When you shop for a trailer hitch you'll find different designs, including a receiver trailer hitch. One component is permanently attached to the vehicle. A draw bar slides into it for towing, but can be removed when it isn't needed.
Trailer hitches are rated a couple of different ways:
- by how much weight they can tow, and
- by their maximum tongue weight (the weight applied downward on the hitch ball)
Hitch Classes
- Class I - up to 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight, 200 pounds maximum tongue weight
- Class II - up to 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight, 350 pounds maximum tongue weight
- Class III - up to 5,000 pounds gross trailer weight, 500 pounds maximum tongue weight
- Class IV - up to 12,000 pounds gross trailer weight, 1,200 pounds maximum tongue weight
Gooseneck and fifth-wheel hitches can tow considerably more, but the weight you can safely tow depends on your truck's towing capacity.
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