When you have a truck with towing potential, it seems to call your name every time someone is moving, when someone’s kids need a trailer for camping and of course you want to be able to use it to pull your own trailer, boat, camper , etc. But are you really using your vehicle’s hitch to its full potential?
Determining the towing capacity of your vehicle
Surprisingly, perhaps to some, there is more to choosing trailer accessories than one might realize. So if you plan to invest in a trailer hitch, take some time to determine what type you need and why it will benefit you. After all, with multiple classes of hitches, as well as those designed for specific types of vehicle designs, knowing what type of towing accessories and hitches to buy can save you time and money. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Class 1 – is designed to tow items weighing between 2000 lbs. GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) and 200 lbs. TW (Trailer Tongue Weight). It is suitable for subcompact and compact cars, midsize cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans, and full-size cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans.
2. Class 2 – Designed for 3,500 LBs GTW to 300 LBs TW and can be used with mid-size cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans, and full-size cars, trucks, SUVs, and pickups.
3. Class 3 – This type of trailer hitch will work for items weighing between 5000 lbs. and 500 lbs. total weight and is best used with mid-size trucks, SUVs and minivans, and full-size cars, trucks, SUVs and pickups.
4. Class 4 – Designed for use in vehicles weighing between 9,000 lbs GTW and 900 lbs TW and should only be used with cars, trucks, SUVs, and full-size vans.
Lastly, not with regard to towing hitches and accessories, it is recommended that when choosing a tow hitch you match the towing capacity of your vehicle. While you may not need the extra capacity at the time of purchase, you never know when you’ll need a hitch equipped to handle the extra weight.
If “buying a trailer hitch or accessory” is on your To Do List, then make sure you make an informed decision rather than a uniformed decision. Talk to a local dealer or auto parts distributor, as well as others who have already made the same purchase, and learn what your options are. Then get ready to have fun and get the job done with ease. Before you know it, you’ll be ready for all kinds of towing adventures.