Trailer hitches are necessary accessories for any full size pickup owner. The main reasons for owning a full-size is so you can tow heavy loads and this is not possible without the right hitch. You want something you can hook up to a large trailer and go, without worrying if it will be able to handle the load. One thing is for sure. Those of us who own trucks love to add accessories, and probably the most popular of these is a trailer hitch.
No matter what pickup you drive, our reviewed includes different types of trailer hitches  from where you can choose the right one for you. Whether or not you know which class of hitch you need, you can compare the specifications below.

Editor’s Recommendation: Top Trailer Hitch

Types of Trailer Hitches

There are a large variety of hitches for many purposes and vehicle types. There is also a hitch classification guide found further below. The following is a general overview of trailer hitch types:

  • Weight carrying hitch – Generally used for lighter trailers up to 3500 lbs.
  • Weight distributing hitch – A hitch type that helps to maintain a level weight distribution between the vehicle and trailer. Read our post about the top weight distributing hitches here.
  • Fifth wheel hitch – A special type of hitch mounted in truck beds to tow heavy duty vehicles such as RVs. Read our post about the top 5th wheel hitches here.
  • Gooseneck trailer hitch – Another special hitch for towing heavy trailers, by using a hitch ball and coupler that locks into place.
  • Front mount hitch – These trailer receiver hitches are useful when using a winch.
  • Specialty hitch – There are many other hitch types such as for ATVs or other vehicles.

Top 5 Best Trailer Hitches Review

  1. CURT 13127 Class 3 Trailer Hitch

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Not every trailer hitch, available out there, will fit your car. So, it’s essential to choose an apposite model for the best outcome and Curt Manufacturing have come up with their customizable option the CURT 13201 Class 3 Trailer Hitch. You can install it in your pickup, minibus, truck, SUV or normal car and as it accompanies all requisite apparatus, placing it on your vehicle is a matter of minutes.

The manufacturers have predicted its capacity to survive with huge load by a fatigue test. Therefore, severe weather conditions, critical turns or uneven off-roads won’t be a hindrance anymore on your way to work or family vacation. Gratefully, even in extreme situations, it’s going to support the caravan always right behind your vehicle.

With 4,000 lbs. GTW and 400 lbs. TW, this trailer is designed ideally for launching boats or campers. To make it immune to rust, UV or scraping, the trailer hitch is covered with liquid Bonderite from inner and outer side. Another substance used to increase its impact is the high-gloss black powder. This layer has endowed in the tool more firmness and added a touch of embellishment.

All these attributes have made this tried-and-true product a popular add-on for hundreds of car owners. While its noteworthy operating skill and protecting feature (acknowledged by Society of Automotive Engineers J684 protocols) have won a lot of hearts, many users fail to ignore their disability to provide the latching equipment that you’ll need to purchase individually. Carries a warranty of limited lifetime as well as a one-year warranty on the finish.

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  1. Reese Towpower 51156 Class III Custom-Fit Hitch with 2″ Square Receiver opening

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Daunted by the quest for a trailer hitch that is built to last forever? Meet the Reese Towpower, who are best known for manufacturing top notch mass-produced automobile supplements. For years, their 51156 Class III Custom-Fit Hitch has been praised for longevity, accompanying its tough and durable features. Passing the fatigue and stress test, it has been prepared for robust performance.

Shifting towards construction- utmost power and protection are ensured by rigid & precise welding. Not to mention, so far as its characteristics and proficiency are concerned, it excels CSA, V-5 and SAE J684 standards. This kit involves Reese Towpower’s unique InterLock hitch ball along with ball mount AKA “One Wrench Tightening System”.

Besides, after receiving it at your place, you can dare to think of a prompt DIY installation. Because it’s no drill applications has made it possible for anyone to locate the hitch facing the least quantity of fuss.

Blowing away the competition in the metric of protection, it has come up with a three-step finish. Undoubtedly, METALSHIELD protective coating process is NOT a joke. Its super tri-layer consists of (i) A rust inhibiting primer, (ii) Dipped E-coat electrostatic coating for a complete finish coverage and (iii) Ultimately, an outer powder coat finish for imperishability.

Thankfully, Reese Towpower are producing customizable trailer hitches. So, it’ll be easier for you to order the right model. Just make sure you take the pain of matching the car’s model, manufacturing year and other important specifications. After doing so, you’re ready to get the suitable and strong towing tool.

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  1. Reese Towpower 51083 Class III Custom-Fit Hitch with 2″ Square Receiver opening

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Solidity is the word that should define a trailer hitch and Reese Towpower 51083 Class III Custom-Fit Hitch conforms this denotation punctiliously. You’ll find it beneficial during several uncertain occurrences. In case, you’re driving on a narrow path or taking U-turn, a quick hit by another vehicle passing or some road blockade can upturn the caravan attached with your car. So, it’s high time you secured your valuable things by investing on this hitch. Because rigidity and firmness are injected in its structure to defense such sudden jolts. In fact, it has undergone several tough tests. Experiments have been done to determine the amount of fatigue and stress it can undertake.

It’s affordable, hence the truck-owners with tight budget are its chief admirer. Though it comes for around $100 only, it’ll comfortably fit your cargo. The manufacturers have endowed in it hand in glove fit. Only by consulting the necessary specs such as the car model and year, you can save your time during the shopping trip.

In addition, this well-constructed trailer hitch made out of the right materials will stand the test of time. Unlike other companies that supply only powder coverage, its METALSHIELD process, an OEM compatible finish, provides the best corrosion protection. So, while aiming to go on a distant ride, shy away from “flash-in-the-pan” purchase and choose this longer-lasting and more enduring trailer hitch.

Of course, with the cheaper product, comes some drawbacks. Counting the possible downsides- the included bolts may not match the holes on the hitch, or chances are, there you see no holes at all to mount the tool on your SUV or private car. Here’s a tip to handle these circumstances – for both cases, do some drill. Drilling can turn diminutive holes properly shaped for fastening the bolts with your metal objects. However, benchmarking its price and performance against the other trailer hitches out there, we can very confidently say that it’s the best bang for your buck.

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  1. Draw-Tite 75726 Max-Frame Receiver

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Draw-Tite is, no doubt, a good go-to company for trailer hitches and their brainchild Draw-Tite 75726 Max-Frame Receiver is undeniably an excellent performer. And those who find it difficult to operate drills, this model is the suitable option for them. You’ll love the bolt-on set-up, especially compared to the hour-long fiasco of welded installation. Just Screw the bolts in place and you’re done. For easier access, go through the manuals first.

If you’ve experienced an unfavorable consequence due to misfit trailer hitch and that incident still worries you, consider buying Draw-Tite 75726 Max-Frame Receiver. Through Computer Aided Design (CAD), it’s made to be compatible with your vehicle.

Meant primarily to deal with a ton of weight, nearly 5000 lbs. But in case your travel van weighs more than this, thankfully it’s going to tow that too. It can comfortably handle such heavy loads owing to the weight distribution feature. This trait also allows you to raise the tool’s capacity almost double without hampering your car or the trailer.

Talking of appearance- having a A-Coat base along with black powder coat finish, it outshines other hitches that are treated only with the layer of powder. This A-Coat base has another positive side. Protecting it from rust, it bestows this kit a leg up. So, the Max-Frame will remain out of corrosion and you’re going to enjoy the liberty of parking your car even in damp weather without getting panicked about the rusty consequence.

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  1. CURT 15312 Class 5 Xtra Duty Trailer Hitch

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Confused about which trailer hitch will fit your full-size pickup trucks? We understand your perplexity and hence, offering CURT 15312 Class 5 as the preferable one. Consumers fall out of numbers counting its qualities for a great towing episode and these positive responses received from the Amazon buyers are enough to believe its performance. In spite of that we’ve enlisted its overall features to let you know what you could have missed.

To make your purchase more reliable and easier, each one of the CURT trailer hitches is constructed following the need of vehicle particularity. So, in terms of structure, form and action, you’ll find CURT 15312 Class 5 Xtra Duty Trailer Hitch 5 very much loyal.

Starting from the class- being a class V model, it has got a rock-solid frame. Non-twistable and wreckage proof. Whereas hitches belong to class-II or III are incapable of towing large and heavy supplements, it never gets tired while hauling the car or horse trailers, campers, large boats and so on. It’ll even work with your truck having a larger bed. Big, strong and built to complement high loaded trailers.

Accurate fitting and power are invested in this kit through meticulous welding. Safety issues stated by SAE J684 are also strictly abided by the manufacturers. The carbide powder coating, used in this hitch, won’t fade with the passing of time. Rather it’ll make the hitch appreciably stiffer with true glaze and garnishment.

Its price tag, that is around $200, might sound hefty to those who just pay $100 or less for a new set of budget trailer hitches every year or so. But you’re gambling your time, money and peace of mind if you fail to collect this trailer hitch in an attempt to save your few bucks.

You can handle all of your towing needs with our recommended easy to install, custom fit truck hitches.

  • Choose either a class III or class IV model
  • They are custom-fit for a real easy installation process. This is perfect for the average do it yourselfer
  • They all use a standard 2″ receiver mount
  • Rest assured as they include all necessary mounting hardware and easy to follow instructions

It’s easy to see if you are hauling any type of load with your pickup. No matter what class you need, you have to find a durable hitch that won’t let you down when you need it most. Your cargo is usually quite expensive, and the last thing you want to see is your payload tumbling down the road after equipment failure. We confidently recommend these for all of our truck accessories.

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The Five Trailer Hitch Classes for Towing

The hitch classification system is used to determine what type of hitch you need for your trailer towing needs. Most importantly, the correct hitch must be able to support at least the total weight of your trailer when fully loaded. The vehicle you intend to use for towing will have a carrying weight capacity, which may also vary from the hitch attachment. This may dictate the type of hitch you need. You can find the vehicle tow weight capacity in your owner’s manual.

There are 5 hitch classes for you to be aware of rated by their receiver opening size and maximum weight capacity.. Every class is assigned a different trailer weight range:

Class 1 hitches – Can tow a gross trailer weight (GTW) of up to 2000 lbs, and a trailer tongue weight (TW) of up to 200 lbs.
Class 2 hitches – Can tow a gross trailer weight (GTW) of up to 3500 lbs, and a trailer tongue weight (TW) of up to 300 lbs.
Class 3 hitches – Can tow a gross trailer weight (GTW) of up to 6000 lbs, and a trailer tongue weight (TW) of up to 600 lbs when the hitch is a weight carrying (WC) type. As a weight distributing (WD) hitch, can tow a gross trailer weight (GTW) of up to 10000 lbs, and a trailer tongue weight (TW) of up to 1000 lbs.
Class 4 hitches – Can tow a gross trailer weight (GTW) of up to 10000 lbs, and a trailer tongue weight (TW) of up to 1000 lbs when the hitch is a weight carrying (WC) type. As a weight distributing (WD) hitch, can tow a gross trailer weight (GTW) of up to 14000 lbs, and a trailer tongue weight (TW) of up to 1400 lbs.
Class 5 hitches – Can tow a gross trailer weight (GTW) of up to 12000 lbs, and a trailer tongue weight (TW) of up to 1200 lbs when the hitch is a weight carrying (WC) type. As a weight distributing (WD) hitch, can tow a gross trailer weight (GTW) of up to 17000 lbs, and a trailer tongue weight (TW) of up to 1700 lbs.
Fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches – Special hitches for towing very heavy RVs and trailers. A fifth wheel hitch is usually used to tow RVs, whilst  gooseneck hitch is used for work trailers.

Important Hitch and Towing terminology

Ball mount/ ball platform – Designed to be inserted into a hitch, and can be used in rise or drop positions. Class 1 and 2 ball mounts are also known as drawbars.
Chains – Chains can be used for additional safety and are attached to the trailer tongue.
Coupler – A part of the trailer tongue that mounts and locks onto the hitch ball.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) – This is the total towing capacity of the hitch, representing a fully loaded trailer. The GTW of your selected hitch must be higher than the total loaded trailer weight. This can be measured using a vehicle scale.
Hitch application – Hitches may also be called a hitch application
Hitch ball/ trailer ball / coupler ball – A ball that attaches to a ball mount, and acts as a point of connection for trailers
Hitch cover or hitch tube cover – This is the end cap that covers the hitch receiver end to protect it and provide a finished look. There are a number of custom covers and designs available.
Pin and clip – Used to safely secure the receiver and hitch.
Tongue Weight (TW) – The total vertical weight that a hitch can hold, usually up to 10 percent of the GTW. It represents the maximum downward force thatcan be applied to the hitch ball.
Tongue Weight Capacity – An important measurement of the maximum downward weight your towing vehicle can withstand. This value can be found in the owner’s manual.
Weight carrying – a standard hitch for lighter towing up to 3500 lbs.
Weight distributing – A device that helps to balance and even out the weight between trailer and vehicle.

Hitching Up and Driving Your Trailer

You might think that towing a trailer is simply hitching up your trailer and driving off down the road; however, there is more to become aware of before towing a trailer.

If you plan to rent or purchase any type of tow vehicle and or trailer for non-commercial and personal use, you will have to be concerned and aware of the following particular topics:

  1. Facts you must know if you already have a tow vehicle.
  2.  State and local requirements for towing a trailer.
  3. Why are a trailer manufacturers’ tow ratings important?
  4. Learn how to measure the weight of a trailer.
  5. The size and weight of a trailer affect the selection of your tow vehicle.
  6. Learn important details on the hitching, braking, and wiring systems that connect trailers to your tow vehicle.
  7. Proper loading and weight distribution of cargo and equipment.
  8. Facts for Tire Safety.
  9. Safety tips for driving with a trailer.
  10. Safety tips for maintaining a tow vehicle and trailer
  11. A pre-departure checklist.

Although, this blog presents detailed discussions on each specified topic; this information should not be a substitute for the technical information provided in your manufacturer’s towing guide and vehicle owner’s manual.

The purpose of this information is to make available essential factors you must consider; and, the equipment required to secure your safety.

Additionally, it will assist in the safe operation and well-being and protection of your passengers, as well as the safety of other drivers on the road.

It is very important to realize the safety and the hazard issues in addition to any vulnerability conditions that exist when you are towing a trailer.

Trailer Hitches Requests

Did we mention we also take requests? If there’s a trailer hitch you want to see reviewed, go to the contact page now and send us the link to it. We will do our best to review all trailer hitches quickly and correctly. The good part about our site is you won’t find only positive reviews. If we do not like a trailer hitch, we will tell you and tell you why.

Lowest Price Trailer Hitches

One other thing we pride ourselves on is the ability to research the lowest price trailer hitches out there. We do the searching for you so that you can just read what we have to say then simply go to our recommended site to find the best priced trailer hitches in the world. You have to be careful sometimes because some sites do inflate their prices to account for staffing and maybe they don’t do enough volume to get the real discounts that the big producing trailer hitches, (like this site), get.

We’re not a wholesaler; we’re not a drop shipper, we’re just a site with a singular purpose, to provide you the consumer with the best trailer hitches reviews on the market. We guarantee what we say here. It’s our mission to become your number one go to site for all your trailer hitches information.

We’ve been in your shoes, we’ve installed our hitches, bought countless hitch balls and accessories and knew what to look for. Our writing style is not to sell you but to give you a very good indication of which trailer hitches are best by using not only our opinion but the opinions of several other reviewers. We go to all the sites and find what people are saying and combine that with our own opinions to give you the best information we possibly can.

You could say we’re fanatics when it comes to trailer hitches. In fact, we thought of buying the domain name “trailer hitch fanatic” but thought it sounded a little too cheesy. So we settled on “Best Trailer Hitches” because that sums up what we want to do here. We want to get you the best trailer hitch without having to do all the research. We have it done for you, and you can read through as many as you like.

Let Your Friends Know About Best Trailer Hitches

If you like what you read here, please let your friends know about us! IF you have blog or website, why not thank us by linking to us? Use the anchor text “trailer hitches” or “trailer hitch, ” and we’d appreciate it. So enjoy the site and remember if there are any trailer hitches that we haven’t covered yet, we’re either working on it, or we need you to send us an email and let us know exactly which one you’d like us to research and review here.

Best Towing Hitch Safety Guidelines

Types of trailer vehicles that fall under this type are motor homes, campers; and, even van conversions can offer a living style for travelling. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in each state is concerned with the safe operation of RVs, recreational trailers, and all other trailers.

Most drivers have experience in driving passenger vehicles; yet, an RV or trailer handles very differently. Some of the most noticeable driving differences of trailers versus cars are restricted vision and added braking times.

Additional differences include bridge heights, buildings with low canopies, space requirement needs, increased following distances, improved turning radiuses, and more space required for lane changes.

People are realizing that a recreational vehicle is a mobile living experience. You learn more and obtain an education from your state for the following:

1. Basic driver rules and regulations for safe driving in all situations. (Check the State you live in for specific rules).

2. Rules and regulations for Class A and Class B commercial vehicles and trailers, multiple trailers, passenger transport vehicles, and commercial Class C vehicles.

3. Rules and regulations for Class M1 and M2 motorcycle operators.

4. Registration information for recreational vehicles and trailers.

5. Various brochures entitled “Fast Facts” or “How To” which provide driver license and registration information for vehicles and trailers. Study Materials from your State;

1. Owner’s manual for your towing vehicle

2. Owner’s manual for your RV or your trailer