How to Choose the Right Hitching Equipment for Your Trailer
The hitch plays a significant role in your towing setup. That’s why you’ll want to ensure that you choose the right piece of hitching equipment for safe and efficient hauling experiences. A hitch will have its own limitations, and you’ll need to match its weight to the weight of your trailer.
We’ve highlighted a few essential points in this guide to help you choose the right hitch for your trailer. Keep reading to learn more, then connect with our experts at Double B Trailer Sales to get your concerns addressed. We’re in Centerville and Hurricane, UT, where we happily welcome our friends from Salt Lake City, St. George, Ogden, and Washington.
Check the Weight Rating of Your Hitch
The weight limit of your hitch must match the maximum carrying weight of your trailer. If the maximum trailer weight is 1000 kg, then the maximum tongue weight limit should be a little over 100 kg. You’ll want to keep these weight ratings in mind while you’re loading your trailer, as exceeding them can be dangerous on the road.
You can upgrade your hitch to one with a higher weight limit, but don't forget that it won’t change the weight limit of your trailer.
Consider the Tongue Weight
The tongue weight (TW) is the downwards weight a fully loaded trailer applies on the hitch ball of the tow vehicle. You’ll need to consider it to find out what kind of stress your hitch can take. Generally speaking, the tongue weight should be 10-12% of the gross trailer weight (GTW).
Can Your Tow Vehicle Handle the Job?
To figure out whether your tow vehicle can handle all the extra weight, look up the owner’s manual. Consider the total weight capacity mentioned there to ensure you don’t exceed it while loading your trailer. An overloaded trailer is a massive risk on the road, and you’ll want to avoid jeopardizing your safety and the safety of other vehicles and motorists.
Choose the Right Ball Attachment
To choose the right hitching equipment for your trailer, consider the right ball attachment. This means you’ll need to pick the right size that matches the gross trailer weight (GTW). There are four standard sizes for four different types of towing: light-duty, medium-duty, heavy-duty, and gooseneck. The general guide looks like this:
- Light-duty balls for 907–1,588 kg GTW
- Medium-duty balls for 1,588–5,443 kg GTW
- Heavy-duty balls for 2,722–13,607 kg GTW
- Gooseneck balls for any GTW over 13,607 kg
Remember that a gooseneck ball will require a gooseneck hitch, which will create an overlap between your trailer and your tow vehicle. Check to see if your towing setup accommodates this.
Weigh Your Trailer
Be double-sure of your trailer’s weight before you hit the road by visiting a weigh station or vehicle scale. Ensure that the entire weight of the trailer is on the scale and consider the weight of your tow vehicle if it’s on the scale as well.
For a safer and more efficient hauling experience, get the right hitch for your trailer. If you have more questions or need help to pick the right hitch or any other accessory for your trailer, connect with our experts at our dealership in Centerville and Hurricane, UT. Double B Trailer Sales proudly serves the people from Salt Lake City, St. George, Ogden, and Washington.