Types of Trailer Hitch Receivers and Connecters
With just about any one of our six phenomenal models, you’re going to want to go places. Taking your Subaru on a trip is pure Confidence in Motion… so let it take you there. Chances are that your brood grows — or you’re traveling with friends — and the more people along for the ride, the more luggage and paraphernalia will be involved.
This is when you might be looking at a trailer connector, commonly called the tow-hitch.
Hitch Receivers and Connecters Explained
What is a hitch and a receiver?
A hitch and receiver (trailer connector) is device which attaches directly to the your vehicle, providing the connection between your car (or SUV, bakkie, truck etc.), and the trailer you are planning to tow. A fixed tongue hitch includes the ball platform, while a receiver style hitch has a receptacle for inserting special ball mounts or bike racks.
Types of trailer hitch receivers
There are many types of trailer hitch receivers used for towing a trailer. Receiver hitches are perhaps the most common, and these can be divided into five classes. Each type of trailer connector (hitch) has a unique purpose and coupling style, as well as its own set of capacities and sizes.
The five classes that trailer hitch connector types are divided into depends on their towing capacity. What’s important to remember is: The higher the class number, the higher the capacity, and the larger the receiver tube is.
While it is helpful to distinguish between the various tow hitch classes, it is important to note that most receiver hitches are made specifically for the vehicles they will be installed on; that means that not all five classes are available for each and every vehicle.
- Class 1 — Cars and Crossovers
- Class 2 — Cars, Crossovers, and Minivans
- Class 3 — Crossovers, Vans, SUVs and Trucks
- Class 4 — Trucks and SUVs
- Class 5a: Extra Duty — Trucks and SUVs
- Class 5b: Commercial Duty — Dually and Chassis Cab Trucks
Let’s look at this in the Subaru context, given that our range covers classes one through three.
Class 1
- Receiver size: 1-1/4-inch
- Gross Train Weight (GTW) Capacity: up to 900 kg’s
- Towing Capacity TW): 90kg’s
Class 2
- Receiver size: 1-1/4-inch
- Gross Train Weight (GTW) Capacity: up to 1,500 kg’s
- Towing Capacity: 160kg’s
Class 3
- Receiver size: 2 inches
- Gross Train Weight (GTW) Capacity: 3,630 kg’s
- Towing Capacity: 365 kg’s
IMPORTANT: Towing Capacity is measured at the point of connection, called the ‘noseweight’.
It’s important to get your head around driving with a trailer. Remember that in reverse, the trailer does the opposite of what you think it will. So if you want to back up and move your trailer to the right, you actually have to turn your steering wheel to the left (left side down). Think of it as mirrored-intentions.
Here are some general tips when using a trailer connector; when driving with a mass attached your car:
- Know your trailer
- Make wider turns at curves and corners
- Allow for longer stopping distances
- Drive in the right lane on highways
- Adjust trailer brakes according to load
- Don’t ride your truck’s brakes on long downhills
- Use a spotter when backing up, and
- Practice driving with a trailer
If you’re looking to have a trailer connector fitted to your Subaru, remember that first-prize is authorised, authentic parts. Talk to us about Subaru Genuine Parts from our Approved Repair Network. While types of trailer hitch receivers aren’t considered engine / necessary car parts, they are part of our kit sales. Call our Customer Care Department on +27 11 608 0116, or pop in to your nearest dealership and have a chat to one of our friendly consultants. And if you need the car before the trailer, then book your test drive today and your nearest dealership. From trailers to safety and advanced innovation, Confidence in Motion is our motto — and you’re invited to come see why.
