Selecting the Proper Trailer Hitch
Once you have selected your pickup, the next step is to ensure you have the necessary equipment to help you trailer safely. You are responsible for getting the hitch ball, a hitch of the proper size, type and capacity, and other appropriate equipment required to safely tow the loaded trailer.
There are 3 categories of trailer hitches:
Weight-Carrying Hitch
The most basic and common hitch for light and medium weights. A Weight-Carrying hitch uses a hitch ball mounted to a draw bar or a step-bumper and supports the trailer
Tongue Weight
just as though it were cargo located at the ball.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
This hitch is used for heavy trailering. With its equalizing bars and snap-up brackets, this hitch applies leverage between the tow vehicle and the trailer to help distribute your trailer's Tongue Weight evenly to your vehicle and trailer instead of "carrying" the load mostly on the rear of the vehicle. The brackets and spring bars raise the hitch point parallel to the ground, equalizing the load onto all axles. This results in a more level ride, reduced weight on the rear suspension, and provides improved steering and braking control.
Fifth-Wheel Hitch
Also called a gooseneck hitch, this is used for heavy trailering with a full-size pickup. It must be attached to the truck's frame, usually just slightly ahead of the rear axle centreline. This is called a
kingpin
load. It is generally higher than conventional trailer tongue loads and, for most calculations, becomes part of the payload in the truck box.
