A car hitch is a device on the rear of an automobile engineered to connect a trailer or other device to the car for towing. Car hitches are available in two general design types. The first design, a receiver type, attaches to the rear of the vehicle frame and has a rearward opening where you can place a removable mounting device. The removable devices can be anything from a bike rack to a ball mount for a camper or trailer. The second design type, a fixed-drawbar hitch, is built into the car, with a hole in the device where you can place the ball of a mounting device.
There are five car hitches classes, each rated for a specific maximum weight the hitch can handle. Class I hitches can tow up to 2,000 pounds of weight; Class II hitches up to 3,500 pounds; Class III up to 5,000 pounds; and Class IV up to 10,000 pounds. Smaller hitch openings of 1.25 inches can carry Class I or Class II hitches, whereas you’ll need a 2-inch opening for Class III through Class IV hitches. Some vehicles offer a 2.5-inch Class V hitch that can tow up to 13,000 pounds and hold Class IV hitches.
In addition to load-bearing hitches, weight-distribution hitches are also available. These hitches distribute the weight of the load you’re carrying to both the front and rear axles of the tow vehicle, preventing heavier loads from causing damage to the rear of the car. A weight-distribution hitch also prevents towing sag, where the point of the connection between the vehicle and the carrier tends to lower itself closer to the road because of the added weight at the connection point. Weight distribution hitches are advised for loads over 5,000 pounds.
The tow rating of cars often doesn’t exceed Class II. Some crossover SUVs can handle up to Class III loads. Heavier cargo, like a fifth-wheel camper, will require a vehicle with a Class IV or higher tow rating; people usually need a large SUV or truck to pull such weight down the road.
Though adding a tow hitch can increase your car’s value and utility, always check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s tow rating before installing a car hitch.
