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If you ever plan to tow a trailer for any activities such as boating, camping or moving, it may seem scary. Towing an average-sized trailer is really easier than it looks.

Two of the most important things to have when you tow are a vehicle that can tow the load, this does not include gas/electric hybrid cars as they don’t have towing capacity and the proper hitch.

Trailer hitches are rated according to capacity of the load weight and tongue weight. Load weight is the Gross Trailer Weight and tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball. If this sounds confusing, don’t guess, but get help from a local towing center or RV/camping center. They can get your the correct hitch for your vehicle.

Many pickups and SUVs come factory-equipped with a Class III hitch, which is the most popular class of hitch. Most hitches bolt to the vehicle and some are welded. A bolt on installation is the method preferred for attachment.

For hauling any heavier load (car, boat, or camper), a Class III hitch can handle up to 5,000 pounds. All Class III and above hitches are made up of two basic parts. The receiver part of the hitch is what actually attaches to the tow vehicle.

The hitch is bolted (or welded) to the vehicle chassis. The receiver is a large square tube that accepts a drawbar. The drawbar is a smaller square tube that slides into the receiver and contains the trailer ball. The drawbar is fastened to the receiver with a pin that slides through both pieces and is held in place with a clip. Drawbars come in a variety of heights to allow the trailer to ride at a level plane.

For heavier boats or campers, a Class IV hitch (up to 7,500 pounds) would be required and you might want to consider a three-quarter ton truck at this point as well as electric trailer brakes and tow bars. Some trucks have electric brake controllers installed with a towing package from the factory.

Every state has different rules and regulations for towing a trailer. At a minimum, all trailers need to have working taillights and brake lights and that most states require registration of the trailer with the Department of Motor Vehicles.