The Advantages of Using a Trailer Hitch on Your Vehicle
The Advantages of Using a Trailer Hitch on Your Vehicle
When planning your next summer vacation, a trailer hitch can play a key role in helping you along the way. It’s no surprise that transporting a trailer is one of the most common uses for a cross-country road trip. Whether you’re transporting tools, furniture, or heavy machinery; trailer hitches can help you maximise your vehicle’s space. And easily transport bulky and oversized items to your destination; safely and securely.
Not all vehicles have trailers, but most vehicles do have some towing capacity. By any chance, if your car doesn’t have this feature, you can be left wondering if you need a trailer hitch. In this article, we try to give you the answer by discussing some of the advantages of a trailer hitch on your vehicle.
More stability
When you think of trailer hitches, you probably picture large vehicles such as trucks and SUVs. But the truth is, a trailer hitch receiver can also be attached to smaller vehicles. This is especially advantageous when you’re planning to ride a small car on a road trip. Small vehicles have limited cargo space, often requiring you to strap your luggage to the roof.
With a trailer hitch, you can better secure your luggage on the roof by giving it a solid anchor point. Attaching objects such as kayaks, paddle boards, logs, or ladders can be difficult without a solid anchor point. A hitch works effectively to keep your cargo on the roof, providing stability, security, and overall smooth riding.
Suitability for trailers of various sizes
Buying an adjustable trailer hitch is a more convenient and affordable option for one big reason. An adjustable trailer tow bar allows you to transport various trailers behind your vehicle. With an adjustable tow bar, you’ll be able to easily adjust the tow bar to suit various towing applications.
Some of us may think there’s a risk associated with an adjustable trailer hitch as it involves many moving parts. But as long as you purchase and install your trailer hitch receiver from reputable manufacturers and strictly follow the user manuals for caravan tow hitch maintenance and tune-ups, the potential issue can be easily avoided.
Versatility
A trailer hitch receiver is a multi-purpose piece of equipment. In addition to towing trailers, there are many lesser-known uses for towing hitches; ranging from functional and practical to enjoyable and economical. Since most vehicles can be easily fitted with trailers, the opportunity for outdoor adventures and expanding vehicle functionality with a caravan tow hitch is available to almost anyone on the road.
A trailer hitch or caravan tow hitch can also provide unparalleled functionality during life’s most significant events, such as a long-distance one-way move. Pairing your car or SUV with a tow bar allows you to move the vehicle with your belongings during a trip. You can also use this equipment to tow a damaged vehicle to a repair shop or transport the vehicle to a new location.
Enhanced Maneuverability
A vehicle transports you and your cargo from point A to point B, but with an accompanying caravan tow hitch, you can maximise your carrying capacity. A caravan tow hitch mounts directly under your tow vehicle’s bumper and connects to a trailer.
For example, a 5th-wheel receiver trailer has more pulling power and towing capacity than a standard ball hitch. It also improves handling when towing. This is because a fifth wheel anchors to the truck’s bed, resulting in a better-turning radius than a conventional turning hitch. This also allows for greater stability each time you tow a trailer because the fork attaches to the truck’s bed instead of the bumper.
How to Choose the Best Adjustable Hitch for Your Setup
A trailer hitch is an attachment designed to allow you to tow something behind your vehicle when your car or truck is suitably equipped for the job. Having the right type of tow bar is crucial to starting your adventure on the right foot.
If you want to buy a properly adjustable caravan hitch (i.e. a proper adjustable ball mount), you need to choose one that will fit all your trailers – boat, RV, trailer utilities, etc. You also need to make sure it fits your vehicle. Consider the following tips for the best adjustable trailer hitch receiver to meet your needs.
- Your vehicle and towing equipment are rated for different weights. Likewise, the different trailers you plan to pull will vary in total trailer weight (GTW). So, be sure to choose a caravan hitch that exceeds the weight of your trailers and complements your other towing equipment. You don’t want your adjustment to limit your towing capacity, and you should never exceed the weight of any pull component. If you’re going to be towing heavier trailers frequently, you need to maximise your towing potential with a higher-quality hub and larger hitch receiver. A smaller trailer hitch may be sufficient if you’re only towing light trailers or using a hitchhiker to manage cargo with a bike rack or cargo rack.
- Knowing the trailer’s coupler sizes is essential before purchasing an adjustable hitch. Some adjustable hitch receivers come with one ball, others with two or three. If you have multiple coupler sizes in your fleet, be sure to choose the most compatible hitch receiver that easily accommodates. Also, note that brake hook options are available if you are towing a trailer with an adjustable ring.
- For an effective outcome, an adjustable trailer must compensate for the height difference between your trailers. With a few quick measurements, you can be sure you’re choosing the best one to meet your needs.