Hitch - How To Buy A Trailer

Often found on the driver-side door jamb, this lists the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and axle limits.

A hitch receiver alone isn't enough; you'll need a few more pieces to complete the system: how to buy a trailer hitch

Before shopping, you must know how much weight your vehicle can safely pull. Often found on the driver-side door jamb, this

This slides into the receiver. Measure the drop or rise needed to keep your trailer level while towing. Measure the drop or rise needed to keep

Hitches are categorized into classes based on their weight-carrying capacity and receiver tube size. Hitch Class Receiver Size Max Towing (GTW) Common Vehicles Typical Uses Up to 2,000 lbs Compact cars Bike racks, jet skis Class II Up to 3,500 lbs Sedans, Crossovers Small utility trailers Class III Up to 8,000 lbs SUVs, Pickup trucks Campers, mid-size boats Class IV Up to 10,000 lbs Full-size trucks Large RVs, car haulers Class V 2-1/2" or 3" Up to 20,000+ lbs Heavy-duty pickups Horse trailers, heavy equipment 4. Select Necessary Accessories ⚙️

Look for the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) —the maximum allowed weight for your vehicle, trailer, passengers, and cargo combined.

Your towing capacity is limited by the lowest-rated component in your setup (vehicle, hitch, or ball mount). 2. Identify Your Towing Needs ⚖️ Calculate the weight of what you plan to haul: