| |
An Introduction to Trailer Hitches
By Elizabeth Morgan
Pickup trucks and SUVs with trailer hitches have a wide range of uses. They can pull boats, campers, cargo trailers and a number of other items. There are several types of trailer hitches. Most pickup trucks have what is called a ball trailer hitch. Other types of trailer hitches are gooseneck trailer hitches and fifth wheel hitches.
It is important to have a strong enough truck to haul whatever is connected to the trailer hitch. The truck must have enough engine strength to build up momentum to pull the trailer. This is why you very rarely see cars equipped with trailer hitches.
Trailer hitches must be installed correctly to the truck or the entire hitch rig can come off, leaving the cargo behind. Usually, the hitch is mounted on a type of bumper that must be installed under the tailgate. The strength of this rig determines how much weight the hitch can handle. Different classes can pull different amounts of weight. Class-1 trailer hitches are the weakest; they can usually pull up to 2000 pounds. Class-5 trailer hitches are the strongest, with a pulling capacity of over 10,000 pounds.
Most pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles have ball trailer hitches. The hitch consists of a metal ball that attaches to a socket on the cargo. Larger trailer hitch balls can usually support more weight than smaller balls. Ball trailer hitches are more versatile than many other types and can be used to haul small cargo trailers, boats, and some campers.
Gooseneck trailer hitches also use a ball, but they are attached to the truck differently. Gooseneck trailer hitches are attached to the top of the truckbed, rather than at the bumper.
Fifth wheel trailer hitches are the strongest type of trailer hitch. They can be used to carry heavy cargo. Heavy-duty cargo trucks usually employ fifth wheel hitches.
Trailer hitches allow trucks to haul cargo. Without the proper type of hitch, it would be impossible to attach and pull a trailer.
About the Author
Trailer Hitches Info provides detailed information on motorcycle, U Haul, and gooseneck trailer hitches, as well as trailer hitch accessories like trailer hitch covers and bike racks, and advice on trailer hitch installation. Trailer Hitches Info is the sister site of Tire Chains Web.
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/8364.html
| If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/8364.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked. |
| Some other articles by Elizabeth Morgan | How To Install a Trailer Hitch
Trailer hitch installation may seem like a difficult and confusing process, but it is much easier with the right knowledge and tools. Most people are able to successfully ...
Gooseneck Trailer Hitches
Gooseneck trailer hitches are used to haul irregularly shaped trailers that have frontal protrusions that stick out past the rest of the trailer. Gooseneck trailer hitches are some of the strongest ...
Trailer Hitch Bike Racks
People can't ride their bikes everywhere and it is often necessary to transport bikes from one place to another. Until recently, people would ...
A Guide to U-Haul Trailer Hitches
U-Haul is best known for its rental trucks used to help people move, but they also sell trailer hitches and trailer ...
Motorcycle Trailer Hitches
Heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and sport utility vehicles are not the only ones that can haul cargo. It may be hard to believe, but motorcycles can be equipped with hitches as well. ...
Essential Trailer Hitch Accessories
There are a number of trailer hitch accessories that make the hitches easier to operate safely. Some accessories, like trailer hitch balls, ball mounts and hitch receivers are necessary for the ...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
