What parts do I need in order to tow a trailer with my vehicle?
In order to tow a trailer with your car, you need five parts:

1. Trailer hitch receiver
   Depending on the type of hitch you have, this may be synonymous with your hitch. The receiver is a connecting device that attaches beneath your vehicle to connect your tow vehicle to the rest of your trailer hitch apparatus. It has an opening in order to receive a ball mount. Fixed-drawbar hitches (fixed-tongue hitches) include the hitch and ball mount as part of a single unit that is not generally compatible with aftermarket accessories. Receiver-type hitches accept a removable ball mount that is separate from the receiver, which allows more flexibility than fixed-drawbar hitches. Most receiver holes are 1-1/4 x 1-1/4 or 2 x 2, but some designed for heavy-duty towing are 2-1/2 x 2-1.
2. Drawbar (ball mount)
   This component slides into your receiver's opening and provides a platform for the ball that attaches your hitch to your trailer. In fixed-drawbar hitches, this part forms a single unit with your receiver. In receiver-type hitches, the ball mount is separate.
3. Trailer hitch ball
   This is a metal ball that connects your hitch to your trailer when you lower your trailer tongue coupler's round opening onto it. Your coupler sits over your hitch ball and pivots on it when you turn your vehicle. Balls typically come in 1-7/8, 2, and 2-5/16 sizes.
4. Pin and clip
   This is a bolting mechanism that holds your ball mount secure to your receiver opening. The clip fastens the pin in place.
5. Wiring harness
   This is a wiring connection that supplies power to your trailer's lights and signals.

Do all vehicles use the same kind of tow hitch?
No, different classes of hitches are designed for use with different types of vehicles and loads. Vehicle manufacturers test and determine safe towing capacities for specific models, so you will need to check your vehicle's make, model and year for compatibility when considering hitches. Hitches are likewise assigned class ratings based on the maximum weight they can safely tow and the size of their receiver openings. Consider both your vehicle type and how much weight you need to tow (including trailer and contents) when selecting hitches.

Looking for a tow hitch? Calculate your gross trailer weight (GTW) and tongue weight of the hitch, along with your vehicle's towing capacity. Small SUVs and crossovers generally require a class I or class II hitch, while trucks and bigger SUVs can go with class III or IV. Bigger towing jobs (10-18,000 lb GWT) will require a class V hitch - and anything heavier (like a gooseneck trailer) should probably be done with a fifth-wheel hitch. Shop Advance Auto Parts for all of your towing needs - including trailer brakes, hitch covers, electrical hookups, safety chains, coupler locks, and more.
What are some common abbreviations associated with trailer hitches?
When considering hitches, there are some common abbreviations you will typically encounter related to the hitch class ratings and towing capacity:

• GTW - Gross trailer weight. This refers to the combined weight of your trailer and its contents.
• TW - Tongue weight. This is the amount of weight placed on your hitch by your trailer's attachment.
• GVWR/GVM - Gross vehicle weight rating/gross vehicle mass rating. This is the amount of weight/mass your vehicle can carry including all parts, passengers, cargo and tongue weight, but not including trailers. Subtract your TW from your GVWR or GVM when calculating how much you can tow.
• GCWR - Gross combined weight rating. This is the maximum weight for both vehicle and trailer combined.
  Buy trailer hitch and accessories online or visit your local Advance Auto Parts store and have one of our knowledgable Team Members help you.