Hitches are an essential part of towing a trailer, camper, boat, or other equipment behind your vehicle. But with so many hitch options available, it can be confusing to figure out which type you need. This in-depth guide will overview the most common trailer hitch types – fifth wheel, gooseneck, receiver, and more – and provide pros and cons of each as well as proper installation and usage tips.
Introduction to Trailer Hitches
A trailer hitch is a device that attaches to the chassis of a vehicle that allows you to tow trailers. Hitches provide a secure point to attach a coupling mechanism, which then connects to the trailer.
There are a few key specifications to understand when it comes to hitches:
- Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) – The total maximum weight capacity the hitch can handle.
- Tongue Weight (TW) – The downward force the tongue of the trailer exerts on the hitch. Usually 10-15% of total trailer weight.
- Hitch Class – The maximum GTW and TW specs determine the hitch class rating (I, II, III, IV, V).
Vehicle-specific hitches are designed to integrate with the frame, suspension, and electrical systems. This transfers weight to the vehicle axles and allows control of the trailer.
Proper selection, installation, and setup are crucial for secure and safe towing. Read on as we dive deeper into different hitch types and best practices.
Fifth Wheel Hitches for Towing Travel Trailers
Fifth wheel hitches are designed for heavy duty towing. They hitch in the bed of pickup trucks to provide enhanced maneuverability and stability when towing large travel trailers, horse trailers, boats, and other recreational vehicles.
How Fifth Wheel Hitches Work
These hitches mount above the rear axle in the bed of the truck. A bracket is bolted to the truck frame/bed. The hitch then attaches to the bracket.
The king pin on the front of the fifth wheel trailer drops into the locking jaws on the hitch to make the connection. This places more weight over the truck axle than a regular ball hitch for better handling.
Fifth wheel hitches have a pivot point that allows the trailer to move more easily for tight turns. This makes maneuvering much easier than a gooseneck hitch.
Recommended Fifth Wheel Weights and Specs
There are a few key specifications for fifth wheel hitches:
- Gross Trailer Weight typically ranges from 15,000 to 30,000 lbs
- Max Tongue/Kingpin Weight is usually 4,000 to 6,000 lbs
- Requires a truck bed between 5.5 and 8 feet to accommodate
- Short truck beds may require a slider kit for extra clearance
- Uses a standard 2 inch king pin receiver cup (may require adapter)
Fifth wheel hitches come in different classes based on weight capacities, similar to receiver hitch ratings.
- Class V – Up to 24,000 lbs GTW / 6,000 lbs TW
- Class IV – Up to 20,000 lbs GTW / 4,000 lbs TW
- Class III – Up to 14,000 lbs GTW / 4,000 lbs TW
- Class II – Up to 12,000 lbs GTW / 3,000 lbs TW
Fifth Wheel Hitch Pros
- Excellent stability from weight over rear axle
- Fixed mounting minimizes trailer sway
- Tight maneuvering capability despite large trailer size
- Safe on difficult terrain and grades
- High towing capacity for large loads
Fifth Wheel Hitch Cons
- Requires a fifth wheel trailer, not compatible with bumper pull trailers
- Must have a pickup truck with minimum 6 foot bed
- Expensive purchase and installation cost
- Cannot be used with pickup bed cover
- Not practical for short term or light duty towing needs
Installation Tips
Proper fifth wheel hitch installation is critical to ensure safe towing:
- Use bolts rated for the loads. Grade 8 bolts are typically required.
- Do not use U-bolts or straps which are inadequate for mounting strength.
- Follow manufacturer instructions carefully including measurements.
- Mounting location is key – directly over rear axle is optimal.
- Use a torque wrench and tighten all bolts to specs – at least 75 ft-lbs.
- Have a dealer install if not experienced. Professional installation recommended.
Gooseneck Hitches for Towing Heavy Equipment
Gooseneck hitches provide a secure towing connection for large trailers transporting heavy equipment, livestock, horses, and other cargo.
How Gooseneck Hitches Work
The gooseneck hitch ball is mounted over the rear axle in the truck bed. A gooseneck coupler on the trailer drops over and locks onto the ball.
Gooseneck couplers have a deep cup that fully encloses the ball, unlike fifth wheel couplers. This allows more articulation and rotation.
The weight bearing connection is made with the ball and coupler directly over the tow vehicle axle for stability. Gooseneck hitches can handle significant tongue weights.
Recommended Gooseneck Weights and Specs
Gooseneck hitches are designed for serious loads. Typical specifications are:
- Gross Trailer Weight from 10,000 to 30,000+ lbs
- Maximum Tongue/Pin Weight from 3,000 to 6,000+ lbs
- Uses a standard 2-5/16 inch gooseneck hitch ball
- Requires 6 feet or more of truck bed space
Like fifth wheel hitches, gooseneck hitch classes indicate the weight ratings:
- Class V – Up to 30,000 lbs GTW / 7,500 lbs TW
- Class IV – Up to 25,000 lbs GTW / 6,250 lbs TW
- Class III – Up to 20,000 lbs GTW / 5,000 lbs TW
- Class II – Up to 15,000 lbs GTW / 3,750 lbs TW
Gooseneck Hitch Pros
- Fixed in place for minimal trailer sway
- Significant strength for heavy loads
- Allows tight turns despite trailer length
- Weights on bed over rear axle improves stability
- Higher tow rating than receiver hitches
Gooseneck Hitch Cons
- Only for gooseneck-equipped trailers
- Not practical for light duty towing
- Unable to use truck bed cover
- Challenging installation and high costs
- Large trailers tough to maneuver in tight spaces
Installation Tips
- Follow instructions to locate the ball center over the axle
- Bolt the ball mount to the truck frame with grade 8 bolts
- Do not use chain or strap mounts – these are inadequate
- Tighten all hardware to torque specs with a torque wrench
- The ball must be clean and greased to connect trailer smoothly
- Check for clearance issues between the trailer and cab
Receiver Hitches for Towing Smaller Trailers
Receiver hitches are the most popular style of trailer hitch installed on cars, SUVs, crossovers, and light duty pickups. They are used to tow small to mid-size trailers like utility trailers, recreational vehicles, boats, etc.
How Receiver Hitches Work
Receiver hitches slide into a square receiver tube that is bolted directly to the vehicle frame, usually behind the rear bumper.
A removable ball mount slides into the receiver tube opening and is secured with a pin and clip. The ball mount has a trailer ball that couples with the trailer coupler.
Receiver hitches allow quick disconnecting of the ball mount when not towing. They also allow adjusting the ball height by using different drop/rise balls.
Recommended Receiver Hitch Weights
Receiver hitches have lower tow ratings than fifth wheel or gooseneck hitches. Typical specs are:
- Gross Trailer Weight under 10,000 lbs, commonly up to 5,000 lbs
- Max Tongue Weight under 1,000 lbs, usually 300 to 600 lbs
- Uses a standard 1-7/8” or 2” trailer hitch ball
- Required vehicle frame support for class I to IV
There are four classes of receiver hitches based on capacities:
- Class I – 2,000 lbs GTW / 200 lbs TW
- Class II – 3,500 lbs GTW / 300 lbs TW
- Class III – 5,000 to 7,500 lbs GTW / 500 lbs TW
- Class IV – 10,000 lbs GTW / 1,000 lbs TW
Receiver Hitch Pros
- Widely compatible with many trailer types
- Easy to connect and disconnect
- Versatile to tow different loads when needed
- Adjustable ball height with different mounts
- Lightweight and affordable option
Receiver Hitch Cons
- Lower tow ratings than fifth wheel or gooseneck
- Some trailer sway with bumper hitch
- Ball mounts prone to rattling or theft
- Max tongue weight must be observed
- Not ideal for frequent heavy duty towing
Installation Tips
- Use vehicle-specific receiver rated for needed capacity
- Follow instructions carefully, mounting to frame
- Electrical connector may need to be hardwired
- Confirm hitch is level side to side
- Tighten bolts using torque wrench to specs
- Perform test fits and ground clearance checks
Other Trailer Hitch Types
Beyond the common receiver, fifth wheel, and gooseneck styles, there are a few other hitch types used for specialty towing:
Pintle Hitches:
Pintle hitches have a hook rather than a ball to connect to the trailer. They are used for heavy duty towing when a standard ball hitch isn’t sufficient. Pintle hitches can have up to a 30,000 lb capacity.
Weight Distributing Hitches:
These use spring bars that attach to the trailer and vehicle frame. They help evenly distribute trailer tongue weight to the tow vehicle front and rear axles. This provides stability control.
3-Point Hitches:
3-point hitches have two lower arms that attach to the lower part of a trailer tongue with a top securing point. They provide the most articulation for uneven terrain. Used on agriculture and construction equipment.
Bulldog/Lunette Eye Hitches:
A bulldog hitch has a cylindrical lunette eye receiver that attaches to a trailer drawbar. The hitch pin slides into the eye horizontally. This style is common on older agricultural equipment.
Choosing the Right Trailer Hitch
Choosing the proper hitch involves:
- Knowing your vehicle’s max tow rating and tongue weight capacity
- Understanding the gross trailer weight and tongue weight
- Matching the proper class rated hitch capacity for your load
- Selecting the right type – receiver, fifth wheel, etc. depending on the trailer
- Making sure the hitch bolt pattern matches your vehicle
- Checking clearances for turning and avoiding obstacles
Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for specific towing capacities. Trailer manuals indicate load ratings you will tow.
A hitch specialized for your make/model is required for proper install and operation.
Safety Tips for Towing
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
- Maintain proper trailer weight distribution – around 15% on hitch, 85% on trailer axles
- Use a sway control device if trailer is prone to fishtailing
- Adjust hitch height so trailer sits level
- Allow extra room for braking based on total tow weight
- Tow at moderate speeds observing speed limits for trailering
- Use your mirrors and enlist a spotter when backing up
- Avoid abrupt maneuvers that can upset the trailer
- Make gradual, wide turns to allow trailer room
- Regularly check bolts and hardware are tight on the hitch
Install your hitch correctly, choose an appropriately rated hitch for the load, and follow essential towing practices to ensure safe travels wherever your adventures take you. Careful attention to your trailer hitch can give you many miles of comfortable trailering.
