There are different types of hitches used for a towing trailer. Receiver hitches are the most common and divided into five classes; others include the gooseneck and 5th wheel hitches. Each of the receiver hitches has a unique purpose and style of coupling and its own set of capabilities and sizes.
What Determines the Class of Hitches to Choose?
The hitches to choose will depend on your boat towing capacity. The trailer should have a load capacity enough to carry the boat, motor, fuel, and any equipment held. According to law, trailers classify by the maximum amount they weigh when fully loaded. You should not exceed 85% of a trailer’s total capacity when towing.
For example, for a class 1 hitch, the gross vehicle weight rating(GVWR) is 2000lbs. You should only apply 85% of 2000lbs, which is equal to 1700 lbs. It would be best to consider the trailer gross axle weight rating (GAWR), which means the maximum tire rating required for that load. GAWR should be at least equal to GVWR.
Additionally, always use the adequately rated hitch ball for your towing system. Consider the ball size, which is determined by the class of the trailer. Determine the following characteristics in a ball;
- Ball size: must be the same diameter as the trailer coupler (1-7/8″, 2″, or 2-5/16″) because a little ball will allow the trailer to bounce loose.
- The shank dimension: of the hitch ball should be the same as the hole diameter in the (correct) ball mount you selected.
- Shank span: should be long enough to allow at least two threads to be visible when installing the ball and tightening the nut.
Moreover, please note the tongue’s weight; it should not be more than 7-10% of the rig’s total mass. Adjust the tongue’s load by moving the balance point of the trailer to make it more stable. If the weight of the tongue is too low, it will tow at high speed. Can even lift rear wheels of tow vehicle off the ground. Again, if the weight is high, it will drag down the rear tow vehicle and make steering difficult.
Lastly, ensure your boat has adequate support to allow it to warp. Use rollers or pads to support the boat on the trailer, ensuring all support surfaces contact the vessel. Use straps to fix the boat to the trailer both at the fore and aft. Fuel tanks and other equipment inside should be secure too to avoid shifting during towing.
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Types of Trailer Hitches
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Class 1-Light Duty Receiver Hitch
It tows bikes, cargo carriers, smaller utility, enclosed trailers, and motorcycles, pull 2000 lbs, and a maximum tongue weight of 200 lbs. The hitch has a 1-1/4 square receiver opening. It attaches to the bumper, truck pan, or vehicle frame.
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Class 2- Regular Duty Receiver
The hitch does more lifting than class 1. It requires a small truck, midsize SUVs, or minivan to haul a trailer. The trap can pull up to 3500 lbs with a maximum tongue weight of 300 lbs. It’s ideal for moving equipment like snowmobiles, lightweight boats, and small axle trailers. It attaches to the bumper or vehicle frame and contains a 1-1/4 square opening receiver.
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Class 3- Heavy Duty Receiver Hitch
It attaches onto the frame of a vehicle as an under-car receiver hitch. The hitch can tow mid to large SUVs, full-size cars, and pickup trucks, carry up to 7500 lbs, and maximum tongue weight of 750 lbs. It contains a 2- inch square receiver opening and a drawbar attached to the vehicle’s frame. It hauls equipment such as bikes, utility trailers, midsize campers, cargo carriers, and canoes.
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Class 4- Super Duty Receiver Hitch
The snag has a larger capacity for towing travel trailers, more massive machinery, and boats larger the 24 feet. It has a tow capacity rating of 10,000 lbs and a tongue weight capacity of 1000 kg. It also has a 2 to 2.5 square receiver opening and only attaches to the vehicle’s frame.
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Class 5 Hitch
It does all the heavy-duty, hauling full-size campers, large boats, and trailer equipment. Class 5 is suitable for commercial trucks and heavy-duty vehicles, has a towing capacity of more than 10,000lbs – 25,000 plus a tongue weight capacity of 1000-4000 lbs. Class 5 hitch has a 2.5-inch square receiver opening and only attaches to the frame.
Types of Trailers Different Boat Weights Need
| Class | Maximum boat Weight | Tongue Weight Limit | Receiver Tube Diameter | Vehicle Attachments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2000lbs | 200lbs | 11/4 inch | Bumper and 2 points on the frame |
| 2 | 3500lbs | 300lbs | 11/4 inch | At least 2 points on the frame |
| 3 | 7500lbs | 750lbs | 2 inches | 4 points on the frame |
| 4 | 10,000lbs | 1000lbs | 2.5 inches | 4 points on the frame |
| 5 | 10,000-25,000lbs | 1000-4000lbs | 2.5 to 3 inches | 4 points on the frame |
Boat Trailer Law, and Regulations
The rules differ in every state, so before using a trailer, boat take your time to study all the regulations set in your town. Some of the standard rules in all states include;
- Make sure your tow vehicle has the magnitude to tow your boat.
- Ensure your trailer width is not more than 8 feet and 6 inches, as it will be a wide load. Wide loads are subject to special permits, flags, banners, and limits on when it can be on the road.
- The maximum trailer length varies from 30 feet to 60. The combined size of the tow vehicle and trailer should range from 50-85 feet; if above, one is allowed to tow under some restrictions.
- Any trailer weighing more than 3000 pounds should have breaks. Also, trailers with more than one axle should have brakes on all axles.
- Trailer manufacturers should equip them with lights that meet the department of transport standards.
- Some states allow low-speed limits for vehicles towing any trailer, and the limit varies by length and weight of the trailer.
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The type of hitch you choose depends on your boat towing capacity. For instance, for a smaller boat, it can use a class 1 trap for a larger one; it requires a stronger hitch of classes 3, 4, or 5. Always use a trailer hitch that matches your boat towing capacity and determine other factors like ball size, tongue weight capacity, and more. Remember to research the boat trailer rules in your state or the state you will be towing.