- 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, but not always. 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.
- All types of racks for trailer hitches require a sturdy hitch. If
you have not yet purchased a hitch, a frame-mounted receiver style trailer
hitch is recommended because this type of hitch is sturdy and offers
many hitch accessory options. If you will be using a Tow and Carry type
rack which 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 + 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.
- 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.
- Hitch Rider™ racks are not for rough "off road" use, or for
use on the back of camper trailers or 5th wheels. All rack models are
for use on frame-mounted receiver style hitches only.
- 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.
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