Truck
trailer hitches and ball mounts come in five major classes, ranging
from light to extra heavy duty. When installing a hitch and/or ball
mount it is critical to choose the proper class. First of all, refer
to owners manuals for the truck, trailer or specific towing system.
The gross trailer weight and tongue weight are the two most important
figures to identify.
Truck trailer hitches are generally identified as either weight-carrying
or weight-distributing. The size and weight of the truck and trailer
will dictate which type is needed. A weight-carrying hitch may be used
when trailer weight is no more than 3,500 lbs. and the vehicle can handle
such a load. With this type of hitch the tongue weight will be carried
directly on the hitch and the rear of the vehicle.
Weight-distributing truck trailer hitches are used for loads up to
10,000 lbs. These hitches are usually sold as a separate attachment,
designed to stabilize the towing vehicle. A weight-distributing hitch
will either have square bars that connect to the center of the ball
mount, or round bars that slide into the bottom of the mount.