When it comes to hitching a boat, ATV, or trailer to your truck, safety should be your priority. Knowing which trailer hitch to install, however, may require a bit of research and analysis. Here are four tips to help you select the perfect hitch for your vehicle.

4 Trailer Hitch Selection Tips for Your Truck

1. Identify Towing Capacity

Check the owner’s manual to find out the towing capacity of your vehicle. Before buying a trailer hitch, you must know how many pounds your truck can haul. Knowing towing capacity eliminates chances of overloading and helps you zero in on the right trailer hitch match.

2. Research Hitches

Familiarize yourself with the three essential components of most trailer hitch packages—the hitch, the tow ball, and the coupler—and the types of hitches available, such as receiver-style hitches, pintle hitches, and gooseneck hitches. Some types of hitches are designed to haul heavier loads than others. Research will teach you the differences.

3. Check Your Brakes

Before installing a trailer hitch, check your truck’s braking system, along with its suspension mods, sway control, and wiring, to ensure that you can tow loads safely.

4. Ask a Professional

Check with an aftermarket accessories shop for professional advice. They can help you identify the right trailer hitch for your make and model. Experienced techs, also, will gladly answer questions about products and installations. And if you need a custom-designed hitch for your truck, they’ll let you know.

Line-X of Troy is the trusted shop in Troy, OH, for trailer hitches and all other aftermarket accessories, with a large inventory of everything from bed covers, to bed liners, to WeatherTech®  gear. Should you ever need their expert and friendly service, stop by the shop or call (937) 335-0560. You can also go online, or connect with them on Facebook, for more information about their complete line of products and services.