Everything You Need To Know About Auto Trailer Hitches

A primary connector between a tow vehicle and trailer is the trailer hitch. It is a structural component which bolts onto the automobile and then a coupling point would be provided to hook up a trailer.

1. Receiver - It would mount to the frame of the automobile and a receiver tube is provided to accept a ball mount.
2. Ball mount - A ball mount is a removable metal tube which would slide into the receiver opening and then support should be provided for a trailer ball.
3. Pin & clip - A steel pin would lock the ball mount to the hitch tube.
4. Wiring - It is the wiring which would connect your trailer’s lights to the tow vehicle. They would mainly serve functions of brake light.

Are you searching for the different types of trailer hitches? Then don’t worry! All you have to do is to have a look below and then all your doubts regarding its types would be cleared.

1. Receiver-style Hitches - The receiver style hitches would be attached under the tow vehicle which is generally frame-mounted and are designed in such a way that they can carry the weight of the trailer (GTW) through the tongue weight of the trailer (TW). The amount of tongue weight which would be carried on the hitch ball and ball mount would be roughly calculated to be between 10%-15% of the GTW.
2. Weight Distributing Hitch (or load equalizer) - The weight distributing hitches are generally utilized in conjunction with a receiver hitch and special parts which would distribute the tongue weight among all tow vehicle and trailer axles.
3. Fifth Wheel Hitch (5th Wheel) - It would afford more towing capacity than traditional receiver-style weight distributing hitches. It is designed for mounting the trailer connection point in a pickup truck bed, with a kingpin.
4. Gooseneck Hitch - More towing capacity is afforded by it than the traditional receiver-style weight distributing hitches. It is designed for mounting the trailer connection point in a pickup truck bed, with a ball and coupler.

Do you want to know the essential features of trailer hitches? Then you have arrived at the right place. Have a look below to know the important features of trailer hitches:

• It should have minimal impact to other uses of the truck bed when a trailer is not being towed, which would leave an essentially-flat load floor.
• There should be greater availability of different trailer types with gooseneck connections: cargo/dump, flatbed, horse, etc.
• There should be greater side-to-side compliance between hitch ball and socket than most fifth-wheel hitches, beneficial on rough terrain.
• It should have lighter weight of hitch assembly in truck.

Are you searching how do the trailer hitches actually work? Then all you have to do is to have a look below and then you will be able to understand everything.

• If you have a compact car or lifted diesel-powered 4X4, then there would be a need of trailer hitch for towing any load. It would be very crucial to have the right tow-setup for your automobile, so let’s understand its basics of towing and the different types of trailer hitch setups so that your search can be simplified for the perfect hitch.
• If you have a car, then it obvious that it’s towing capacity would be less than a truck. First of all it is essential to know the towing capacity of your vehicle. You can find this information easily on the owner's manual. There are a lot of cars which can tow around 3,000 pounds safely, while there are some trucks which are built to tow loads of up to 30,000 pounds! The second important thing which you should be aware about is the weight you need to tow. If you are not aware about the exact weight, then you can always try to estimate it to see if the total weight you'll be towing is within the specifications set forth by the manufacturer of your automobile. If you are not able to reasonably estimate it, then you can always get some help and the load should be towed to a scale so you can get the perfect weight.
• There are a lot of different elements in safe towing, not only does your automobile need to get the load up to a safe speed, but it is also essential to control that weight. When the load would be towed, brakes are just as if not more important than engine horsepower and torque because if you won’t be able to stop the vehicle safely, then the load should not be towed that heavy. This is the reason why it is essential to evaluate the current condition of the brake system on your car or truck. You must think that are you going to be towing up or down hills? How windy would it be? Would the pavement be dry or wet? It is essential to get the answer of all these questions for your safety, what you're towing, and everybody else on the road before you ever hitch something up to your automobile.
• The towing setups would be fairly simple for cars because that much weight cannot be towed. There would be a need of trailer hitch, also called as a trailer hitch receiver, a trailer ball mount, and a trailer hitch ball. There are three sizes of hitch balls: 1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16". The most common size utilized for towing small and medium sized trailers is the A 2" ball with a 1" diameter shank. But you should double check the size of the ball you would require for towing and make sure the balls shank fits snuggly in the ball mount you are utilizing. 
  

The main purpose of a trailer hitch would be to hook up a trailer to a vehicle.

If you want to repair your Trailer Hitches all by yourself, then let’s face it that you will need some auto body tools. You can always start by building your own tool chest. Searching for some tools needed to repair your Trailer Hitches? Don’t Worry! We are here to help you out. Here are some common tools that you will probably end up needing while repairing your Trailer Hitches.

• Trailer hitch
• Safety goggles
• Drill
• C-clamps
• Bolts
• Jack
• Screwdriver
• WD-40 oil

Most of the people have a nature to avoid risk and seek safety. That is the reason why they would go with a familiar auto parts brand than a new one. It would prove to be safe and they know what to expect. Have a look at our top brands for Trailer Hitches which would offer safety and at the same time decrease the risk of disappointment.

Do you want to know what are the related parts of the car Trailer Hitches? Say no more! We are here to help you out. Have a look at Trailer Hitches related parts below:-

• Receiver Hitch
• Class 3 Receiver Hitch
• Class 1 Receiver Hitch
• Class 2 Receiver Hitch
• Class 5 Receiver Hitch
• Hitch Installation Kits
• Trailer Hitch Plug

Trailer Hitches replacement cost can differ wildly depending on application, the brand of the Trailer Hitches as well as who does the work. All you have to do is to replace your faulty Trailer Hitches with us online and then you can leave your car to the mechanic and pick it up a few days later. Just be sure that the car mechanic is highly skilled and has a good reputation. Sometimes the additional service level might cost you more than what you have expected. We also recommend you to take pictures of your car before you leave it with them so that you are sure that later on it is returned back to you in an unharmed condition.

The cost of hitch installation can differ depending upon the type of hitch which you want to install. There would be a hole in the bumper for the bumper-towing designs for the trailer ball which would cost around $8 to $35. There would be a requirement to install the wiring for the trailer lights, if it has not been installed properly. The cost of wiring would be between $15 and $50. If you are willing to mount the receiver hitch to the chassis, then it would range between $50 to $250. If you want to substitute the fifth wheel hitches, then it would cost between $300 and $2,000. If you want to get the hitch professionally installed, then it would be between $200 and $500. A new gooseneck trailer hitch would cost between $200 and $600. All together with the installation costs, it can reach $400-$800.

Do you want to change your trailer hitches on your own? Then have a look at the steps of changing the trailer hitches below:

Step 1 - Before the Installation

• It is essential to consult your manual so you can select the correct trailer hitch.
• Then you should carefully look at the instructions for the trailer hitch.
• The trailer hitch should not be installed if there would be an excessive damage or rust to the area.
• When the automobile would be lifted to install the hitch; then just be sure that it has been secured properly.
• The hitch should be dry assembled so that any problems can be identified prior to assembly.

Step 2 - Preparing the Truck

If is important to access the underside of the back of the truck, if you want to properly install the trailer hitch. A jack should be utilized to lift the truck properly. There might be a need to loosen the exhaust or bumper so that you can install the trailer hitch properly to the truck. They should be tightened properly in place when you would be finished installing the trailer hitch.

Step 3 - Put the Trailer Hitch Together

Then you should consult the instructions which have come with your trailer hitch and then put the entire thing together as per the instructions. The bolts should not be tightened at this point. The assembled trailer hitch should be held up to the truck to make sure that there will be a proper fit.

Step 4 - Drilling the Holes

Then the most important step would be to properly install the trailer-hitch. Now if the holes would be too big, then the trailer hitch would not be properly secured to your truck. The loosely assembled trailer hitch should then be used as a template. It should be held in place with the C-clamps and then the holes from the trailer hitch should be used as guides for the new holes. The template should then be removed and then clean out the fresh holes with WD-40 using the screwdriver.

Step 5 - Attach the Trailer Hitch

Now when the holes would be drilled, then you should attach the trailer hitch but first the reinforcing plates should be installed which came with the trailer hitch. The instructions which have been provided should then be followed. Then the hitch assembly should be lined up with your holes again and insert the bolts. Then they should be slightly tightened up. Then you should make sure that the trailer hitch is properly lined up with the truck and that it should be even. After that the bolts should be tightened up.