Should You Buy an Adjustable Hitch?

Deciding what type of hitch to add to your vehicle may seem like an easy decision, but once you find out that there are many different types of hitches to choose from, you might find that the decision is more difficult than expected. Finding the right hitch for your hauling needs is important for your safety and to ensure you get your cargo from one destination to the next.

Why You Should Consider Getting an Adjustable Hitch

Deciding to buy a hitch that can be adjusted comes with many advantages, including the fact that you can attach different trailers to your vehicle. This is useful if you are hauling supplies for work on a flatbed trailer, but then you also have a camper or boat trailer for some fun on the weekend, then having a hitch that can adjust to accommodate these various items works in your favor. 

Another great thing about an adjustable hitch that is the fact that you can move the height up or down. Most of these options incorporate a ball-and-pin method that allow you to change the height. If you get a really good trailer hitch, you won’t need to add any lubrication or grease to remove the pin and make adjustments. Not having to add lubrication can reduce the mess that comes with hooking up a trailer, and being able to adjust the height means being able to haul a variety of things from one place to another.

Downsides of an Adjustable Hitch

Having a hitch that can adjust to various trailer types and hauling needs may be something you want and need, but when considering this trailer hitch, you need to keep in mind that it comes with some downsides. One of these is the fact that it comes with a lot of moving parts. If these get broken or pieces go missing, then your hitch will no longer work.

It may be easy to remove the hitch pin, but if you put this item in the wrong place or it gets damaged or bent, then it won’t hold your trailer hitch in place. If you lose the pin, your hitch won’t work at all. In addition, just because it says you don’t have to add oil or lubrication to get the pin out, dirt and other debris will still get into your hitch, which may make removing the pin difficult. Thus, you’ll need to clean this out regularly to ensure ease of use.

This hitch also gives you the ability to attach various trailers to your vehicle, but only if it has been rated for the weight. Before buying this hitch, you’ll need to think about the items you will be hauling, and then check the hitch’s class and weight to ensure it can handle the job you need it to do.

Getting the wrong hitch can turn into a safety hazard. You may be able to adjust the height on your hitch, but this doesn’t mean that you can change the weight. Keep yourself, the items you are hauling and others on the road safe by getting the right hitch.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Deciding between an adjustable or fixed hitch can be confusing and difficult. There are pros and cons to adding both to your vehicle. If you only have one trailer that you plan on using and you haul pretty much the same thing every time (i.e., a camper, boat, recreational vehicles), then a fixed hitch might be your best option.

However, if you want to use your vehicle for a variety of jobs as well as for fun activities, then getting a hitch that is adjustable will give you a lot more options. Using one hitch to attach various trailers can save you time and money. A hitch that’s adjustable will take a bit more maintenance to keep it in good working order, but if you don’t mind doing some extra steps, then getting a hitch that can be adjusted is a good option.

Finding the Right Hitch

When it comes to buying an adjustable or fixed hitch, the first thing you’ll need to consider is what you will be hauling so that you can find the hitch that will be able to handle the weight. The best way to achieve this is to think about the heaviest thing you plan on hauling, add it to the weight of the trailer, and then look for the hitch that can handle your needs. Even if you plan on hauling different items of varying weights, having a hitch that can handle the heaviest load means it will also be able to handle the light ones as well.