The Components and Applications of Trailer Hitches

Whether you are a beginner or an expert in RVing, it is important that you must be knowledgeable about trailer hitches, RV Hitch Components, and What Are The Parts Of A Trailer Hitch Called. An RV Trailer Hitch is the device used for towing purposes and is usually mounted to the chassis of a vehicle. It could either be a tow pin, a tow ball, or a Pintle. All of these are designed to permit swiveling movements of the trailer.

Basically, trailer hitches can be classified into weight distributing hitches and weight carrying hitches. Although they can also be categorized based on their weight capacity usually done by classes. Furthermore, trailer hitches can be identified according to the type of mechanism that is being used for hooking up into the towing vehicle. Trailer Hitch Repair Parts are also available.

Difference Between Weight Carrying and Weight Distributing Trailer Hitches

The weight carrying Parts Of Tow Hitches are considered the most popular type of trailer hitches. Generally, it refers to the trailer’s tongue weight placed on the rear of the towing vehicle. These hitches are capable of towing small and mid-sized trailers. While the weight distributing hitches can be used for towing heavier trailers since they can even out the weight of the trailer and the towing vehicle. Additionally, this distribution can also help in improving the steering and brake control. Primarily, weight distributing hitches use Trailer Hitch Parts such as a receiver in connecting to the vehicle as well as a spring bar setup.

What are the Different Types of Hitches

The weight carrying hitches belong to the six major categories which are bumper hitches, fifth wheel hitches, pintle hitches, receiver hitches, front-mount hitches, and gooseneck hitches. On the other hand, the weight distribution hitches have their own category.

Receiver Hitches

The RV Receiver Hitch is further categorized into five hitch classes depending on how much weight they can safely tow. The most popular type of trailer hitch is the rear receiver hitch. Basically, it includes Hitch Parts such as a square receiver tube wherein you can mount various components and accessories. Typically, receiver tubes come in different sizes. 

Bumper-Mounted Hitch

Based on its name, you can mount this type of hitch on your bumper, rather than on the frame of your vehicle. In this way, it can provide you with more flexibility. Since they are very versatile, then they are commonly used in different loads such as boat trailers, campers, and many more. It is important to remember that due to its unique way of mounting, the items that it can tow will depend on how much the bumper can handle.

Front-Mount Hitch

The front-mounting hitches are a favorite among campers and off-roaders since they permit better vision on the road ahead while towing. Additionally, lining up your rig can be done easily. For instance, with this type of hitch, you can easily get your boat in or out of the water. Just like the rear receiver hitch, you can also attach the front mount hitch directly to the frame.

Fifth Wheel Hitch

The Fifth Wheel Hitch is particularly designed for towing heavy items and is usually installed inside the truck. They are capable of towing items that weigh between 15,000 to 30,000 pounds. This type of hitch is appropriate for long-bed trucks since the hitch is installed on the front of the rear axle. Also, it provides the best efficiency so you can easily maneuver through the twists and turns.

Gooseneck Hitch

The Gooseneck Hitch is specifically designed to provide you with the best towing experience by permitting a tighter turn radius without cracking the cab of the truck. The gooseneck hitch is installed in the bed of a pickup truck, which is similar to the fifth wheel hitches. The major difference between these two is that a fifth wheel hitch utilizes Trailer Hitch Pieces such as a kingpin connection while a gooseneck hitch utilizes Ball Hitch Replacement Parts and coupler connection.

Pintle Hitch

Rather than using Parts Of A Ball Hitch, Trailer Hitch Components such as a hook and a ring are being used by a pintle hitch in attaching to the tow vehicle. The ring is attached to the trailer while the pintle is attached to the frame of the tow vehicle. Pintle hitches are perfect for dump trucks, large commercial trucks, and large trailers since they have higher weight ratings.

Weight Distributing Hitch

Weight distribution hitches are usually installed on the rear receiver of a tow vehicle so that the tongue weight can be spread evenly all over the trailer and tow vehicle. This distribution can be accomplished by using Tow Hitch Parts including long rods, also known as spring rods. Because of this feature, this Trailer Hitch On Camper is mostly preferred by owners of camping recreational vehicles.

What are the Different Components and Parts Of A Trailer Hitch

By using RV Hitch Parts and accessories, you can always assure that your towing experience is safe, secure, and stress-free. The following are some of the popular Trailer Hitch Parts For Sale right now.

Hitch Ball

Among the Trailer Hitch Parts And Accessories, the Ball Hitch For Camper mechanism looks like a doorknob and is usually made of stainless steel. However, it can also be zinc or chrome-plated for rust protection and aesthetic purposes. It comes in various sizes, however, some manufacturers produce variants that feature interchangeable balls.

Ball Mount

This is the component that is inserted into the Trailer Hitch Parts Receiver Hitch Components and a hitch lock pin is used for securing it in place. For your safety, it is important to ensure that the weight rating of the ball mount matches with the Hydro Trailer Hitch.

Safety Chains

These are usually found on the tongue of the trailer. Each side has a single chain. An S-hook is usually found on the ends of the chains. This is used for connecting to the hole in the hitch. The purpose of these Trailer Lock Parts is to prevent the tongue from falling in case any detachment might occur on the road.

Trailer Jacks

In contrast to other RV Trailer Hitch Parts, this particular component is typically mounted to the trailer. This can help in making the hitching process easier and safer. They are placed on the tongue and nearer to the coupler. Trailer jacks can either be in top-wind or side-wind style. It can also be cranked so the trailer or tongue can be raised or lowered from the hitch ball.

Trailer Brakes and Brake Controllers

Among the Tow Hitch Components, the trailer brakes are a must for improved control and safe braking, most especially for large trailers. While the brake controllers can help in linking the trailer brakes and the brake pedals of the towing capacity of the vehicle. There are different types of trailer braking systems including inertia brake controllers, time brake controllers, and others.

Hitch Pin, Locks, and Clips

A lock and key or a pin and clip mechanism are essential for keeping the ball mount attached to the hitch receiver. The pin will pass through the holes of the ball mount and Trailer Hitch Receiver Parts while the pin is mounted over the head of the pin. A lock and key have the same purpose, however, it can also help in protecting the ball mount from theft. 

Bike Racks, Cargo Carriers, Etc.

With these accessories, you can use your hitch for other purposes aside from towing. If you have a flat cargo deck, then you can carry additional loads such as lumber, camping gear, hunting/fishing gear, garden equipment, and so much more. A bike rack can also fit on any hitch class.

Hitch Adapters and Extenders

These accessories are designed for ensuring usage with the different components of the hitching system. For example, if the shank of a ball mount is not compatible with the Trailer Receiver Parts then an adapter can help in resolving the issue. An after-market gooseneck adapter can also be attached to your trailer’s kingpin so it can fit with the gooseneck hitches.