Your Guide to Trailer Hitch Types

While trailers have become rather commonplace on the highways and interstates of Texas, it’s important to understand that not every trailer is the same, especially when it comes to how the trailer is hitched to a towing vehicle. Trailer hitches come in many different styles to suit different weights of cargo and different vehicle types.

Before you buy a trailer, you should take the time to understand the hitch that’s required for it that will work best with the towing vehicle you have. Use this guide from Glenn’s Trailer Sales to find the perfect trailer hitch for your towing needs.

1. Gooseneck Hitches

This hitch is similar to a fifth-wheel hitch (see below, #4), in that it mounts into the bed of a truck and limits you in terms of the type of vehicle you can use. Gooseneck hitches let you use more of your truck bed than a fifth-wheel hitch does, while still providing similar stability and strength.

2. Pintle Hitches

A locking mechanism known as a “pintle” is the primary part of this hitch type, and the pintle anchors into a ring or “lunette” on your trailer. Compared to a standard bumper-pull hitch, pintles can carry more weight. Construction companies often use pintle hitches in their work.

3. Bumper-Pull Hitches

As one of the more common types of hitch, a bumper-pull hitch can be towed by almost any type of towing vehicle, making it an extremely convenient choice for many people.

4. Fifth-Wheel Hitches

This two-part coupling is very commonly used for certain types of recreational vehicles, although it can be limiting due to the vehicle required to use it. A receiver or anchor is installed into the bed of a truck and the hitch itself comes up and over the back gate of a truck bed to lock into that coupling. This means that a pickup truck or other similar type of vehicle is required to use a fifth-wheel hitch. However, fifth-wheel hitches are excellent for carrying very heavy loads and their increased stability is a huge asset on the highway as it reduces trailer sway.

5. Rear-Receiver Hitches

This extremely common type of hitch is used often due to its versatility. The square tube can hold many types of trailers and it’s good for both light and heavy hauling purposes. The receiver tube’s size usually gets larger as the weight rating for the hitch increases, although this isn’t unilaterally true of every rear-receiver hitch.

Stop by our dealership located in Hobe Sound, FL, to check out our current selection of new and used trailers for sale with all types of hitches. You can talk to our staff about getting price quotes and financing options on your trailer purchase as well. Glenn’s Trailer Sales proudly serves the cities of Jupiter and West Palm Beach, FL.