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What Types Of Trailer Hitches Are Available?
Home » Automobiles » Trailer Hitches » What Types Of Trailer Hitches Are Available?The bumper or frame trailer hitch is good for light towing, however it has one serious drawback. The bumper trailer hitch tends to reduce the energy absorbing benefits of most modern bumpers. The step bumper also relies on solid attachment points on the frame. You should beware of aftermarket step bumpers that have no frame attachment points. Another trailer hitch is the bumper-mount trailer hitch. Most automotive manufacturers do not recommend using this trailer hitch, because modern bumpers are not designed for towing.
Receiver trailer hitches include the ball mount or ball platform trailer hitch. They are removable when the hitch is not being used. This leaves the hitch's opening about even with your bumper. This is the most popular style of trailer hitch and is what you see on most trucks, SUV's, RV's and vans. This is the best choice when using bike racks, ski racks, and cargo racks. They are available in 1 ΒΌ" and 2" openings. Class I and II receiver style trailer hitches can only be used for towing as a weight-carrying hitch. Class III and IV receiver style hitches can be used either as a weight-carrying hitch or as a weight-distributing hitch when a weight distribution system is added. Receivers can also be installed on the front of your vehicle to make launching and recovering boats easier, to attach bike racks while you are towing a trailer or to mount a winch.
Fifth wheel trailer hitches and gooseneck trailer hitches are special hitches mounted through the bed of your truck to brackets or the vehicle's frame.
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