A trailer hitch is an accessory made to a vehicle to allow it to tow a trailer. The hitch can be either a receiver type or a fixed drawbar type. The receiver-type hitch has a rear-facing opening to accept a removable ball mount, hitch carrier or other hitch-mounting accessories. Fixed drawbar hitches come as one piece.

The trailer hitch attaches to the vehicle’s chassis or rear bumper. The hitch then provides a link for towing a trailer or other equipment. Hitches come in a variety of heights, lengths, and other specifications. Many families have embraced the RV lifestyle. They travel together as a family and have a great vacation staying at different RV parks across the country.

There are different kinds of hooks in North America. They are classified as Class I, II, III and IV by the SAE or Society of Automotive Engineers. Although the V-Class is also marketed by some manufacturers, it is not recognized by the SAE.

Class I is intended for light loads up to 2,000 pounds. Class II is for light loads up to 3,500 pounds. Class III is for larger loads like RVs and boats up to 5,000 pounds. Class IV is for heavier RVs or boats up to 10,000 pounds.

Receiver type hitches come with a typical square opening of 1.25 inches for classes I and II and 2 inches for higher classes. There are Class IV and V hitches that also come with 2.5-inch-wide openings.

The tow ball slides over the hitch head, which comes in different sizes depending on the load to be hauled and the country of use. The most popular sizes are 1 and 7/8 inches, 1.97 inches (which is an ISO standard), 2 inches, and 2 and 5/16 inches.

Ball mounts on the hitch basically attach to a ball on the trailer. The ball mount hitch head can be raised or lowered to match the height of the ball on the trailer. The ball mount must meet SAE hitch class based on the load to be towed.

The trailer must be kept in a horizontal position and then linked with the towing vehicle. The correct tow vehicle and trailer combination must be maintained for safe towing.