many various hitch options, how do you know what works best for your specific needs?
Here at Camp Site RV, we strive to make your life easier. We created the following guide to finding a trailer hitch, which will hopefully make your shopping process easier. Of course, you can always ask us for advice and we can provide personalized recommendations! If you have any questions or want to shop trailers for sale in Iowa, visit our dealership. We are located in Cresco, Iowa. We also proudly serve those in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Rochester, Minnesota, and La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Understand The Relevant Weight Ratings
When it comes to towing, there are a few key weight ratings to note. These tell you how much weight a given thing can safely (and legally) accommodate.
The Tow Vehicle
The tow vehicle has a set weight limit. Remember that this includes the weight of passengers, cargo, the trailer, and the hitch. Try to get a rough estimate of the total without the hitch, which will help give you a ballpark for how much the hitch itself can weigh.
The Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is a term that refers to the downward force from the tongue onto the hitch. As a general rule, about 10% of the trailer weight will rest with the tongue weight. This helps optimize the towing unit's stability, but it does place limitations on the hitch you can purchase. You'll need to get a hitch that is fully capable of accommodating the tongue weight.
The Hitch Weight Rating
Hitches also have their own weight rating. Not all hitches can handle all weight loads and it's important not to overload the hitch.
It is possible to upgrade the hitch and get a higher weight limit. But you'll still need to stay within the new limit. Exceeding any weight restrictions in the towing process, including on the hitch, can result in a dangerous situation on the road. It can also cause sped up wear and tear as well as damage to the various parts of the towing unit.
Pick The Right Ball Attachment
You'll need a compatible ball attachment for your hitch. Typically, this depends on the gross trailer weight (GTW).
- For 1,500 to 3,500 lbs GTW, get a light-duty ball attachment.
- For 3,500 to 12,000 lbs GTW, get a medium-duty ball attachment.
- For 6,000 to 30,000 lbs GTW, get a heavy-duty ball attachment.
- For anything over 30,000 lbs GTW, get a gooseneck ball attachment.
Just remember that a gooseneck ball attachment needs a specific gooseneck hitch (one where there is an overlap between the trailer and the tow vehicle).
Double Check The Full Trailer Weight
Once you've factored in the weight restrictions, it's important to avoid accidentally overloading the trailer. Take your fully loaded trailer over to a weigh station or vehicle scale. Place the entire trailer weight (with its cargo) onto the scale. If the tow vehicle is on the scale too, be sure to factor in its weight. Make sure you have the right hitch and are within the restrictions before you take your first official towing trip with the new hitch. This gives you the opportunity to make any adjustments before a longer drive, helping keep yourself and your towing unit safe and secure on the open road.
We hope you found this guide to trailer hitches helpful! For more advice or to shop trailers for sale in Iowa, reach out to the experts at Camp Site RV. We are happy to help! We can answer questions, make suggestions, and take the guesswork out of the buying process. Contact us or stop by our dealership in Cresco!