Trailer Hitches

Fifth wheel hitches are typically used for hauling RVs and large fifth wheel trailers for livestock and heavy equipment. They boast impressive weight capacities of up to 30,000 lbs. and are incredibly more stable and maneuverable than receiver hitches. Fifth wheel hitches consist of a horseshoe-shaped coupling device positioned over the rear axle in a truck’s bed. When hitching, the operator backs the truck until the cylindrical “kingpin” on the trailer aligns with and securely locks into the hitch’s jaw mechanism.

A gooseneck hitch is solely for towing gooseneck trailers. Installed over the rear axle in the bed of a truck, this hitch features a hitch ball designed to receive the coupler on the gooseneck trailer. Operators must back the truck into position until the hitch ball aligns directly beneath the trailer’s coupler, and then once in alignment, the trailer is gently lowered onto the hitch ball, and a lever securely locks them together. The trailer should be equipped with safety chains that connect to the hitch system, serving as a fail-safe measure to prevent separation in case of any hitch or component failure.

Pintle hitches are mounted on the rear of a body and feature a hook that is designed to engage with a donut-shaped “lunette” ring on the trailer. These permit the heaviest of loads and are known for tremendous strength and stability when traversing rugged terrain. Operators must reverse their truck until the pintle hook and lunette ring align, the trailer is then lowered until they are seated and a latching mechanism is engaged to secure the connection. Safety chains from the trailer also attach to provide additional security in case of hitch failure.

A receiver hitch is securely attached to the frame at the rear of a vehicle, typically positioned just below the bumper. It features a tube that serves as a versatile platform for accommodating an array of hitch-mounted accessories. While commonly used for attaching ball hitches or other couplers essential for towing trailers, they also readily accept cargo carriers and tow bars. Receiver hitches enjoy widespread popularity due to their adaptability across various vehicle types and the ease with which they can be installed and removed. To ensure stability, a hitch pin is inserted through aligned holes in both the receiver tube and the accessory, followed by engaging a clip to prevent any unintended movement.

A weight distribution hitch is designed to balance the tongue weight of a heavy trailer more evenly across the axles of the vehicle and the trailer. These are similar to a receiver hitch with a ball mount but also include spring bars that attach at the trailer’s frame to redistribute weight away from the vehicle’s rear. This lends itself to a safer and smoother driving performance, improving braking, traction, and steering while also causing less stress to the vehicle. While noticeable rear squatting or sagging signals the need for this hitch, it’s crucial to adhere to the towing capacities specified for both your trailer and vehicle.