Hitch Hiking: Pulling Small Campers With Ease

Towing a small camper for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you're set up correctly and towing safely. Firstly, it's important to choose the right hitch for your vehicle and trailer. The type of hitch you need will depend on the weight and coupler height of your trailer, as well as the towing capacity of your vehicle. You'll also want to consider the ease of use and durability of the hitch. Additionally, make sure you have the necessary tow hitch accessories, such as a hitch pin and clip, safety chains, and a brake controller.

Before hitting the road, it's crucial to triple-check that everything is connected properly and securely. This includes the hitch, safety chains, brake lights, and any other components. When towing, be mindful of your speed and allow for extra stopping distance. It's also a good idea to invest in tow mirrors to improve your visibility and minimize blind spots. By following these tips and taking the time to familiarise yourself with your setup, you can confidently and safely enjoy your travels with your small camper.

Hitch weight rating

Receiver hitches are divided into five classes based on their towing capacity and receiver tube size. The higher the class number, the higher the capacity and the larger the receiver tube.

Class 1

• Generally designed for passenger cars and small crossovers
• Equipped with a 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver tube opening or a fixed tongue to mount a trailer ball
• Weight rating of up to 2,000 lbs. GTW and 200 lbs. TW

Class 2

• Used for lightweight towing applications
• Found on full-size sedans, minivans, crossovers, small SUVs, and pickup trucks
• Equipped with a 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver tube opening
• Weight rating of up to 3,500 lbs. GTW and 525 lbs. TW

Class 3

• The most common receiver hitch class installed on full-size pickup trucks and SUVs
• Equipped with a 2" x 2" receiver tube opening
• Weight rating of up to 8,000 lbs. GTW and 800 lbs. TW
• Can be used with a weight distribution hitch for a higher capacity

Class 4

• Commonly mounted on full-size pickup trucks and SUVs
• Feature a 2" x 2" receiver tube opening
• Weight rating of up to 10,000 lbs. GTW and 1,000 lbs. TW
• Can utilize a weight distribution hitch for ratings up to 12,000 lbs.

Class 5

• Offers the highest weight ratings of the receiver hitch classes
• Used on full-size pickups and commercial trucks
• Two types: Xtra Duty (XD) with a 2" receiver and Commercial Duty (CD) with a 2-1/2" receiver
• Weight rating of up to 17,000 lbs. GTW and 2,000 lbs. TW for XD, and up to 20,000 lbs. GTW and 2,700 lbs. TW for CD

It is important to note that not all five classes are available for every vehicle, and you should always choose a trailer hitch that matches your vehicle's towing capacity. Additionally, your towing capacity is limited by the lowest-rated component in your towing system.

Drop or rise

Your trailer should be as level as possible when being towed. The ball mount can be used to adjust the height of the hitch to match that of the trailer coupler. This is called the rise (when the ball mount adds height to the hitch receiver) or the drop (when the ball mount decreases the height of the hitch receiver).

To determine the correct rise or drop for your hitch, you need to know the height of your hitch receiver and the height of your trailer coupler. This will allow you to choose a ball mount that compensates for any height difference between the two.

Ball size

The ball size is an important consideration when towing a trailer. The ball is the attachment point between the truck and the trailer coupler, and it allows the trailer to pivot and turn smoothly. There are four different ball hitch sizes, but only two are typically used for travel trailers. The three most common hitch ball sizes are 1-7/8" (4.76 cm), 2" (5.08 cm), and 2-5/16" (5.40 cm) in diameter, with the 2" size being the standard. In rare cases, you may also find a 3" (7.62 cm) hitch ball.

The 1-7/8" ball is used for light-duty towing and has a maximum weight capacity of 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg). This size is typically used with small vehicles like cars and minivans towing lightweight trailers.

The 2" ball is for medium-duty towing and has a wider range of weight capacities, up to 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg). This size is commonly used for towing boat trailers, utility trailers, campers, and some RVs.

The 2-5/16" ball is for heavy-duty towing and has a higher weight capacity, typically ranging from 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) to 20,000 lbs (9,072 kg), or more. This size is often used for gooseneck tow hitches and can be used for towing livestock and horse trailers, as well as heavier trailers.

It is important to match the correct ball size with the trailer's coupler size to ensure a solid connection and safe towing. Using a ball that is too small can cause the coupler to bounce loose, leading to potential accidents. Additionally, weight capacity should be considered, as each ball size has a different towing capacity. The weight rating of the ball hitch must exceed the weight of the item being towed.

Durability

When choosing a hitch for your small camper, durability is a key factor to consider. A durable hitch will ensure that your camper remains securely attached to your vehicle during transit, providing stability and peace of mind. Here are some aspects to consider when evaluating the durability of a hitch:

• Construction Materials: The choice of materials used in the hitch's construction plays a significant role in its durability. Steel is a common material for hitches due to its strength and rigidity. Chrome-molybdenum-grade steel, in particular, offers excellent heat resistance, ensuring the hitch can withstand high temperatures without failing. Powder-coated finishes, such as carbide black or corrosion-resistant coatings, also enhance durability by protecting the hitch from the elements, including rain, sleet, and UV rays.
• Weight Capacity: It is crucial to select a hitch with a weight capacity that matches or exceeds the weight of your small camper. Overloading a hitch can lead to failure and compromise the safety of your setup. Ensure that the hitch's gross trailer weight (GTW) and tongue weight (TW) ratings are suitable for your camper's weight.
• Ease of Installation and Use: A hitch that is easy to install and use can contribute to its durability. A straightforward installation process reduces the risk of errors that could weaken the connection. Additionally, a hitch that is simple to use encourages proper utilization, ensuring the connection remains secure and stable during travel.
• Safety Features: Modern hitches often incorporate safety features that enhance durability and protect your investment. For example, weight distribution hitches distribute the trailer's weight evenly, preventing the back of the towing vehicle from sagging. Sway control features also improve durability by minimizing side-to-side movement and reducing the strain on the connection.
• Maintenance: Proper maintenance is essential for extending the durability and lifespan of your hitch. Regularly inspect the hitch for any signs of wear and tear, and keep it clean and lubricated as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Reviews and Reputation: When purchasing a hitch, consider the reputation of the manufacturer and read reviews from other users. This can provide valuable insights into the durability and long-term performance of the hitch. Look for hitches that have a proven track record of withstanding rigorous use and providing reliable service.

By considering these factors and selecting a high-quality, well-maintained hitch, you can ensure the connection between your small camper and towing vehicle remains durable and secure for your adventures on the road.

Ease of use

When considering the ease of use of towing a small camper with a hitch, several factors come into play. Firstly, the weight of the camper is crucial. Small campers, also known as teardrop trailers or compact travel trailers, typically weigh less than their larger counterparts, making them more manageable to tow. Their lightweight construction means they can be pulled by a variety of vehicles, including some sedans, SUVs, and minivans, without the need for a heavy-duty tow vehicle. This accessibility opens up the world of camping to a broader range of people who may not have access to or the desire to invest in a large, powerful vehicle.

The hitch itself plays a significant role in the ease of use. Modern hitches are designed to be user-friendly, with simple mechanisms for attaching and detaching the camper from the tow vehicle. The most common type is the ball hitch, which consists of a ball mounted on the tow vehicle's rear and a coupling mechanism on the camper. This system allows for easy connection and disconnection, giving users confidence in their ability to manage the trailer by themselves. Additionally, weight distribution hitches or sway control hitches can enhance stability and improve handling, further simplifying the towing experience.

Small campers offer advantages in terms of manoeuvrability. Their compact size makes them easier to navigate, especially in tight spaces like campgrounds or parking lots. Backing up and turning become less daunting tasks compared to manoeuvring a larger trailer. The smaller footprint of small campers also means they are likely to be compatible with a wider range of vehicles, making it more convenient to find a setup that suits your needs without sacrificing ease of use.

Setting up camp with a small camper is generally more straightforward and less time-consuming than with larger RVs. Small campers often feature intuitive layouts that maximize space while keeping essential tasks simple. Features like pop-up roofs or slide-outs can provide additional room without adding complexity to the setup process. The streamlined nature of small campers lets you focus more on enjoying your outdoor adventures and less on setting up camp.

Lastly, small campers often incorporate user-friendly features that enhance the overall camping experience. For example, some campers offer outdoor kitchens or easily accessible storage compartments, making it convenient to access your camping gear or prepare meals. Additionally, modern campers may include smart technology, such as app-controlled lighting or Bluetooth-enabled entertainment systems, adding a layer of convenience to your camping trips. These thoughtful design elements contribute to a more enjoyable and relaxed camping experience overall.

Frequently asked questions