Towing equipment: types and basics

Looking to go on an extended vacation out of Orlando and need to bring a lot of stuff with you? Or maybe you need to move some equipment across town or you’re moving to a new house and don’t need moving truck? Whatever you need to move, having a hitch installed on your vehicle makes for a very convenient way to get your towing job done. If your Orlando Toyota didn’t come with a kit preinstalled or you’re looking to change your current tow hitch, it pays to know what to look for. Luckily, Toyota of Orlando is here with an easy guide on hitches so you can move anything and everything.

Different types of tow hitches

Typically, tow hitches are reserved for larger Toyota SUVs, minivans, and trucks. But, they can also be attached to sedans to tow bikes racks and small trailers. Most tow hitches are designed to haul specific types of cargo and weights and it can get confusing as to which one is right for your Orlando Toyota vehicle. Here are some of the different types of receiver tow hitches you might see often:

• ·       Class 1: These hitches are designed to haul up to 2,000 pounds and fit on smaller vehicles like sedans. They make for great bike rack holders and can haul small trailers.
• ·       Class 2: Very similar to class 1, this type of two hitch is designed to fit on mid-size SUVs, like the Orlando Toyota RAV4. They have a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds but are similar in size to the class 1 tow hitch.
• ·       Class 3: Designed for weights of up to 8,000 pounds, the class 3 hitch is designed for towing heavy loads like boats and large trailers. They’re typically outfitted on larger Orlando SUVs and trucks.
• ·       Class 4: Typically mounted on full size SUVs and trucks to tow up to 10,000 pounds. These hitches are also compatible with a weight distribution hitch that makes towing around Orlando safer and more fuel efficient.
• ·       Class 5: Also compatible with a weight distribution hitch, this towing equipment can haul between 16,000 and 20,000 pounds. These are typically attached to double wide trucks and larger Toyota vehicles.

Where there are some there are always more. Tow hitches also come in different specialty designs that are placed in different spots or they’re meant to only haul certain equipment. Let’s walk through some of the more specialty designed hitches:

• ·       Bumper hitch: Like a class 1 or 2, this hitch attaches directly to the bumper of the vehicle rather than being attached to the undercarriage. This limits the towing capacity to whatever the bumper is capable of and should be put on larger vehicles like Orlando trucks and SUVs.
• ·       Weight Distribution hitches: This type of hitch redistributes weight from the tongue of the tow hitch to keep the front end of your Orlando vehicle on the ground. Weight distribution hitches are compatible with class 3, 4, and 5 tow hitches.
• ·       5^th Wheel: With a towing capacity of up to 25,000 pounds, this tow hitch is designed only for large pickup trucks. It sits in the bed of an Orlando truck and is typically used to haul travel trailers.

Tow everything with Toyota of Orlando

Whether you’re looking to tow your bike on a rack or a travel trailer to travel across the country, Toyota of Orlando has the right towing equipment for you. We have plenty of new and used Toyota vehicles with the towing capacity you need or parts to outfit your current car. Give us a call at (407) 298 – 4500 or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!