CLASS I - LIGHT-DUTY

• 2,000-lb. maximum weight (trailer and cargo combined)

• Folding camping trailers and trailers for small boats, motorcycles and snowmobiles

• Conventional weight-carrying hitch

CLASS II - MEDIUM-DUTY

• 2,001-3,500-lb. gross trailer weight - Single-axle, small- to medium- length (up to 18 ft.) trailers

• Almost all trucks, SUVs and some mini-vans can be equipped to tow these trailers

• Conventional weight-distributing hitch not required unless specified for a particular vehicle

CLASS III - HEAVY-DUTY

• 3,501-5,000-lb. gross trailer weight - Dual-axle or large single-axle travel trailers

• Most properly equipped trucks and SUVs can tow them. Conventional weight-distributing hitch not required unless specified for a particular vehicle

CLASS IV - EXTRA-HEAVY-DUTY

• Over 5,000-lb. gross trailer weight o Largest travel and fifth-wheel trailers made for recreation

• Most trucks and SLWs can be equipped to handle trailers in this class

• Most applications require a conventional weight-distributing or fifth-wheel hitch

Three Basic RV Trailer Types

Fold Down Camp Trailer / Pop-up / Tent Trailer

Relatively inexpensive units providing campers with a comfortable, dry mobile shelter, plus these added benefits:
• Lightweight for easy towing (usually range from 300 to 2,000 pounds).
• Simple conventional weight- carrying hitch is usually sufficient for towing.
• Compact, low-profile traveling package.
• Easily maneuverable, generally 8 to 16 feet long.

Conventional Travel Trailer

Generally larger, rigid construction units offering more of the conveniences of home, including such features as kitchen sink, dinette, shower, refrigerator and flush toilet. Additional benefits include:
• Widely varied levels of roominess, comfort and luxury - depending on the towing capacity of your vehicle, and your budget.
• Normally towed with a conventional weight-distributing hitch, depending on weight.
• Sizes usually range from 12 to 35 feet long.

Fifth-Wheel Trailers

Provide the same types of accommodations as a conventional travel trailer, but with these unique characteristics:
• The forward raised portion is designed to extend over the box of a pickup truck.
• Attaches to the truck via a fifth-wheel hitch mounted in the pickup bed.
• Offers the advantages of improved weight distribution and towing dynamics, since some trailer weight is directly over the towing vehicle.

Things to Know Before You Tow

Before You Buy

If you are selecting a vehicle that will be used for towing, you should determine the approximate weight of the trailer you intend to tow, including the weight of any additional cargo and fluids that you will be carrying in the trailer. Also be sure the vehicle has the proper optional equipment. Performance can be severely compromised in hilly terrain when minimum acceptable powertrain combination is selected. Consider purchasing a vehicle with a more powerful engine.

Brakes

1. Electronimfly Controffed Brakes usually provide automatic and manual control of trailer brakes. They require that the tow vehicle be equipped with a controlling device and additional wiring for electrical power. These brakes typically have a control box installed within reach of the driver and can be applied manually or automatically.
2. Surge Brakes are independent hydraulic brakes activated by a master cylinder at the junction of the hitch and trailer tongue. They are not controlled by the hydraulic fluid in the tow vehicle's brake system, and the tow vehicle's hydraulic system should never be connected directly to the trailer's hydraulic system.

Be sure your trailer brakes conform to all applicable state regulations. See our state towing rules for help.

TRAILER LAMPS

Make sure the trailer is equipped with lights that conform to all applicable government regulations. The trailer lighting system should not be connected directly to the lighting system of the vehicle. See a local recreational vehicle dealer or rental trailer agency for correct wiring and relays for the trailer and heavy-duty flashers.

After You Buy

Before heading out on a trip (remember, do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 500 miles), be sure to have your fully loaded vehicle (including passengers) and trailer weighed so as not to exceed critical weight limits. If any of these limits are exceeded, cargo should be removed from the vehicle and/or trailer until all weights are within the specified limits.

Safety Chains

• Always use safety chains when towing. Safety chains are used to retain connection between the towing and towed vehicle in the event of separation of the trailer coupling or ball.
• Cross chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for turning corners.
• See your vehicle's Owner Guide for safety chain attachment information.
• When using a frame-mounted trailer hitch, attach the safety chains to the frame-mounted hitch using the recommendations supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
• For rental trailers, follow rental agency instructions for hookup of safety chains.

Trailer Wiring Harness

• Vehicles equipped with a factory-installed Trailer Towing Package include a trailer wiring harness and a wiring kit.
• This kit includes one or more jumper harnesses (to connect to your trailer wiring connector) and installation instructions

Things to Know About Hitches

When towing, it is vital that the proper hitch be used. Here is the hitch information you should know:

Weight-Carrying (Non-Weight-Distributing) Hitch

Weight-Carrying (Non-Weight-Distributing) Hitch is commonly used to tow small and medium-sized trailers. Choose a proper hitch and ball and make sure its location is compatible with that of the trailer. Use a good weight-carrying hitch that uniformly distributes the trailer tongue loads through the bumper and frame. (A label affixed to the hitch receiver provides both the weight-carrying and weight-distributing capacities for each receiver.) Be sure to obtain the proper hitch ball, ball mounting and other appropriate equipment to tow both the trailer and load that will be towed.

Weight-Distributing Hitch

Weight-Distributing Hitch is used in conjunction with a hitch platform (receiver) to distribute tongue load to all towing vehicle and trailer wheels. Required for certain Class III and all Class IV applications.

• Weight-distributing hitch platforms are welded or bolted to vehicle frame. Bolt-on types are preferred by some as they can be removed.
• Properly installed bolt-on weight-distributing hitch platform will not weaken vehicle or underbody as heat of welding might.
• Equalizing arms are connected from hitch to trailer's A-frame. They can be adjusted for best towing performance. Lengths of chain are pulled up and tightened to bend spring bars upward, which lifts some of the weight from the rear wheels and transfers weight to the other wheels of the vehicle and trailer.