Traditional hitch: This is a hitch ball mounted on a hitch support or a step bumper. The tow balls are available in several sizes. Make sure the diameter of the hitch ball matches the hitch head of the trailer. Also check that the ball equals or exceeds the gross rated capacity of the trailer.
Load distribution hitch: This type of hitch distributes the load on the drawbar by means of spring bars to shift part of the weight of the hitch forward, on the front axle of the towing vehicle, and towards the rear, on the trailer axles.
Fifth wheel coupling and gooseneck coupling: These are designed for towing heavy loads. Located in the truck body, these hitches place the weight on the trailer hitch pin above the rear axle of the truck or slightly in front. Fifth wheel couplings and gooseneck hitches are most commonly used with touring trailers, horse trailers, and other large trailers.
At St-Jérôme Chevrolet Buick GMC, we can help you calculate the maximum allowable payload and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) required for your fifth wheel assignment. The weight of all additional equipment and all passengers, except the driver, must be subtracted from the payload to determine the maximum load available at the kingpin.