Travel Trailer Hitch Installation - Step By Step Guide

If you're looking to install a travel trailer hitch, it's entirely possible to do it by yourself at home, but before you get started, make sure you have all the tools and equipment necessary to complete the task.

There are many aspects to consider when it comes to understanding hitches and the tow limit of your vehicle. The most important is knowing the capacity of your tow vehicle and not overloading this weight limit. Your travel trailer should fall within the weight limit of what your car can pull, and your tow hitch should have the same limit.

How Much Weight Can My Tow Vehicle Handle?

Your car's capacity is based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) minus the curb weight of your car (the weight without cargo or passengers), which is not always the same as the towing capacity suggested by the manufacturer. To find out what capacity your vehicle has for towing, have a look at the VIN (vehicle identification number) sticker on your car.

This sticker should include information regarding the curb weight, tongue weight, and GCWR. While this won't give you the exact weight your car can tow, it will provide you with enough information to work it out yourself. Working it out will be the GCWR with the curb weight removed and the weight of all passengers and cargo joining the ride.

We also have a calculator that shows how much every make and model of vehicle can tow - just select your vehicle from the drop-down, and you will have your answer.

What Are The Different Types of Tow Hitch?

Trailer hitches come in various styles, all with different purposes. To narrow your search for the correct type of hitch, we've listed them below, along with their purpose.

Remember, if you already have a trailer and are just looking for the hitch, you will choose one depending on the kind of connection your trailer has.

  • Rear Receiver Hitch: Attached to the rear frame of your vehicle, this is the most common type of hitch, and the weight rating changes depending on the class.
  • Front Mount Hitch: Very similar to the rear receiver, this is attached to the vehicle's front frame. This kind of hitch is useful for winches, installing a snow plow, or mounting a spare tire.
    You might also use a front mount hitch with a boat trailer - not to tow it on the road, but to better control the trailer when launching the boat. This kind of hitch would not be the option to go for when choosing a trailer hitch for travel purposes.
  • 5th Wheel Hitch: This is only for pickup truck drivers. Mounted in the truck's bed, this heavy-duty hitch can tow large capacities. It's capable of loading a large camper or car hauler, and is a good choice if you're looking for travel trailers that are somewhat bigger, like an RV, and mount over the load bed. This is a common hitch used by Forest River for their RVs.
  • Gooseneck Hitch: Similar to the 5th wheel hitch, this is also installed into the bed of a pickup. It's one of the most popular choices because it does not limit the use of your pickup when not towing something because it's much more discreet in the truck bed. They're usually capable of towing large weights, up to 30,000 lbs. You'll be able to tow your RV with this hitch, but double-check that your vehicle can handle it.
  • Pintle Hitch: With some of the highest weight ratings out of all the hitches, these are usually reserved for heavy-duty, commercial towing.
  • Bumper Hitch: Unintrusive, this hitch attaches to your car's bumper; the one drawback is this hitch's capacity. It is only capable of towing smaller loads than many other hitch options.
  • Weight Distribution Hitch: The most popular choice for RV towers, this hitch distributes the weight of the trailer across itself and the tow vehicle, so there is not one connection point under strain. This is the most stable type of hitch to drive with; it's gentler on the tow vehicle and makes it easier to steer.

Choosing the Right Trailer Hitch for Your Needs

Finding out the towing capacity of the tow vehicle is essential to safe towing. The weight of your tow combined with the weight of your vehicle must not be greater than the combined capacity of your motor vehicle.

With this in mind, look at the weight of your camper or RV to measure what kind of hitch you require. To install the incorrect hitch could be catastrophic, so knowing what is needed to pull your trailer is the most important part of choosing the correct hitch.

Knowing whether your trailer has an I-beam, or a C-channel connection will also dictate what kind of traveling you can do and what you can tow. An I-beam connection will give you peace of mind in its sturdiness, but there is the possibility of it twisting when under pressure.

How to Attach a Hitch to a Travel Trailer

Step 0: This isn't step one because, before doing anything, you must read the instructions. Do not start anything until you have thoroughly read and understood the steps below. Keep them handy throughout the installation, but read them before you even pick up a spanner.

Step 1: Start small. Getting all of your tools ready before you begin the installation will save you time, effort, and irritation. Keep your tools handy to make the job go as quickly as possible.

Step 2: Keep your safety in mind, always. Check your front wheels and ensure you're never at risk of being hit by or crushed by your vehicle. This could mean you need to jack your car up to ensure you have the space to work safely and see what you're doing. At the same time, ensure you have enough light to see properly, and if necessary, set up a bright light for yourself.

Step 3: Prep your car. Remove the spare tire and any other add-ons that could get in the way. If the instructions say you need to remove a bolt here and there or a plug, follow the instructions given with the hitch you purchased.

Step 4: Have someone help you hold and position the hardware while installing it. The equipment can be very heavy, and attempting to do the installation completely alone could be hazardous.

Step 5: Once everything is aligned and your hitch is in place, hand-tighten the bolts to keep everything in place before you continue and fully tighten the bolts. This will make all the difference in your process if you make a mistake because you won't need to go through the process of loosening and removing tightened bolts.

Step 6: Once you have checked that all the corresponding bolts link and that the hitch is properly attached, fully tighten the bolts to secure the hitch in place. It is always best to double-check the attachment before hooking up your trailer; place the hitch under enough pressure to know that it will survive towing an RV or trailer in any conditions.

Safety Checks

  1. Grab a helper to stand behind your vehicle while you check your wiring connection. They will be able to tell you if there are any faulty lights so that you can sort out any issues before you hit the road.
  2. Make sure your hitch is properly connected to your trailer. Include the safety chains required by law in a criss-cross pattern under the coupler to form a safety hammock underneath it.
  3. Weight distribution is essential. If your trailer is packed too heavily at the rear end, there is a high possibility of swinging, or even crashing or rolling the vehicle if the trailer becomes uncontrollable.

Tips for First Time Towers

Folks who are unfamiliar with towing a vehicle might find a learning curve in driving with a trailer. You're no longer only thinking about the safety of just your vehicle; you're taking into account the length of the trailer, the tow vehicle, and other cars. Here are some tips to help you stay safe on your journey:

  • Leave more room between you and the car in front of you than you would without a trailer. Whatever you pull will add weight and momentum to your tow vehicle, meaning you will need to leave more room to have space to stop safely.
  • Check the weather: The weather along your route could impact the way you drive, including your speed and your approach to obstacles.
  • Be cautious of trailer sway: At the first sign that your trailer is swinging dangerously, slow your speed drastically. A weight distribution hitch will help minimize the possibility of trailer swing, but the correct equipment will also help in this regard. If necessary, look at getting a brake controller for emergencies.
  • Remember the length of your vehicle: Now that you have added an RV or something similar, your car is __much __longer. You will need to be aware of this and cautious when turning, changing lanes, or passing somebody on the highway. Many people find trailer mirrors particularly helpful with this.
  • Only drive into places where there is space for you to maneuver your car and the trailer.
  • Enjoy the ride: You'll need to learn to enjoy the journey as much as the destination because you'll be driving much slower than you would if you were without a trailer!

FAQs

Can I install a trailer hitch myself?

It's entirely possible to install a trailer hitch by yourself. Remember that many hitches are not designed for smaller vehicles, so as long as you have the tools necessary and understand the capabilities of your car, there is no reason you wouldn't be able to do an at-home job that is up to standard.

Can I put a trailer hitch on my travel trailer?

Check the laws in your area before you start attempting to double-tow from a trailer. In some states, it is illegal to tow more than one trailer at a time.

Do you need a special hitch for a travel trailer?

Your hitch will be determined by the size of your vehicle and trailer, as well as what kind of connection your trailer requires. The limitations of your tow vehicle will dictate what kind of connection to use. Certain types of RVs require a pickup truck because of their design; this is an instance where your vehicle will have to be equipped specifically for the camper requirements.

What are the five types of trailer hitch?

Bumper, weight distribution, 5th wheel, gooseneck, and pintle are the five main types of hitch available.

Final Thoughts

There are many elements to consider when it comes to finding a trailer hitch that will match your needs.

The possibilities are endless when you invest in a good travel trailer for you and your family. You are only limited by how far you're willing to drive. With a little bit of research and knowing what your needs are for your trailer and vehicle, you'll be able to attach a hitch to your vehicle independently.

Anyone is capable of doing their own hitch installation with barely any training or practice. Ensure you're using the correct equipment sizes and following the instructions step-by-step, and you'll be on your way in no time.

References:

https://www.curtmfg.com/

https://www.travelingmom.com/towing-a-trailer/

https://togorv.com/rv-living/hitching-your-trailer/

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