You dream of having a towable RV, such as a pop-up camper or a fifth-wheel trailer. But are you equipped to tow such a vehicle? To ensure your vacation goes smoothly and safely, you need to match the right RV to your vehicle and get the proper towing hitch. Here are some tips to help you choose the right hitch!
Know your vehicle’s towing capacity
Each vehicle has a different towing capacity. It’s essential to check with your dealer or refer to the user manual to know your vehicle’s towing capacity. The year of manufacture, model, modifications, and other factors can affect this. For example, just because you own an SUV doesn’t mean it can tow a fifth-wheel trailer weighing thousands of pounds. Do your research! This is a crucial element that should never be underestimated.
Calculate the weight properly… Don’t forget additional loads!
The weight of your trailer is not the only factor to consider when choosing a towing hitch and an appropriate hitch class. Don’t forget to account for the weight of its contents: your gear, luggage, etc. You can weigh your loaded vehicle at a garage or a weigh station in Quebec.
Choose the right type of towing hitch
Once you know and respect your vehicle’s towing capacity, it’s time to choose the right type of towing hitch. There are 5 classes, each with its maximum towing capacity and maximum vertical load (applied to the ball).
Class 1 – Compact vehicles, sedans, small cars
- Towing capacity: up to 2,000 lb (about 907 kg)
- Maximum vertical load: 200 lb (about 90 kg)
This is the smallest class, suited for light trailers like bike racks or small utility trailers.
Class 2 – Small SUVs
- Towing capacity: Up to 3,500 lb (about 1,588 kg)
- Maximum vertical load: 350 lb (about 159 kg)
This class is designed for slightly larger trailers, such as small utility trailers.
Class 3 – Larger SUVs (e.g., Jeep) and pickups
- Towing capacity: 3,500 lb (1,588 kg), 5,000 lb (2,268 kg), or 10,000 lb (4,536 kg), depending on the model
- Maximum vertical load: 350 lb (159 kg), 500 lb (227 kg), or 1,000 lb (454 kg)
This class is used for heavier trailers, such as camping trailers or small construction trailers.
Class 4 – Larger SUVs and trucks
- Towing capacity: Up to 12,000 lb (5,443 kg)
- Maximum vertical load: 1,200 lb (544 kg)
Stronger, this class also allows for weight distribution, which is useful for larger or heavier trailers.
Class 5 – Commercial, agricultural, or very powerful vehicles
- Towing capacity: From 13,000 lb (5,897 kg) to 17,000 lb (7,711 kg)
- Maximum vertical load: From 1,300 lb (590 kg) to 1,700 lb (771 kg)
This is the highest class, designed for very heavy or specialized vehicles that tow large loads, such as construction or agricultural trailers.
Choosing the right hitch class: Ask our experts
As you can see, you’re not free to choose any hitch you want. Depending on your vehicle type and its towing capacity, only a few hitches are available, appropriate, and safe. The important thing is to have the right information and make an informed choice to ensure a safe vacation on the road!