What is the difference between a tow hitch and a trailer hitch?
Technically a tow hitch and a trailer hitch are the same things. There is no difference between a tow hitch and a trailer hitch, however, depending on how the device is going to be used it can be addressed to suit. The trailer hitch term is more commonly used for the receiver hitch that connects directly with the trailer, with the other forms of hitches such as the weight distributing hitch & gooseneck hitches are more commonly referred to as tow hitches.
How much does it cost to put a tow hitch on?
If you already have a towbar with a 50mm square receiver, a tow hitch can easily be installed yourself. If you are looking to get a towbar installed our partner installers on the Gold Coast & Byron Bay charge a flat fee of $275 for any towbar purchased from Brixton 4x4.
What are the different types of tow hitches & shanks?
There are 5 key tow hitch types available. The Bumper Hitch, Weight Distribution Hitch & Shanks, Pintle Hitch, Gooseneck Hitch, and Fifth Wheel Hitch. At Brixton 4x4 we have the first four options, which we'll explain in more detail below.
These tow hitch items are additional towing equipment that is used in conjunction with already installed towbars. If you need a towbar or additional towing accessories contact our team at Brixton 4x4 who can give you the right advice on wiring, tow balls, hitches, and electric brake options for your trailer.
Bumper Hitch
The most common tow hitch is the Bumper Hitch. This is connected directly to the towbar receiver at the rear of the vehicle and directly to the towing trailer or caravan. These Bumper Hitches come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different towing applications and needs. You can also get adjustable height Bumper Hitches and fixed versions with set drop lengths. This tow hitch is where the tow ball mounts. We have a great selection of TAG bumper tow hitches with towing capacity including 2250kgs, 2700kgs, 3500kgs, and 4500kgs.
Weight Distributing Hitch
Weight Distribution Hitches evenly distribute weight load over the entire length of the towing vehicle and attached trailer or caravans, resulting in a more level ride with more control, stability, and sway reduction. This hitch is ideal if the towing capacity of the tow vehicle is reaching its limits or the gross trailer weight is high.
It must be noted that although a Weight Distributing Hitch redistributes load weight, it does not increase the amount of load weight your vehicle can tow.
Weight Distribution Shanks
Although technically not a tow hitch the Weight Distribution Shanks can be used with TAG or CURT Weight Distribution Systems with a maximum 4.5T tow rating (3.5T with 100mm & 150mm Shanks). There are multiple holes for adjustment and can be used in either drop mode or rise mode. The shanks are made from solid steel with a durable powder-coated finish that resists rust, corrosion, and chipping.
Pintle Hitch
A pintle hitch is mainly used for heavy-duty towing, more specifically when towing off-road. It consists of the hooking system which is called the pintle and is attached to the vehicle. Pintle hitches allow for a larger range of motion than the common bumper tow ball mount. If you are towing your camper trailer in rough terrain the additional range of motion in the Pintle Hitch is an ideal option for the uneven and intense angles that rough, off-road terrain presents.
No matter the tow hitch type you are after, if you need advice on the correct towing accessories needed for your tow vehicle or you need a tow bar installed, contact our store via online chat, where our specialist team who'll help find the suitable towing equipment for your boat, caravan, or trailer.
We offer personalised quotations via the REQUEST A QUOTE button on the product pages, plus various payment methods and payment plans via Zip money.
Find out more about Tow Bar Hitch & Trailer Hitches.
