Each and every day, we’re honored to serve those in and around the state of Illinois. We have built an outstanding reputation in the trailer industry because of our great customer service, high-quality materials, and knowledgeable staff.

At Kate’s Trailer Sales, we have over 600 Trailers for sale at our Arthur, Illinois store. We buy in large volumes to get the best deals from our manufactures and pass the saving on to you. We try to have the best price for the quality of the trailer you are buying.

When it comes to choosing a trailer hitch, it’s critical to find one that pairs well with your trailer and tow vehicle. Selecting the wrong hitch makes towing difficult and could even cause damage to your vehicle, hitch, or RV. Below, we talk about a few different types of hitches and which one is best for you.

Let’s start with the five categories of receiver hitches. The hitch is connected to the trailer you’re pulling, and it connects right to the bumper of the truck or SUV. Most travel trailers come standard with a hitch, but many people choose to upgrade. Below are the receiver hitch categories:

  • Class one is for small cars or SUVs that are towing less than 2,000 pounds.
  • Class two hitches are great for towing up to 3,500 pounds, just a bit more than the class one.
  • Class three can tow 6,000 pounds or less and is usually meant for trucks or even SUVs. Class three-receiver hitches are great for pulling small or lightweight trailers.
  • Class four-receiver hitches are typically used on full-size pickup trucks and are used for towing large trailers. They tow up to 12,000 pounds.
  • Class five hitches are as heavy-duty as it gets, towing up to 18,000 pounds. Almost all trailers can be towed with this hitch, so many people choose a class five for extra strength.

Here are a few other types of hitches that are made to combat towing issues.

Weight Distribution Hitch

This kind of hitch uses different parts of the trailer to evenly spread the weight out so you won’t be completely relying on the ball mount. Without the distribution of weight, the trailer sometimes pushes down on the ball, making the end of the trailer rise. If your trailer is high at the back end and your truck is low at the back end, you might need one of these hitches to safely tow.

Sway Control Hitch

With a sway control hitch, the bumper pull doesn’t move left or right and it doesn’t give it to the movement of the trailer. It stays right behind your vehicle in a straight line. They are more expensive, but they’re the top of the line.

Now that we’ve (hopefully) given a few great tips on choosing a hitch, let’s talk about a few safety tips for hauling.

Use the proper trailer

First and foremost, finding the right trailer is so important to a successful haul. Luckily, our extensive inventory of trailers is ready to be shopped by you! We have enclosed trailers, open trailers, and even pick-up trucks for the lightest of loads. Depending on what and how much you’re hauling, you’ll need different axle and configuration types. You’ll also need a basic knowledge of heavy and light hauling so you can purchase the right trailer.

Check your tires

Incorrectly inflated tires mean your engine works harder, which burns more fuel and could even cause a blowout. Check out your owner’s manual for both your tow vehicle and trailer to ensure you inflate your tires to the right amount of pressure.

Adjust your mirrors

Before heading out, make sure your mirrors are adjusted so you can see to the end of the trailer. You’ll need to adjust them so you can back up like a pro, and so you can keep an eye on things as you travel.

Don’t speed

Speeding with a heavy (or even light) load increases the risk of having an accident. So, we recommend going under the speed limit to safely transport you and the load. Staying in the right lane can also reduce the risk of an accident by avoiding speeders.

Secure the cargo

Before you leave, make sure the load is evenly distributed across the trailer. This will help combat trailer sway and will make the ride smoother. Having an uneven load increases the risk of tipping and makes it hard for the driver to stay in control of the trailer.

Most trailers do come with a standard hitch, but if you want peace of mind while you’re towing, it’s a good idea to upgrade and install a more secure hitch. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!