I'll be towing a small trailer at times this winter. Less than 1500 pounds total weight. I've noticed that there are several frame receivers on the market. Any suggestions on which style might work best for me.
Thanks, in advance, for all replies.
-- Erwin
Erwin,
I bought a Hidden Hitch from here: for my 2004 Sienna. Have a look at this web site, I found the prices to be as good or better than anywhere else. They also have wiring harnesses.
I would get one with a 2 inch receiver, don't bother with the smaller receiver, I think they are 1.5 inch or something.
If your small car has an automatic transmission, you MUST add an auxiliary transmission fluid cooler in front of the radiator - this is not an option. You can cook the trans really easy because they only size the factory cooler for the expected passenger load.
The 'Towing Package' usually includes the trans cooler, larger radiator, more radiator fan capacity or more aggressive fan clutch, larger alternator and battery. The trans cooler is a must, the rest you can get by with the stock items if you take it easy and watch your gauges.
For pickups and SUV's they sometimes come with enough transmission cooler capacity from the factory to skip adding one, or it's included with the towing package option. Ask your mechanic.
Trailer brakes are available for small trailers, if you feel like you are getting pushed around check into them.
You may have to change the axle on an older trailer to get one with the backing plate flanges to mount the brakes. If you are buying the trailer new, you need to specify that the axle they use has the brake flanges if you decide to add the brakes later.
The 1-1/2" square receivers are Class I (1000#), 2" are Class III (3000#) or III/V (5000#). They also make oddballs with 1" square and
1-1/2" round shanks, but that limits where you get parts.It's always better to go heavier for ease of use, and go with the widest used standard - in this case 2" square Class III. Because you can borrow and use someone else's receiver if you forget to bring yours, or you can run down and get one with a different rise easily if you find out that rental trailer needs the ball a lot higher than your receiver. There are also hitch mounted accessories like bicycle racks that are widely available with 2" square shanks.
The hitch can (and should) be heavier than the car towing capacity, that way you don't worry about the hitch breaking. It's up to the driver to make sure you do not overload the car with too large a trailer load.
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