How to Choose a Trailer Hitch for a Trailer

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Question:

I am looking for a hitch that will fit on the rear of my camper.

asked by: Jerry B

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I may have an option that will work for you, however the Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Class V Hitch, # 41947, is a custom fit hitch designed for full size pickup trucks. Frames on trailers are typically wider than frames on vehicles and the frame width can differ between trailer manufacturers. Because of this, trailer hitch manufacturers offer adjustable width trailer hitches. Unfortunately there are no custom fit trailer hitches for certain makes and models of trailers.

Before selecting a trailer hitch for your trailer, I recommend contacting your trailer manufacturer to identify the weight capacity for a trailer hitch on your camper. The weight capacity of a hitch equivalent to a Class V hitch is likely way more than a camper trailer can handle. Most specialty trailer hitches for RVs and trailers do not have towing capacities greater than 5,000 lbs.

After determining the appropriate weight capacity, you will want to measure the width of your frame rails at the rear of the trailer. We have many different trailer hitch options for you to choose from, but choosing the correct hitch for you will depend on the width of your frame as well as the weight capacity.

Two trailer hitches that I would recommend looking at are the Curt Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch, # 13703, or # C13701. The Curt hitch # 13703 will fit frame widths between 22 inches and 72 inches, but it does have a lower weight capacity of 3,500 lbs GTW and 350 lbs TW. The Curt hitch, # C13701, will fit frame widths between 18 inches and 51 inches and it has higher weight capacities of 5,000 lbs GTW and 500 lbs TW. These are both bolt-on trailer hitches and have a universal design to fit different frame types such as C-channel, I-beam and box channel. I have attached the installation instructions for these hitches for you to check out.

If you would still like a trailer hitch with a higher weight capacity, we do have weld-on trailer hitches like the Draw-Tite Class IV Weld-On Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch, # 41991-07, with a 16,000 lbs GTW and a 1,600 lbs TW. These types of trailer hitches were primarily designed for service body trucks and utility trucks, so it would be up to the installer to determine a safe way to install the hitch on your trailer.

expert reply by: John H

1

Answer 1

The issue you are describing is actually not terribly uncommon. Occasionally, a newly installed trailer hitch will come very close or make contact with a vehicle's exhaust system, even when everything is installed properly. We actually have…

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Answer 2

The inside dimension of the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13392 is 3-1/4" which you can see in the photo below.

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Answer 3

I can certainly understand just wanting to replace one part of your trailer hitch receiver lock, but those locks do not have replacement parts, so you are going to have to replace the entire lock. The correct one is going to depend on the size of…

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Answer 4

The Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver part #24966 is a confirmed fit for your 2017 Toyota Prius Prime and will work well for you. The Draw-Tite Sportframe is a Class I hitch with a 1-1/4" receiver tube opening. In order to keep dirt…

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

Hey Mark, so the correct Blue Ox base plate kit to use with the Blue Ox Ascent tow bar part #BX4375. is the part #BLU53FR. For lighting you can use #C96JR, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing as this plugs inline with the…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 9

Hey Dave, so the best option for carrying your carbon frame bike and e-bike is the Swagman Escapee part #S39SR with the ramp #S59SR . It has the capacity for carrying an e-bike, is rated for travel trailer use, only touches the bikes by the tires…

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Answer 10

RV manufacturers will typically just turn the handle 180 degrees for other orientation and the deadbolt will just be on the opposite side of the plunger. If your deadbolt sits above the plunger on yours and the cutout hole is 2-1/2" to 3"…

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Answer 11

I reached out to Hollywood Racks, and they confirmed that the Sport Rider SE, part #HLY84FR is compatible with motorhome RVs, but not with a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or towed vehicle.

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Answer 12

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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