Towing Accessories

Understanding the different classes of hitches is a critical step in selecting the proper components for your towing setup. Selecting the right class of towing hitch will make sure you have a secure and safe towing experience. Here we have given an overview of the different types and classes of towing hitches for your convenience and to help you make an informed hitch selection.

• Class I
• Class II
• Class III & IV
• Class V
• Fifth Wheels
• Goosenecks

Class I Hitch: 2,000 lbs. GTW

Class I Hitches are the lightest type of trailer hitch and are rated up to 2,000 lbs. GTW and 200 lbs. maximum tongue weight. They are made to handle light-duty hauling equipment. The Class I hitch is often available in a draw-bar type architecture or step bumper type hitch. Some hitch under this weight category also comes with a crossbar and a 1 inch to 1-1/2 inch square tube receiver, or a small 2"x 5/8" receiver. A Class I Hitch is usually used on smaller cars, SUVs and minivans to carry bike racks, camping equipment and other light-duty cargo.

Class I Hitches are available from the following manufacturers:

Draw-Tite | Hidden Hitch | Pro Series | Westin

Class II Hitch: 3,500 lbs. GTW

Class II Trailer Hitch is manufactured to carry loads up to 3,500 lbs. and features a 300 lbs. tongue weight. The Class II weight category can carry small to medium equipment such as camper, boat, snowmobile, and boat trailers. Class II Hitches are specifically made for larger cars, SUVs and full –size trucks.

Class II Hitches are available from the following manufacturers:

Draw-Tite | Hidden Hitch | Pro Series | Smittybilt

Class III Hitch: 3,500-5,000 lbs. GTW | Class IV Hitch: 5,000-14,000 lbs. GTW

Class III and Class IV hitches are generally known as the average hitch type for Towing. These weight classes can accommodate up to 5,000 lbs. Gross Towing Weight (GTW) for Class III and 10,000 GTW for Class IV with a tongue weight of 500 lbs. for the former and 1,000 to 1,200 lbs. for the latter. Class III is perfect for mid-size trucks while their Class IV counterpart is suitable for full size trucks and vans.

Class III/IV Hitches are available from the following manufacturers:

Draw-Tite | Hidden Hitch | Reese | Warn | Westin

Class V Hitch: 18,000 lbs. GTW

Class V Trailer Hitch is typically a weight distributing hitch and can carry an extreme load greater than 10,000 GTW. With its 1,200 lbs. tongue weight, the Class V Trailer Hitch is a must have for trucks that performs heavy duty hauling. The Class V hitch has a 2½" receiver with a ¾" pinhole. Class V Trailer Hitches are usually used in Towing a car or horse trailer and even campers or large boats.

Class V Hitches are available from the following manufacturers:

B&W | Draw-Tite | Reese

Fifth Wheel Hitch: Up to 24,000 lbs. GTW

Fifth Wheel Hitch is used to carry heavy trailers and uses a kingpin that acts as the connector between the fifth wheel and the trailer. This kind of Towing equipment can carry much greater load compared to a typical trailer hitch. The Fifth Wheel Hitch attaches to the bed of the truck unlike other trailer hitch that attaches to the rear bumper. When installed, the trailer weight is pressed down to the truck's bed. With this feature, it is possible for the Fifth Wheel Hitch to carry large and heavy loads.

Fifth Wheel Hitches are available from the following manufacturers:

Advance | Blue Ox | B&W | Go Industries | Reese

Gooseneck Hitch: 25,000-30,000 lbs. GTW

The Gooseneck Hitch is created to be used in large trucks and borrows some features from the Fifth Wheel Hitch. A gooseneck hitch is composed of a hitch ball and coupler compared to the Fifth Wheel Hitch's kingpin. Towing livestock and horse trailers are perfect when using the Gooseneck Hitch. Goosenecks are available in different set up; there are above and below the bed configurations that both lessen the obstruction on the pickup's bed thus making full use of truck's rear when not Towing.

Gooseneck Hitches are available from the following manufacturers:

Blue Ox | B&W | Draw-Tite | Reese

Industry Leading Brands

4 Wheel Online provides essential towing components for both commercial and private customers, everything from hitches and goosenecks to fifth-wheels and wiring kits. Accessorize your towing to have it perform exactly how you want, at prices that fit any wallet, with authentic quality that you can rely on. The towing brand names that 4 Wheel Online provides are the most sought-after industry leaders, so you can expect high quality components at absolute rock-bottom prices. Shopping for towing components at 4 Wheel Online makes building your towing kit less complicated and more convenient since everything you need is here, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Searching for quality and versatility in towing components? Towing components such as towing hitches, towing mounts, towing receivers and fifth wheel hitches are the answer to whatever towing application you require. These are "must-buy" towing components for the driver who values safety, functionality and ease of use.

Among others, safety has always been a primary consideration when towing wide or heavy loads. Now, those loads can be negotiated with not only tough towing components, but also with parts that wont compromise the aesthetics of your truck. Hidden hitches are available to keep your truck looking tight, and a large selection of tube caps and covers will keep your towing rig looking 'finished' when not in use.

Don't overlook the necessity of upgrading your suspension package if you plan on doing a lot of hauling of large or heavy loads. Our towing supplies are tough and affordable but wont serve their best function if your suspension package is not up to the task. 4 Wheel Online has the most comprehensive suspension selection to help you to secure a long-lasting high-quality towing setup that will never let you down.

Articles & Reviews

Blue Ox Provides Quality Accessories For Off Road Blue Ox is one of the leading manufacturers of hitches, brake systems, steering stabilizers and towing equipment for a wide range of vehicles. The company has focused on equipment that allows you to tow your RV. All these products are designed with great attention to detail, using the best and most reliable materials available. This improves longevity making them perfect for those constantly on the road.

Installing the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution Hitch The Blue Ox SwayPro weight distribution hitch is built for those who want their trailers to stay in place and not sway when driving through difficult terrains. The Blue Ox SwayPro is a little bit difficult to install and requires prior technical skills to be done right and avoid any injuries. Below is the complete step-by-step guide to installing this hitch on your trailer.