How much do you know about pickup truck hitches? There are several trailer types today that brings various hitching system suitable for your pickup truck. The hitching system can either be bumper-pull hitches or in-bed hitches. Bed mount hitches are the best for towing heavier loads and improve the stability of your pickup truck. If you towing smaller trailers, the bumper pull is the best option. This guide explores various types of pickup truck hitches you can install.
Bumper-Pull Hitches
When using this type of hitch, at most, 10% of the trailer weight should be the trailer tongue. This rule applies regardless of the bumper-pull hitch type you are using.
Fixed Ball Mount
This is the most common and cheapest hitch. They have various fixed heights and are connected to conventional receivers. They are available in multiple sizes, such as 2-inch, 4-inch, and 6-inch.
Every hitch is identified by the weight it can support. Usually, they have a weight ratio of up to 20,000 pounds. Most of them have removable hitch balls, but some have three different size hitch balls and tow hooks. The common ones are steel, but you will find aluminum.
Adjustable Ball Mount
They are very versatile and the best option for those towing multiple trailers. Most have two to three different hitch ball sizes and adjustable heights. The adjustable height is perfect for pulling multi-axle trailers.
The adjustable ball mount is made of steel or aluminum, and some have an inbuilt lock, tongue weight scales, and anti-rattle features. Like fixed ball mounts, they are available in various sizes, but the most common range ranges from 4 to 10-inch drop/rise. They also support different trailer weights up to 20,000 pounds apart from sizes.
Pintle Hook
The pintle hook truck hitches can be fixed or adjustable and are usually used for heavy-duty applications and by the military. Their trailer side connection is an eyelet, while the tow vehicle side is a hook that closes to create a second eyelet. Such structure forms a strong connection, especially if any of the loops are installed in a manner that allows it to rotate. It makes an excellent connection for off-roading pickup trucks. Such a hitch makes a lot of noise due to a loose connection.
Weight-Distribution Hitches
These conventional bumper-pull connections have more components for the distribution of tow weight to the front axle of the pickup truck. This improves handling and the overall driving of your pickup truck.
Several such hitches also offer sway control that keeps the trailer in line with your pickup truck. Sway control comes in handy when overtaking or during windy conditions. When your towing is mainly affected by strong winds, consider such a hitch.
Chain-Style Hitch
The common chain-style hitches have arms, while others do not. These arms have chains attached to the end of the trailer, making it easy to adjust the weight distribution. They are the cheapest and offer little sway control.
Conclusion
Pickup truck hitches are essential for towing and can also be installed on SUVs. This guide has covered just a few hitches that meet every truck owner’s needs. Before installing a towing hitch, consider the type of trailer you tow more often.