Written by: Jacob J

Last updated: 7/25/2024

Est. read time: 10 mins.

Types of Trailer Hitches: When and why to use each

So, you’re interested in towing, that’s great! While I’m sure you’re in a hurry to load up your trailer, pack up your RV, rig your boat, or whatever else you might be towing; there are a few things you need before you can hit the road. The first thing you need is the right trailer hitch for your vehicle.

There are several different types of hitches, and we are going to cover what they specialize in and which type of hitch will meet your specific needs. The hitch types we will cover here are:

Rear Receiver Hitch - A general usage hitch that can attach to the back of most vehicles and tow anything from cargo carriers and bike racks all the way to trailers or campers
Weight Distribution Hitch - A special attachment to a rear receiver hitch that allows it to tow heavier items more safely and securely.
Front Mount Hitch - A hitch that attaches to the front of a vehicle to mount things like plows or winches
Fifth Wheel Hitch - A heavy-duty in-bed hitch designed to tow fifth wheel campers
Gooseneck Hitch - A primarily industrial/commercial in-bed hitch that can tow large flatbed and livestock trailers designed to be compatible with it
Pintle Hitch - A hitch that uses a unique design to tow extremely large items, used almost exclusively in commercial, agricultural, and industrial environments
Bumper Hitch - A hitch that attaches directly to the bumper of your vehicle for light items (make sure your bumper is able to handle weight before applying!)
Articulating Hitch - A hitch that attaches to the rear of your vehicle, and allows your trailer and towing vehicle to move independently of one another

How Do I Know What Trailer Hitch I Need? (And a Word of Caution)

Which trailer hitch is best for you will vary greatly depending on what you need to use it for. Rest assured though, whether you are looking to simply free up room in the cabin of your vehicle with a cargo carrier, or you are looking to tow a massive cattle trailer, there is a hitch suited perfectly for your needs.

When making your decision, you should always consider the weight capability of the towing vehicle, as well as the hitch, to avoid damaging your vehicle, your hitch, or your trailer. When finding exactly how much you can tow, you need to use your LOWEST rated component. (For example, a 20k-lb hitch on a vehicle rated to tow 10k lbs can only tow 10k lbs.)

Be safe and happy towing!

Rear Receiver Hitch

If you have seen a hitch at all, it is likely that you have seen a rear receiver hitch. This is the most common type for general users. What this hitch brings to the table is versatility. It attaches to the back of almost any vehicle, directly onto the frame.

Rear receiver hitches are vehicle specific! Make sure you check out our fitguide to find one that fits your vehicle.

One thing to note is that rear receiver hitches come in 5 separate classes depending on towing capacity (labeled I-V), I being the lightest (perfect for things like your bike rack or cargo carrier) all the way up to V, which has a maximum towing capacity approaching 20,000 lbs for more demanding uses, such as larger campers, utility trailers, or livestock trailers.

This is a great general-usage hitch and will be a perfect fit for many who don’t have to tow heavy-duty items.

Typically seen on:

Cars
Trucks
Vans
SUVs

Typically used for:

Bike Racks
Cargo Carriers
Trailers/Campers

Weight Distribution Hitch

A weight distribution hitch doesn’t attach directly to the vehicle, but instead to a rear receiver hitch like we mentioned above. However, it is still classified by some as a type of hitch and can be extremely helpful depending on what you want to tow.

A weight distribution hitch is sometimes necessary, particularly if the trailer weight is more than 50% of the towing vehicle's weight or if indicated in the owner's manual of your vehicle. The weight distribution hitch uses spring bars to leverage the point of the connection, distributing the tongue weight across the towing vehicle and trailer and allowing the vehicle to steer more effectively. It also can reduce sway and keep your trailer level.

For more information on choosing the right weight distribution hitch, see our article Confidently Choose Your Weight Distribution Hitch - Here's 5 tips.

Typically seen on:

Trucks
Large SUVs

Typically used for:

Large travel trailers
Anything weighing more than 50% of the towing vehicle's weight

Front Mount Hitch

A front mount hitch is very similar to the rear-receiver hitch in design, and like the rear receiver hitch, it attaches to the frame of your vehicle.

The biggest difference is that it attaches to the front of your vehicle.

This attachment is useful for cargo carriers, spare tire mounts, winches, or snow plows, and can even be used to park trailers into small spaces in a pinch. They're great if you're towing something with a rear hitch, but still want the convenience of an extra cargo carrier.

Front mounted hitches do not follow the same grading scale as rear-mounted receiver hitches however. Make sure to double check that your hitch can handle what you need to haul before you get started to avoid damage to your vehicle.

Front Mount hitches are custom-fit for your vehicle; consult our fitguide to find one that is compatible with your vehicle!

Typically seen on:

Trucks
SUVs

Typically used for:

Winches
Snow plows
Spare tire mounts
Bike Racks

Fifth-Wheel Hitch

The first in-bed hitch on this list, the fifth-wheel hitch is used for campers with a fifth-wheel hitch hookup. This is the only type of hitch designed to tow a fifth-wheel camper.

Some fifth wheel hitches can tow up to 30,000 lbs, but it is best to consult your individual vehicle and hitch specs before you begin so you don't overload your truck. The kits necessary to install fifth-wheel hitches are usually custom fit for the truck, so make sure to look at our fitguide before deciding which to purchase.

Fifth wheel hitches mount directly over the rear axle of the vehicle, so the truck can tow larger loads more easily. However, the fifth wheel design comes with some drawbacks.

This type of hitch can only be used with pickup trucks, and it severely limits the usability of your truck bed unless removed, even when you’re not towing. It is worth noting that the hitch can be removed in order to free up bed space. But it is often rather difficult and can require multiple people.

While the drawbacks can seem somewhat limiting, the fifth wheel hitch is a great choice for towing a fifth-wheel camper, because its complex design and functionality allows it to tow large items easily and will ensure a stable and quiet ride. It's also just a great choice if you want a roomy fifth wheel camper!

Typically seen on:

Large trucks

Typically used for:

Fifth wheel campers

Gooseneck Hitch

A gooseneck hitch is another heavy-duty in-bed hitch and is like a fifth wheel hitch in many ways. It is only usable in pickup trucks, attaches over the rear axle for more towing capacity, and sits inside of the truck bed. This type of trailer is primarily used for livestock trailers, large flatbeds, and many other commercial or industrial uses.

Unlike fifth-wheel hitches, gooseneck hitches are minimally invasive, meaning that the truck bed can retain most of its previous functionality even when towing. Goosenecks are also a good deal more affordable than fifth-wheel hitches and are generally simpler to hook up. The gooseneck hitch doesn’t do as well handling particularly tall trailers or campers, as it offers less stability for tall rigs than a fifth wheel hitch.

While this hitch is very similar to the fifth-wheel hitch, its application is significantly different. And rarely will you be in a situation where you're choosing one or the other. It is worth mentioning that fifth-wheel trailers can be fitted with a gooseneck adapter, which allows them to be towed with a gooseneck hitch (read about them here). Consult our fitguide to find a gooseneck hitch that is compatible with your truck.

Typically seen on:

Large trucks

Typically used for:

Large flatbed trailers
Livestock trailers
Horse trailers

Pintle Hitch

A pintle hitch is similar in functionality to the rear receiver hitch. In fact, certain kinds of pintle hitches are attached to a rear receiver hitch. However, they are also regularly mounted directly to the frame of large commercial trucks.

What makes the pintle hitch stand out is its hook-like design.

The “hook” (called the pintle) wraps around a ring (called the lunette) that is located on the trailer itself. This offers much greater towing power than a more standard “ball and socket” attachment that other common hitches utilize.

This design difference means that while the pintle hitch is noisier than a standard hitch, it has drastically higher towing ratings, sometimes even up to 60,000 lbs.

Pintle hitches are mostly used in large industrial settings or construction to haul massive payloads and see very little recreational use.

Typically seen on:

Commercial trucks
Large industrial vehicles

Typically used for:

Large commercial trailers
Industrial hauling

Bumper Hitch

A bumper hitch has a square receiver tube, not unlike the rear receiver hitch (though bumper hitches are less common). However, this type mounts directly to the vehicle's bumper.

While bumper-hitch installation is relatively simple, the fact that the hitch is not anchored by the vehicle frame means that it has significantly reduced weight capability. It is important to make sure your bumper can handle whatever you're towing. You can usually find your bumper's weight capacity stamped on the bumper or on a sticker located on the bumper itself.

These hitches typically offer the least in terms of weight capability, but if you are looking to haul a few lightweight items, such as bicycle racks or cargo carriers, this can be the perfect low-cost option. Bumper hitches can be a great option if you want to add a cargo rack or bicycle rack to the back of your RV.

Typically seen on:

Campers or RVs without a rear receiver hitch

Typically used for:

Bike racks
Cargo carriers

Articulating Hitch

One type of hitch that stands out in a big way is an articulating hitch. This piece of engineering allows your trailer and your tow vehicle to move independently of one another.

This is a great feature for a number of reasons, first and most obvious is in off-road applications. Having a setup that is rigid and doesn't contour to the landscape easily can cause your trailer to detach from your vehicle, or worse, flip entirely. This is doubly true in rough or uneven driving conditions.

This risk of disaster is minimized by an articulating hitch. Even if your trailer flips completely, your tow vehicle will be safe and so will the passengers inside.

There are some obvious complexities to the design, and as a result, it isn't as quick or easy to hook up as a rear receiver hitch. But spending that few extra seconds every hookup can mean all the difference when you avoid a disaster with the right tools for the job.

Typically seen on:

Off-roading vehicles that are taking their trailer for a bumpy ride

Typically used for:

Overlanding trailers
Teardrop campers

About Jacob J.

To say that my path to etrailer was complicated would be an understatement. I have always had a passion for helping others, and throughout my education and career as a social worker or community liaison, I have loved writing as a hobby. When I found etrailer and was given the opportunity to turn something I enjoyed doing into a career that helped people access information and products they need to live the best life they possibly could, I was instantly interested.

I am a lover of the outdoors, have been loading and unloading trailers since I before I was old enough to drive them, and have spent my recent years working in and around the automotive industry. And I am excited to share all of the things I have learned (more often than not the hard way).

I consider myself a perpetual student, and etrailer gives me the opportunity to learn something new every day and share my findings with others. Which is something I am extremely grateful for. I look forward to continuing to help my neighbors find the answers they need to make memories for a lifetime.

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Written by: Jacob J
Last Updated: 7/25/2024

Meshach

7/31/2024

We have a flatbed with what looks like in the bed a male king pin welded into bed. Flat on top notch all around. Is that a king pin? How or what do we use to adapt to a goose neck that uses a ball on a bed?

Jameson C.

7/31/2024

@Meshach You have an inverted fifth wheel hitch in the bed of your flat bed truck. It's a pretty old design that's not really supported much anymore.

Meshach

8/5/2024

@JamesonC Good to know thanks for the info I guess we going to chop that off then and put a ball for a gooseneck then.

Jameson C.

8/5/2024

@Meshach That would be your best option.

Mike

2/2/2023

On the eTrailer website, it is stated that a gooseneck adapter (NOT the Goosebox) is only for very limited or even one time short usage, and also the frame warranty (usually Lippert) will be voided if there is any frame damage due to this usage. On the other hand, the Goosebox is the only gooseneck type hitch approved by Lippert and will NOT void the frame warranty. In addition, there are 260 reviews (5 star average) on eTrailer for the Goosebox and I could not find a single complaint or comment regarding reduced stability compared to a traditional pinbox and 5th wheel hitch. So if there is any differences regarding stability, either nobody notices or it just doesn't exist.

Mike

1/27/2023

Generally agree with this info, however I would take exception to the statement "The gooseneck hitch doesn’t do as well handling particularly tall trailers or campers, as they offer less stability than a fifth wheel hitch." I tow my 15k Montana with a 1 dually Ram and a B&W Turnover ball with a Reese 20k Goosebox. I can assure you that it is quite stable! Gooseneck adapters are to be avoided for 5th wheel use. I would argue that a proper gooseneck setup (like mine) has an advantage from a stability standpoint in the the weight of the 5th wheel (pin weight) in attached to the truck down much lower in the bed...essentially right on the frame.

Mike L.

1/28/2023

We feel that a fifth wheel is a bit more stable for taller trailers due to the fifth wheel hitch having a larger contact point between the underside of the pin box and the skid plate on the hitch.

Mark

1/31/2023

@MikeL Part of Mike’s feeling of stability might come from the 1 ton dually tow vehicle? “Dually” being the key word. We haul horses and our first truck was a dually. Our present truck is a 3/4 ton -not a dually. I immediately noticed a slight difference in the two trucks when the horses moved. Duals verse two rear wheels were noticeably different for me. As you said- “larger contact point..” makes a difference.

Mike L.

1/31/2023

Good point, Mark, thanks for chiming in!

Mike

1/31/2023

@MikeL Yes, that is a valid observation...and I agree that, intuitively, that might seem to make a difference. My point was simply to assert that towing a 5th wheel with a Goosebox (or similar...e.g. the Gen Y setup) is still quite stable and has some significant advantages. Is the difference measurable? Have people (like myself) towing now with a gooseneck setup commented on a lack of stability? Sometimes it just comes down to perception...if you THINK something should be a certain way, you may tend to think it really is. Also, someone made the point about the fact that a dually makes for a more stable towing experience...to which I heartily agree! There are many factors that make for a more stable and comfortable ride and towing with the "right truck" is one of the most important factors! The inherent stability of a properly setup dually is unbeatable! I would argue that any actual difference in towing stability (however you define it) would be hard to measure at best, and in the real world would be negligible, if not imperceptible. Have any of your people at eTrailer experienced first hand this kind of difference? Maybe so...

See All (6) Replies to Mike ∨

James

1/27/2023

You did not mention articulating hitches for use pulling camping trailers off-road

Mike L.

1/27/2023

We'll pass your request along to our help article folks!

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