How to choose a trailer hitch

Do you have big summer plans that involve towing heavy or bulky equipment? Whether you are going fishing, hunting, mountain biking, relaxing at a campsite in your tent-trailer, boating on a river or moving a fridge, equipping your vehicle with a sturdy trailer hitch is extremely practical! The Certified Auto Repair team can help you select the right trailer hitch and professionally install it. Here are some considerations for choosing a hitch.

Determine your vehicle’s towing capacity

Do you think your vehicle is strong enough to tow all your equipment? Don’t make any assumptions! We’ve noticed that many drivers tend to overestimate the towing capacity of their vehicle, believing it can pull a trailer weighing several thousand pounds.

You can avoid unpleasant surprises by consulting a nearby repair shop or verifying the towing information in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Account for the weight of the equipment

When calculating your load limit, you must add up the weight of the hitch as well as the equipment you’re towing. It can be difficult to weigh all your luggage and equipment. If you need help determining the weight, you can go to a garage or roadside checkpoint.

You should also be aware that there are five classes of trailer hitches. Each has its own maximum towing capacity and maximum vertical load.

If you drive a sedan, you should purchase a Class 1 hitch, which has a towing capacity of around 2,000 pounds. Do you own a small SUV? A Class 2 hitch, with a capacity of around 3,500 pounds, should do the trick. As you may have guessed, Class 3 hitches and above are intended for the most powerful vehicles, like large SUVs and pickup trucks.

IMPORTANT: Before you set off, make sure you take all the necessary precautions to avoid making a mistake that could endanger you and other motorists on the road. Read our blog article entitled 5 key things to check before you tow a trailer with your car.

Choose a high-quality model from a reputable brand

Finally, the Certified Auto Repair team would like to stress the importance of opting for a robust, top-quality trailer hitch and having it installed by a professional.

Do you need expert advice on buying the right trailer hitch for your vehicle? Request an appointment at your nearest Certified Auto Repair. Our team will take the time to analyze your needs and find the product that’s right for you.