| Pickup trucks and SUVs with trailer hitches have a | | | | Class-5 trailer hitches are the strongest, with a pulling |
| wide range of uses. They can pull boats, campers, | | | | capacity of over 10,000 pounds. |
| cargo trailers and a number of other items. There are | | | | Most pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles have ball |
| several types of trailer hitches. Most pickup trucks | | | | trailer hitches. The hitch consists of a metal ball that |
| have what is called a ball trailer hitch. Other types of | | | | attaches to a socket on the cargo. Larger trailer hitch |
| trailer hitches are gooseneck trailer hitches and fifth | | | | balls can usually support more weight than smaller balls. |
| wheel hitches. | | | | Ball trailer hitches are more versatile than many other |
| It is important to have a strong enough truck to haul | | | | types and can be used to haul small cargo trailers, |
| whatever is connected to the trailer hitch. The truck | | | | boats, and some campers. |
| must have enough engine strength to build up | | | | Gooseneck trailer hitches also use a ball, but they are |
| momentum to pull the trailer. This is why you very | | | | attached to the truck differently. Gooseneck trailer |
| rarely see cars equipped with trailer hitches. | | | | hitches are attached to the top of the truckbed, rather |
| Trailer hitches must be installed correctly to the truck | | | | than at the bumper. |
| or the entire hitch rig can come off, leaving the cargo | | | | Fifth wheel trailer hitches are the strongest type of |
| behind. Usually, the hitch is mounted on a type of | | | | trailer hitch. They can be used to carry heavy cargo. |
| bumper that must be installed under the tailgate. The | | | | Heavy-duty cargo trucks usually employ fifth wheel |
| strength of this rig determines how much weight the | | | | hitches. |
| hitch can handle. Different classes can pull different | | | | Trailer hitches allow trucks to haul cargo. Without the |
| amounts of weight. Class-1 trailer hitches are the | | | | proper type of hitch, it would be impossible to attach |
| weakest; they can usually pull up to 2000 pounds. | | | | and pull a trailer. |