Hitch Rider Racks: Trailer Hitch Talk

Always consult your vehicle owner's manual for information about hitches and towing for your particular vehicle. Hitch manufacturers rate each hitch for each specific vehicle and take into account both the strength of the hitch structure and the strength and capability of your particular vehicle. Weight ratings of hitches are normally stamped or decaled on the hitch itself. Do not confuse the ratings stamped on towing accessories such as hitch balls or ball mounts with the weight rating of your hitch! If you are unsure about the strength of your trailer hitch, always consult with a professional trailer hitch installer.

It is important to understand that the max tongue weight is the maximum weight the hitch can safely carry on the draw bar / ball mount designed for your particular hitch. The use of hitch extenders or hitch racks that cantilever the tongue weight load out farther than the hitches regular draw bar / ball mount will reduce the hitch tongue weight carrying capacity.

All types of racks for trailer hitches require a sturdy hitch. If you have not yet purchased a hitch, an 1 1/4" or 2" Class II or stronger receiver style hitch is recommended because this type of hitch is sturdy and offers many hitch accessory options. If you will be using a Tow-N-Carry type rack that attaches to your ball mount's shank, the hitch's maximum tongue weight rating will be reduced by an amount equal to the weight of the rack plus the weight of the load placed on the rack. We recommend a 2" Class III or stronger receiver for this use.

Overloading your trailer hitch is dangerous and can lead to a serious accident as well as damage to your vehicle and hitch. Users of Hitch Rider™ racks shall be solely responsible for checking and verifying the strength of their trailer hitch before using the racks. This includes deciding the maximum safe load for your particular trailer hitch and any requirement for support straps to help stabilize the load.

When using trailer hitch racks on a low capacity hitch you may not be able to carry a full load on the rack and/or a vehicle-to-rack stabilizing strap may be required. Check for excessive flexing of the hitch. Too much flexing will cause load instability and possibly damage your trailer hitch. Adding a taut strap (No bungee or "elastic" types, but a good, strong fabric strap) from the top of the rack to your vehicle can dramatically improve stability on a loaded hitch rack.

Hitch Rider™ racks are not for rough "off road" use. Using trailer hitch racks on the back of camper trailers or 5th wheels is not recommended due to their rough ride characteristics. On camper trailers there is also the possibility of reducing tongue weight to a dangerous level that could cause trailer sway, tow vehicle control problems and/or trailer decoupling from the hitch ball.

Always place safety first and do not use hitch racks unless you have verified the sturdiness of your trailer hitch.

Trailer Hitch Talk is provided as general information only. Each individual must evaluate their particular situation and make their particular decision accordingly.