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Trailer Hitch Guide Part 1

Trailer Hitch Guide Part 1 - From installation to the best hitch for you.

Selecting a trailer hitch can be daunting - especially if it's your first time doing it. You probably have many questions, such as is there a way to be sure you're choosing the right hitch for your trailer? How do you go about installing it? The questions never end. Take the guesswork out of selecting a trailer hitch with this guide. We will explore hitch types, uses, capacities, installation tips, and more.

 

Why do I need a trailer hitch?

Drivers attach trailer hitches to their vehicles for a variety of reasons. Some need them for professional purposes, such as livestock towing or snow plowing. Others want hitches for personal or lifestyle reasons - because you have to get that fishing boat to the lake somehow. Trailer hitches unlock the ability for autonomous long-distance towing and more. You will find many benefits to getting a trailer hitch for your vehicle.

 

Assisting With Any Future Hauling Needs

  • Bicycles
  • Motorcycles
  • ATVs
  • Camping Gear
  • Campers and RVs
  • Boats
  • Utility or Landscaping Trailers
  • Livestock Trailers
  • Flatbed Trailers
  • Enclosed Trailers
  • Cargo Carriers
  • 5th Wheelers
  • Other Transportation Vehicles
  • Other Equipment or Heavy Machinery

 

Buying is More Cost-Effective Than Renting

Renting a vehicle with a pre-installed hitch and the capacity to haul trailers is expensive and cumbersome. Rental companies might also require specialty trailer registration and insurance, depending on your towing situation. It's far more cost-effective in the long run to invest in a trailer hitch that matches your current truck or car. Then, if situations arise where you need to transport heavy cargo or haul another vehicle, you're ready.

 

The Different Types of Trailer Hitches

  • Class I - up to 2,000lb GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) - up to 200 TW (Tongue Weight)
  • Class II - up to 3,500lb GTW - up to 350 TW
  • Class III - up to 8,000lb GTW - up to 800 TW
  • Class IV - up to 10,000lb GTW - up to 1,000 TW
  • Class 5 Xtra Duty - up to 16,000-17,000lb GTW - up to 2,400-2,550 TW
  • Class 5 Commercial Duty - up to 18,000-20,000lb GTW - up to 2,700 TW

 

Most cars and crossovers use a Class I or Class II hitch. Most light duty SUVs and trucks use a Class III or Class IV hitch and heavy-duty trucks use a Class 5 Xtra Duty or Class 5 Commercial Duty hitch. We always recommend going with a hitch that is rated for more than what you're going to be hauling just in case you decide to go to a bigger trailer or find yourself pulling a heavy load. You need to determine what you're going to be hauling, and what the trailer you need is rated for, then buy your hitch based on what your trailer is rated for. If your trailer is rated for 7,000lb then you should probably buy a Class IV hitch that is rated for 8,000lb. If you are going to be pulling several different trailers, use the rating for the trailer that is rated the most to determine what hitch you'll need. Some hitches are "concealed" and visible. Think about how it would appear on your vehicle and determine if you'd like to have one sticking out or tucked in. Concealed applications may vary depending on vehicle and hitch class.

Stay tuned for part 2 of our Trailer Hitch Guide which will explore trailer balls, drop hitches, adjustable hitches, and more!

For any questions you may have please don't hesitate to call us at 336-276-0329. Set up an appointment today to get your hitch installed!

About the Author

Hi, I’m Johnny Shelton with NC Trailers, the #1 rated trailer dealer in the Carolinas. With over 300 trailers in stock, we’ve proudly served contractors, adventure seekers, and everyone in between since 1996. Having sold and serviced over 10,000 trailers, we’re grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us. We’re committed to using our experience to help you succeed in all your trailer and towing needs. Let’s thrive together!

REQUEST FINANCING

Trailer Prelim Financing Blog
First Last N.
12:41 13 Apr 25
Nctrailers Team are awesome !!! Sam the sales representative was very helpful on the phone and when I should up on site. Shanice with my contract. Tammy explaining each process during the DMV registration and paperwork. Ryan was very patient in the pouring rain preparing and getting me connected to the truck and doing the safety checks 5 times to make sure no issues. Thanks nctrailers of Thomasville for professionalism and attention to detail. I definitely be seeing you guys in a few months for a car trailer .
Desiree B.
18:02 12 Apr 25
Had the pleasure of buying our first trailer for our new business from them this weekend. And let me say I can’t say enough about this company. From the first call with Donna, till we drove off the lot hooked up, they were absolutely amazing! Their inventory is intensive yes, but the customer service is extraordinary! Our purchase experience start with a transfer to Zach who was welcoming and extremely knowledgeable! Shancie took care of the financing and made everything so easy and simple, and Tammy was fast with our paperwork! Noah and Ryan went above and beyond for the install and hookup of all the accessories we choose! These folks are the best around and hire the most wonderful crew! Highly recommend them for any trailer purchase or service needs!
Mitch O.
12:47 12 Apr 25
I would like to take a minute and recognize several people at NC trailers. From the start it was Zach & Sam in sales which went above and beyond the process of helping me pick the correct trailer and helping me complete all necessary paperwork when I was literally 1800 miles away driving down the road.Shanice in financing made financing the trailer simple and quick, and behind the scenes Tammy in tag/title department was doing her magic so it all came together as one cohesive unit the day of picking the trailer up.Speaking of picking up the trailer, Ryan & Noah truly went above and beyond expectations working in the pouring rain, while not compromising standards of making sure everything went smoothly and that I was hooked up correctly while taking the time to fully go over every aspect of the trailer and how to hook and unhook the trailer.Tyler in Service & Parts was very helpful with information regarding the Gooseneck hitch for my next trailer.Thank you to each Team member of NC trailers. I HIGHLY recommend this company to anyone needing a trailer.So, if you need any type of trailer, accessory or even a repair, NC trailers should be your First and only stop. They truly make you feel like Family and the trailers are rated top in the Industry and priced very reasonably.Head on over to NC trailers and get your trailer today. Tell them Mitch with a “M” not a “B” sent you, and you should receive an extra smile or two.
Anthony T.
21:34 10 Apr 25
Awesome place to do business!
Shaun O.
04:19 09 Apr 25
I have to say I had great experience with the staff at NCtrailers in Thomasville, NC. The staff up there were amazing. I had the pleasure of being David’s first sale for his new career dealing in this type of equipment. He has had many years in sales and it shows but he decided to venture into a new atmosphere of sales. Working through the contract side of things Shanice was very thorough and was able to give me all the details I needed. She was so inviting and made you feel comfortable through would could be a stressful process.Tammy was a sweetheart with the tag and title paper work and talked me through all the necessary links and info I would need to setup the last little bit of info.Ryan and Noah had me all hooked up and ready to go and even took the time to help me find a short in my connection on my truck so I would be comfortable knowing all the lights and everything worked properly on the new trailer.All in all I had a great experience with the entire staff from parts to sales to service. I will most definitely be recommending them to anyone I know for their trailer needs.Now wish me luck on my lawn care company venture.Lawn Legends LLC.
Conard B.
14:22 07 Mar 25
The staff was very helpful and motivated I went back and forth with two trailers figuring prices and add ons they were very patient and provide me with two different layouts for two different prices. I finally made my decision. I would highly recommend for your next trailer go too NC trailer sales.
Keith B.
02:54 07 Feb 25
After searching many sites, I settled on calling NC Trailers of Thomasville, NC. Zach was very helpful over the phone answering my questions. After I decided on a trailer I drove 3 1/2 hours to arrive at their location only 30 minutes before they closed. They didn’t mind my late arrival or staying to complete the sale. I changed my mind on the trailer I wanted and Shaun was very quick to redo all the paperwork for the sale. Noah was also helpful in going over the trailer with me and answering questions I had. And thank you Tammy for saving me a trip to NCDMV, at NC Trailers they can do your DMV registration and you leave with tags already installed. The trailer pulled smoothly all the home.
Jenny D
00:33 11 Dec 24
Tyler at NC trailers was knowledgeable, helpful & communicated well. Tyler made getting the replacement part I needed hassle free. Thanks again!
Stephen J.
18:46 09 Dec 24
What a great place to purchase a trailer!! Such a huge inventory and very competitive pricing. My sales representative was Zach and he really went over the top to satisfy what I wanted. Shaun handled my contract and was super efficient as with Tammy, who handled my DMV paperwork. Many thumbs up to this great group!!Thanks so very much!!
Frederick H.
10:06 07 Dec 24
Bought a Landscaping trailer from them 5 years ago. Great trailer! They service and have parts in stock! Went and seen Tyler for parts the other day and he's very knowledgeable and friendly. Would recommend these guys to anyone! Dec 2024 Update: This is my second review. Lol. I some new HD axles installed on a trailer back in the spring and they are holding up GREAT! Thanks Tyler again for your sales work and Wes for an amazing flawless install! Great knowledgeable crew here!
Stephanie N James R
03:44 07 Dec 24
This company was great! Zach showed us great options, and helped us pick the perfect trailer for our needs. Shawn explained all of the extra packages we could add to it, and finalized the contract. Tammy did a great job at making sure we had our title, tag,and registration taken care of. And, Ryan and Noah got us hooked up and ready to go. Because they have an on-site parts and service department they were able to install the needed brake controller the our truck wasn't equipped with. Wonderful place. Will definitely recommend!
william C.
20:34 27 Nov 24
This is my second Trailer I bought from NC Trailers. Everyone that helped me went above and beyond with their service.Sales- ShancieFinance- ShawnDMV/paperwork- TammyHookup-Ryan & Noah.Their Service department helped me out a week later too.

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