Best Trailer Hitches for 2022

When it comes to a universal custom-fit hitch, the Reese Towpower 51145 Class II hitch outhauls the competition. The solid welded construction and computer aided design combined with fatigue and stress testing insure a lifetime of trouble-free towing up to 4,000 pounds. That’s plenty of strength to tow most small utility trailers, pop-up campers, ski boats or pontoons. It features three layers of protection, including a rust inhibiting primer and a dipped E-coat electrostatic coating to shield against corrosion. The finish is a black powder coat to blend in with your vehicle’s undercarriage and protect it from nicks and dings. 
 
Though installation is straightforward with no drilling necessary for the majority of vehicle makes and models, some fitment issues were reported by buyers which required minor modification of the brackets during installation. A handful of people also complained of missing or mis-sized bolts, but were able to find what was needed at a local hardware store and a double-checking of the strength ratings of their offerings. All things considered, this Reese Towpower hitch comes at a great value and will get the job done for many years to come.

When it comes to unbeatable strength and durability, pintle hook hitches are the trusted choice for specialized and commercial towing. The simple hook and loop design allows for a thick metal construction and secure coupling. The pintle hook does clank and rattle more than a standard ball hitch, but when teamed with a lunette ring (sold separately) and a heavy-duty receiver, the combination is unstoppable, on or off-road. 
 
The Curt 48004 pintle hitch is made of solid forged steel and can handle up to 20,000 pounds, an amount only serious heavy-duty pickups can actually tow. It’s made to fit a common 2-inch square receiver and attaches securely with a spring-loaded arm that locks onto the hook, then is secured by a pin. Curt shielded this hitch with a durable powder coat finish to prevent rust, chipping and other damage from the elements. Customers found that, with normal use and being left out in the elements, it takes a few years for the finish to start to wear.

Rather than sitting on the end of your vehicle, aft of the bumper, a 5th wheel hitch sits within a truck bed itself, like a miniaturized version of the tow receivers on big rigs. Anderson Hitches’ Aluminum Ultimate 5th wheel gooseneck hitch offers user-friendly operation, a smooth and quiet ride and is easy to install. A greaseless coupler rides on the ball, which provides low-maintenance towing and more maneuverable swiveling around turns. It also makes it easier to attach or detach the trailer on uneven ground. The benefits outweigh the design’s worst characteristic:  You may feel the trailer sway under load a bit more than competing brands, which can be unnerving, but most buyers feel this as a minor flaw.
 
Weighing in at just 35 pounds means this hitch is easy for one person to install. Three height adjustments are available to suit your needs, but a handful of buyers said they had to lift their trailers higher to get over the ball. In other words, consider your trailer’s existing hitch height before installation. Then, when you’re ready to unhitch, a remote cable attached to the coupler makes it simple to disconnect from the trailer without crawling into the back.

Drop hitches allow very fine control over your towing position, and can be raised and lowered according to your needs. The Gen-Y receiver drop hitch is compatible with any standard 2-inch rear receiver hitch and ball mount and allows for considerable flexibility in your towing setup. With this hitch, you can even secure a bike rack to the top position and a trailer or cargo carrier to the bottom rung. With up to a 5-inch drop range and a 10,000-pound towing capacity, this hitch is the perfect solution for lifted trucks needing to tow trailers equipped with a lower hitch point. 
 
This hitch is a heavy-duty single piece of metal, which will add 25-lbs to your overall tongue weight, but it makes up for its heft by being able to withstand many years of hard use. The durable silver-vein powder coating outlasts the finish on competitor brand’s drop hitches. You can call the company for special colors or custom sizes if desired. If you’re looking to tow up to this hitch’s limit, just remember that your receiver hitch and ball attachments will also need to have an equal or higher tow rating. 

An EZ Travel tow hitch receiver may be the budget solution that you need if you’re simply looking for a way to safely tow your bicycles or cargo outside of your vehicle. It can easily be mounted to the bumper of almost any car, SUV, van or truck with little to no modification needed. Slotted hardware holes are strategically placed for a universal fit and reinforced to handle loads weighing up to 5,000 pounds. The size of nuts, bolts and washers varies depending on the vehicle, but that’s nothing that a trip to your local hardware store can’t solve. Make sure to specify Grade 8 bolts, which are strong enough to withstand the forces at work during towing. That said, bumper-mounted hitches are not as robust as body-mounted ones, so it’s important not to overtax them.

This receiver hitch is compatible with standard 2-inch tubes that come with most hitch-mount bike racks, cargo carriers and hitch balls. If you do opt for a bumper-mount style receiver, keep in mind that the hitch is only as strong as your vehicle’s hold on its bumper. Double-check your vehicle bumper’s strength and ensure no rust or damage is present, as any weakness could affect how much weight it can handle.