Where To Find the Best Trailer Hitch Installation 2024) (2024)

FAQs

Where To Find the Best Trailer Hitch Installation 2024)? ›

We recommend U-Haul as the best trailer hitch installation service.

If you want the strongest material possible and don't mind the possibility of rust, steel is an affordable choice. If you live in a humid environment and want a long-lasting hitch that's lighter and easy to carry, aluminum will be the best bet.

The most common size trailer hitch ball is the 2-inch diameter ball. The 2-inch ball is used on a variety of popular trailers, such as boat trailers, utility trailers and campers. 2-inch trailer balls have a wide weight capacity range from 3,500 pounds to 12,000 pounds gross trailer weight.

A tow hitch is simply another name for a trailer hitch. It is a hitch used for towing a trailer. Usually, tow hitch refers specifically to a receiver hitch. However, a 5th wheel hitch, gooseneck hitch and other hitches may be called tow hitches.

The best trailer hitch locks in 2024 are the MasterLock Universal 389-DAT, Reese Towpower Coupler Lock, MasterLock 377-DAT, Curt ⅝-inch Pin Lock, and Reese Towpower Heavy-Duty Lock. Most trailer hitch locks cost between $20 and $30. Costlier locks tend to be made of sturdier materials.

Class 2 vs Class 3 Hitch

Class 2 hitches have a 1-1/4" receiver and generally only go up to 3,500 lbs. GTW. On the other hand, class 3 hitches have a 2" receiver and can range up to 8,000 lbs. gross trailer weight.

You want to aim for 20” when measuring from the top of the trailer ball to the ground (with an empty vehicle). Then you will simulate a loaded vehicle (e.g., using two adults sitting towards the rear of your tow vehicle), aiming for somewhere in the 18″ range.

Both our top pick and Amazon's Choice for the best trailer hitch, the Curt Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount is suitable for basic moving needs. It's rated to tow 7,500.0 lbs. in gross trailer weight with a 750.0-lb. tongue weight and its 4.0-inch drop promotes level towing with almost any trailer setup.

The standard bumper tow ball mount that attaches directly to the rear end receiver hitch, already mounted to the vehicle, is the first and most common. You can use this type of ball mount on nearly every truck, larger SUVs and sometimes even smaller sedans can be built to have a receiver hitch.

Class 2 hitches are designed for medium-duty towing, with a weight-carrying capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. They are typically used for medium-sized trailers, such as small camper trailers or travel trailers. Class 3 hitches are designed for heavy-duty towing, with a weight-carrying capacity of up to 8,000 pounds.

What is the difference between a Class 1 and Class 2 trailer hitch? ›

Tow Hitch Receiver Sizes and Classes

The difference between the two is that Class 1 receivers can tow a maximum of 2,000 lbs. whereas the Class 2 receiver can tow up to 3,500 lbs.

CLASS 5: Class 5 receivers are the highest weight ratings and can range between 2.5” and 3” receiver sizes. They are usually found on heavy duty full-size trucks and commercial trucks. The 2.5” receiver is rated up to 18,500 lbs.

The best hitch for travel trailers is a class 3, class 4 or class 5. These hitches offer the capacity to safely tow a variety of larger trailers, particularly travel trailers. Most of these receiver hitches are also compatible with a weight distribution hitch, a device typically needed for towing travel trailers.

The main difference between a Class III hitch and a Class IV hitch is the capacities they set for the hitches. Class III hitches are rated for up to 6,000 lbs GTW with 600 lbs TW whereas a Class IV is rated for up to 12,000 lbs GTW and 1,000 TW.