How to Choose a Trailer Hitch for a Trailer

Updated 11/16/2013 | Published 11/14/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - 2"

(67)

$333.68

Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 22" to 72" Wide

(565)

$506.67

Curt Adjustable Trailer Hitch Receiver - 18"-51" Wide - 2" Drop - Class III - 2"

(565)

$303.41

Question:

I am looking for a hitch that will fit on the rear of my camper.

asked by: Jerry B

Helpful Expert Reply:

I may have an option that will work for you, however the Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Class V Hitch, # 41947, is a custom fit hitch designed for full size pickup trucks. Frames on trailers are typically wider than frames on vehicles and the frame width can differ between trailer manufacturers. Because of this, trailer hitch manufacturers offer adjustable width trailer hitches. Unfortunately there are no custom fit trailer hitches for certain makes and models of trailers.

Before selecting a trailer hitch for your trailer, I recommend contacting your trailer manufacturer to identify the weight capacity for a trailer hitch on your camper. The weight capacity of a hitch equivalent to a Class V hitch is likely way more than a camper trailer can handle. Most specialty trailer hitches for RVs and trailers do not have towing capacities greater than 5,000 lbs.

After determining the appropriate weight capacity, you will want to measure the width of your frame rails at the rear of the trailer. We have many different trailer hitch options for you to choose from, but choosing the correct hitch for you will depend on the width of your frame as well as the weight capacity.

Two trailer hitches that I would recommend looking at are the Curt Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch, # 13703, or # C13701. The Curt hitch # 13703 will fit frame widths between 22 inches and 72 inches, but it does have a lower weight capacity of 3,500 lbs GTW and 350 lbs TW. The Curt hitch, # C13701, will fit frame widths between 18 inches and 51 inches and it has higher weight capacities of 5,000 lbs GTW and 500 lbs TW. These are both bolt-on trailer hitches and have a universal design to fit different frame types such as C-channel, I-beam and box channel. I have attached the installation instructions for these hitches for you to check out.

If you would still like a trailer hitch with a higher weight capacity, we do have weld-on trailer hitches like the Draw-Tite Class IV Weld-On Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch, # 41991-07, with a 16,000 lbs GTW and a 1,600 lbs TW. These types of trailer hitches were primarily designed for service body trucks and utility trucks, so it would be up to the installer to determine a safe way to install the hitch on your trailer.