Trailer Hitches and Their Components
Whether you are a novice or an experienced RVer, you must have a good understanding of trailer hitches, RV Hitch Components, and What Are Trailer Hitch Parts Called. It is usually attached to the chassis of the vehicle and is used for towing. A tow ball, tow pin, or pintle could be used. All of these allow the trailer to be moved in a swiveling motion.
A trailer hitch can be classified into weight distributing hitches and weight carrying hitches. The weight capacity can also be used to categorize them, which is usually done by the class. Additionally, trailer hitches can be distinguished based on the type of mechanism used to connect to the towing vehicle. It is also possible to repair trailer hitches.
Weight distribution vs. weight carrying trailer hitches
A weight-carrying trailer hitch is the most popular type of trailer hitch. Generally, the tongue weight of the trailer is placed on the rear of the towing vehicle. The hitches can tow small and medium-sized trailers. A weight-distributing hitch may be used to tow heavier trailers as they can evenly distribute the weight of the trailer and the towing vehicle. This distribution may also improve vehicle steering and braking. In general, weight distributing hitches utilize Trailer Hitch Parts like a receiver and spring bar.
Different types of hitches
The six major types of weight-carrying hitches are bumper hitches, fifth-wheel hitches, pintle hitches, receiver hitches, front-mount hitches, and gooseneck hitches. Weight distribution hitches, on the other hand, 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. They attach the ring to the trailer while they attach the pintle 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. They can accomplish this distribution by using Tow Hitch Parts including long rods, also known as spring rods. Because of this feature, owners of camping recreational vehicles mostly preferred this Trailer Hitch On Camper.
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 secure and stress-free. The following are some 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 to ensure users 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.