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Getting Hitched

Author: Brett Becker
Trailer hitches come in four classes, from I through IV, and two different types: weight-carrying and weight-distributing. Before you can buy the right hitch, you must know the combined weight of the boat and trailer, called gross trailer weight (GTW). From that, you can determine your tongue weight -- the downward force exerted on the hitch ball -- which is usually 10 to 15 percent of GTW. You also must know your vehicle's towing capacity, available from most hitch dealers and installers.
Below are explanations for weight limitations and uses of each hitch class.

Hotel Booking Weight-carrying hitches
This hitch type supports the trailer tongue as if it were luggage located at the hitch ball.
Class I -- Designed for use with compact and subcompact cars, Class I hitches can carry up to 2,000 pounds GTW with a tongue weight of 200 pounds. Light-duty receiver-style hitches are available in this class and work well for PWCs and small boats.
Class II -- Ideal for midsize cars and small pickup trucks, Class II hitches carry up to 3,500 pounds GTW with a tongue weight of 300 pounds. Many small runabouts fall into this weight category.
Class III -- Depending on a vehicle's towing capacity, this style hitch can be used with midsize cars, small pickups, minivans or full-size trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles. It can carry from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds GTW with a 10-percent tongue weight. Larger runabouts and deck boats commonly require this hitch style.

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Travel Agency Weight-distributing hitches
This hitch applies leverage between the trailer and tow vehicle and effectively distributes tongue weight to all tow vehicle and trailer wheels.
Class III -- Designed to tow up to 4,000 pounds and handle a 350-pound tongue weight, this hitch type is often a good idea if you don't want to torture the rear springs of your tow vehicle.
Class IV -- If you need this hitch, you have one big boat, and hopefully one giant tow vehicle. This hitch can handle from 5,000 to 12,000 GTW and tongue weights up to 1,200 pounds. For boats bigger than this, you need an 18-wheeler.

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