The Role Of Towing Hitches In The Transport Industry

By Author: Bancroft Martinez
Total Articles: 9
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Towing hitch is mainly categorized according to the weight capacities of the trailers which they pull. It is important to consider your current and future towing needs when purchasing hitches and other types of towing equipment. However, when you are not too sure about which class of hitch to buy it is always advisable to buy a hitch of higher capacity because it will ably suffice for higher towing requirements and hence be used for a wider range of towing jobs. Another determinant of the type of hitch to buy is the vehicle which is to be used since not all vehicles can tow all classes of trailer and hitch combinations.
Basically, there are five classes of towing hitches and their classification is based on their towing capacities. Class 1 hitches can be used for gross weights of up to 2000lbs with a maximum tongue weight of 200lbs. Class 2 hitches are used for weights of up to 3500lbs with a maximum tongue weight of 300lbs. Class 3 hitches are for weights of up to 5000lbs with 500lbs tongue weight. Class 4 hitches are for weights of up to 1000lbs with tongue weights of between 1000-1200lbs. Class 5 hitches are for weights ...
... greater than 10,000lbs and more than 1200lbs tongue weight. There is another additional category of hitches used for really heavy towing equipment and especially those which carry a 5th wheel that is mounted in the bed of a pick-up truck.
Apart from the weight classification, towing hitches are also classified into two depending on their weight distribution. The most common of these is the dead-weight hitch which has a simple ball and socket arrangement that connects to the trailer of the towing vehicle. It is mainly intended for lighter loads. The second variety is the weight distribution hitch which has an attachment that slides into a receiver so as to redistribute the weight of the tongue. The use of towing equipment enables ordinary vehicles to effectively haul extra weights which can be either trailers or RVs.