bing tracking image

banner

Types of Trailer Hitches: When and why to use each

So, you’re interested in towing, that’s great! While I’m sure you’re in a hurry to load up your trailer, pack up your RV, rig your boat, or whatever else you might be towing; there are a few things you need before you can hit the road. The first thing you need is the right trailer hitch for your vehicle. There are several different types of hitches, and we are going to cover what they specialize in and which type of hitch will meet your specific needs. The hitch types we will cover here are:
  • Rear Receiver Hitch - A general usage hitch that can attach to the back of most vehicles and tow anything from cargo carriers and bike racks all the way to trailers or campers
  • Weight Distribution Hitch - A special attachment to a rear receiver hitch that allows it to tow heavier items more safely and securely.
  • Front Mount Hitch - A hitch that attaches to the front of a vehicle to mount things like plows or winches
  • Fifth Wheel Hitch - A heavy-duty in-bed hitch designed to tow fifth wheel campers
  • Gooseneck Hitch - A primarily industrial/commercial in-bed hitch that can tow large flatbed and livestock trailers designed to be compatible with it
  • Pintle Hitch - A hitch that uses a unique design to tow extremely large items, used almost exclusively in commercial, agricultural, and industrial environments
  • Bumper Hitch - A hitch that attaches directly to the bumper of your vehicle for light items (make sure your bumper is able to handle weight before applying!)
Which Hitch is Right for Me? (And a Word of Caution)
Which trailer hitch is best for you will vary greatly depending on what you need to use it for. Rest assured though, whether you are looking to simply free up room in the cabin of your vehicle with a cargo carrier, or you are looking to tow a massive cattle trailer, there is a hitch suited perfectly for your needs.
When making your decision, you should always consider the weight capability of the towing vehicle, as well as the hitch, to avoid damaging your vehicle, your hitch, or your trailer. When finding exactly how much you can tow, you need to use your LOWEST rated component. (For example, a 20k pound hitch on a 10k pound vehicle can only tow 10k pounds.)
Be safe and happy towing!

Rear Receiver Hitch

If you have seen a hitch at all, it is likely that you have seen a rear receiver hitch. This is the most common type for general users. What this hitch brings to the table is versatility. It attaches to the back of almost any vehicle, directly onto the frame. Rear receiver hitches are often vehicle specific! Make sure you check out our fitguide to find one that fits your vehicle. One thing to note is that rear receiver hitches come in 5 separate classes depending on towing capacity (labeled I-V), I being the lightest (perfect for things like your bike rack or cargo carrier) all the way up to V, which has a maximum towing capacity approaching 20,000 lbs. for more demanding uses, such as larger campers, utility trailers, or livestock trailers.This is a great general-usage hitch and will be a perfect fit for many who don’t have to tow heavy-duty items. Typically seen on:
  • Cars
  • Trucks
  • Vans
  • SUVs
Typically used for:
  • Bike Racks
  • Cargo Carriers
  • Trailers/Campers
rear hitch
rear receiver hitch
rear receiver hitch

Weight Distribution Hitch

weight distribution hitch attached
weight distribution hitch
A weight distribution hitch doesn’t attach directly to the vehicle, but instead to a rear receiver hitch like we mentioned above. However, it is still classified by some as a type of hitch and can be extremely helpful depending on what you want to tow. A weight distribution hitch is sometimes necessary, particularly if the trailer weight is more than 50% of the towing vehicle's weight or if indicated in the owner's manual of your vehicle. The weight distribution hitch uses spring bars to leverage the point of the connection, distributing the tongue weight across the towing vehicle and the trailer, and taking that weight off the rear of the towing vehicle and allowing it to steer more effectively. It also can reduce sway and keep your trailer level. A weight distribution hitch is a great way to ensure that you will be safe when towing a large trailer or camper.For more information on choosing the right weight distribution hitch, see our article Confidently Choose Your Weight Distribution Hitch - Here's 5 tips.Typically seen on:
  • Trucks
  • Large SUVs
Typically used for:
  • Large travel trailers
  • Anything weighing more than 50% of the towing vehicle's weight

Front Mount Hitch

A front mount hitch is very similar to the rear-receiver hitch in design, and like the rear receiver hitch, it attaches to the frame of your vehicle. The biggest difference is that it attaches to the front of your vehicle.This attachment is useful for cargo carriers, spare tire mounts, winches, or snow plows, and can even be used to park trailers into small spaces in a pinch. They're great for if you're towing something with a rear hitch, but still want the convenience of an extra cargo carrier.Front mounted hitches do not follow the same grading scale as rear-mounted receiver hitches however. Make sure to double check that your hitch can handle what you need to haul before you get started to avoid damage to your vehicle. Front Mount hitches are custom-fit for your vehicle; consult our fitguide to find one that is compatible with your vehicle!Typically seen on:
  • Trucks
  • SUVs
Typically used for:
  • Winches
  • Snow plows
  • Spare tire mounts
  • Bike Racks
front mount hitch
front mount hitch

Fifth Wheel Hitch

fifth wheel attached
fifth wheel hitch
The first heavy-duty in-bed hitch on this list, the fifth wheel hitch is used for campers that have a specific fifth wheel hitch hookup. This is the only type of hitch designed to tow a fifth-wheel camper. Some fifth wheel hitches can tow up to 30,000 lbs. But it is best to consult your individual vehicle and hitch specs before you begin. The kit necessary to install fifth wheel hitches are usually custom fit for the truck, so make sure to look at our fitguide before deciding which to purchase.Fifth wheel hitches mount directly over the rear axle of the vehicle, so the truck can tow larger loads more easily. However, the fifth wheel design comes with some drawbacks. This type of hitch can only be used with pickup trucks, and it severely limits the usability of your truck bed unless removed, even when you’re not towing. It is worth noting that the hitch can be removed in order to free up bed space. But it is often rather difficult and can require multiple people.While the drawbacks can seem somewhat limiting, the fifth wheel hitch is a great choice for towing a fifth wheel camper, because its complex design and functionality allows it to tow large items easily and will ensure a stable and quiet ride. It's also just a great choice if you want a roomy fifth wheel camper!Typically seen on:
  • Large trucks
Typically used for:
  • Fifth wheel campers

Gooseneck Hitch

A gooseneck hitch is another heavy-duty in-bed hitch and is like a fifth wheel hitch in many ways. It is only usable in pickup trucks, attaches over the rear axle for more towing capacity, and sits inside of the truck bed. This type of trailer is primarily used for livestock trailers, large flatbeds, and many other commercial or industrial uses. What makes the gooseneck the workhorse that it is are the differences. It is minimally invasive, meaning that the truck bed can retain most or all its previous functionality even when towing. It’s also a good deal more affordable than a fifth-wheel hitch and is generally simpler to operate. The gooseneck hitch doesn’t do as well handling particularly tall trailers or campers, as they offer less stability than a fifth wheel hitch. While this hitch is very similar to the fifth-wheel hitch, it's application is significantly different. And rarely will you be in a situation where you're choosing one or the other. It is worth mentioning that fifth wheel trailers can be fitted with a gooseneck adapter which allows them to be towed with a gooseneck hitch (read about them here) however this isn't generally the case. Consult our fitguide to find a gooseneck hitch that is compatible with your truck. Typically seen on:
  • Large trucks
Typically used for:
  • Large flatbed trailers
  • Livestock trailers
  • Horse trailers
gooseneck attached
gooseneck hitch
pintle hitch attached
pintle hitch attached
pintle hitch attached

Pintle Hitch

A pintle hitch is similar in functionality to the rear receiver hitch. In fact, certain kinds of pintle hitches are attached to a rear receiver hitch. However, they are also regularly mounted directly to the frame of large commercial trucks.What makes the pintle hitch stand out is its hook-like design.The “hook” (called the pintle) wraps around a ring (called the lunette) that is located on the trailer itself. This offers much greater towing power than a more standard “ball and socket” attachment that other common hitches utilize. This design difference means that while the pintle hitch is noisier than a standard hitch, it has drastically higher towing ratings, sometimes even up to 60,000 lbs. Pintle hitches are mostly used in large industrial settings or construction to haul massive payloads and see very little recreational use. Typically seen on:
  • Commercial trucks
  • Large industrial vehicles
Typically used for:
  • Large commercial trailers
  • Industrial hauling

Bumper Hitch

A bumper hitch is a less commonly used hitch with a square receiver tube, not unlike the rear receiver hitch. However, this hitch mounts directly to the bumper of the vehicle. While installation is much simpler than other hitch types, the fact that the hitch is not anchored by the frame of the vehicle means that it has significantly reduced weight capability. It is important to make sure your bumper can handle whatever you're towing. You can usually find your bumper's weight capacity stamped on the bumper or on a sticker located on the bumper itself.Bumper hitches are common if you want to add a cargo rack or bicycle rack to the back of your RV.This is the least of the hitches in terms of weight capability, but if you are looking to haul a few lightweight items, such as bicycle racks or cargo carriers, this can be the perfect low-cost option. Typically seen on:
  • Campers or RVs without a rear receiver hitch
Typically used for:
  • Bike racks
  • Cargo carriers
bumper hitch attached
bumper hitch
my photo
About Jacob J.To say that my path to etrailer was complicated would be an understatement. I have always had a passion for helping others, and throughout my education and career as a social worker or community liaison, I have loved writing as a hobby. When I found etrailer and was given the opportunity to turn something I enjoyed doing into a career that helped people access information and products they need to live the best life they possibly could, I was instantly interested. I am a lover of the outdoors, have been loading and unloading trailers since I before I was old enough to drive them, and have spent my recent years working in and around the automotive industry. And I am excited to share all of the things I have learned (more often than not the hard way).I consider myself a perpetual student, and etrailer gives me the opportunity to learn something new every day and share my findings with others. Which is something I am extremely grateful for. I look forward to continuing to help my neighbors find the answers they need to make memories for a lifetime.
Related ArticlesRelated ProductsWritten by: Jacob J
Last Updated: 7/28/2022

Mike

2/2/2023

On the eTrailer website, it is stated that a gooseneck adapter (NOT the Goosebox) is only for very limited or even one time short usage, and also the frame warranty (usually Lippert) will be voided if there is any frame damage due to this usage. On the other hand, the Goosebox is the only gooseneck type hitch approved by Lippert and will NOT void the frame warranty. In addition, there are 260 reviews (5 star average) on eTrailer for the Goosebox and I could not find a single complaint or comment regarding reduced stability compared to a traditional pinbox and 5th wheel hitch. So if there is any differences regarding stability, either nobody notices or it just doesn't exist.

Mike

1/27/2023

Generally agree with this info, however I would take exception to the statement "The gooseneck hitch doesn’t do as well handling particularly tall trailers or campers, as they offer less stability than a fifth wheel hitch." I tow my 15k Montana with a 1 dually Ram and a B&W Turnover ball with a Reese 20k Goosebox. I can assure you that it is quite stable! Gooseneck adapters are to be avoided for 5th wheel use. I would argue that a proper gooseneck setup (like mine) has an advantage from a stability standpoint in the the weight of the 5th wheel (pin weight) in attached to the truck down much lower in the bed...essentially right on the frame.

Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

1/28/2023

We feel that a fifth wheel is a bit more stable for taller trailers due to the fifth wheel hitch having a larger contact point between the underside of the pin box and the skid plate on the hitch.

Mark

1/31/2023

@MikeL Part of Mike’s feeling of stability might come from the 1 ton dually tow vehicle? “Dually” being the key word. We haul horses and our first truck was a dually. Our present truck is a 3/4 ton -not a dually. I immediately noticed a slight difference in the two trucks when the horses moved. Duals verse two rear wheels were noticeably different for me. As you said- “larger contact point..” makes a difference.
Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

1/31/2023

Good point, Mark, thanks for chiming in!
See All (6) Replies to Mike ∨

James

1/27/2023

You did not mention articulating hitches for use pulling camping trailers off-road

Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

1/27/2023

We'll pass your request along to our help article folks!


Departments

Towing

Sports and Recreation

Trailer Parts

Vehicle

What our customers are saying:

"Easy place to shop. Fast delivery and great products. Very happy with my purchase."

Ed
Boynton Beach, FL

Popular Vehicles