What Your Need to Know About Trailer Hitches
Having a trailer hitch installation performed on your vehicle can significantly increase its overall utility. The job, however, requires you to fully understand what you're asking of your car, truck, or SUV. Let's take a look at some of the things folks who offer trailer hitch installation services want their customers to know in advance.
Classifications
Trailer hitches are broken up into five different classifications, denoted by Roman numerals. Class I and II are built for loads of 2,000 and 3,500 pounds respectively. Classes III, IV, and V are designed for use with loads of 5,000, 10,0000, and 16,000 pounds respectively. In order to go higher, most states will require you to utilize a fifth wheel hitch.
The towing capacity of your vehicle matters, too. In addition to your ride's own weight, you need to calculate the total strain that's going to be exerted on the motor and determine whether the engine will handle it. You do not want to have a head gasket blow out on you while pulling thousands of pounds up a steep hill, so always try to be realistic about what your vehicle can pull.
Compatibility Needs
Most models of trailer hitches are designed for compatibility. The ball component that accompanies the rig can be swapped out, in case you're dealing with a trailer that requires a bigger ball to ensure the highest level of possible contact.
A hitch can be added to most vehicles. Attachment points have to be found along the frame, and a Google search should yield instructions for working with your model of car, truck, or SUV. It's not a bad idea, though, to contact the trailer hitch installation services provider in advance to ask them about adding a hitch to your specific vehicle. As with most automotive work, you should know the year, make, and model of your ride before asking about work. It's also helpful if you know what type of engine it has, as towing capacity will be indicated by it.
Invest in Brakes
Adding more weight to your vehicle makes it harder to control, and nothing is more important to the process than ensuring you have the braking power required to bring it all to a stop on a downslope. Even if you have a heavy-duty pickup, have the brakes inspected prior to attaching a trailer. Wiring that runs to the trailer's brakes should be checked, too.
Contact a business like Mann's Welding West Inc for more information about trailer hitch installation.