Movin' On With Hitch Receivers

Sure, owning a home and staying put has its advantages. But there's also something to be said for answering the call of the wild and living a nomadic lifestyle. Whether you're a surfer continuously searching for the perfect set of waves or a traveling salesman with clients from coast to coast, hauling your stuff from place to place can get to be a hassle, especially when you start to run out of room in the cab. So the next time you get the itch to move on, make sure you have a hitch receiver installed on the back of your car or truck. It enables you to tow campers, trailers and a wide variety of other items, safely and efficiently.

More popularly known as trailer hitches, hitch receivers are available in two styles: receiver and fixed-drawbar. A receiver hitch mounts directly onto the frame of the vehicle and accepts removable ball mounts, trailers or other hitch-mounted accessories. Fixed-drawbar hitches come with a built-in hole for the trailer ball and usually feature a one-piece construction. The downside to this type is they're typically not compatible with aftermarket hitch accessories that include hitch bike racks, hitch grills and hitch cargo carriers.

Weight is a huge consideration when selecting the proper hitch for your vehicle. In the US, there are five classes of tow hitch: I, II, III, IV and V. Classes I and II are designed to accommodate lighter loads of no more than 3,500 lbs. Classes III, IV and V can tow up to 10,000 lbs and are intended for larger items like boats and campers.

Of the manufacturers currently producing trailer hitches, two rise to the top: CURT and Draw-Tite. CURT hitches are known to be tough and dependable, featuring ball mounts that are robotically-welded to provide strength, performance and a durable connection. Sealed against the elements with a powder-coated finish, CURT hitches remain rust-free,  resisting corrosion and oxidation, and provide long-lasting durability while retaining their factory-fresh appearance. Plus, they're designed with an open back-end, allowing for easy cleaning.

Providing a similar level of quality and durability, a Draw-Tite hitch receiver bolts directly onto your frame without drilling or trimming (for the majority of vehicles) and is designed for your specific make, model and year, ensuring a seamless fit and simple installation. The Draw-Tite hitch receiver is crafted using cutting-edge computer-aided models and fatigue stress testing while featuring a solid all-weld build to provide the highest possible strength and durability.