Towing a trailer behind your car or truck requires specialized driving skills and, more importantly, a knowledge of what type of hitch you will need to accommodate both your car's towing capacity and the weight of the trailer.

Trailer hitch distributors generally sell trailer hitches for cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs capable of carrying a variety of different load weights. While most vehicles are capable of having a trailer hitch attached, the amount of weight different vehicles can carry differs widely. Before you buy from the trailer hitch suppliers, however, you'll need to take a few steps in preparation:

1. Determine the gross trailer weight you need to tow, which refers to the trailer weight and the load weight combined.
2. Read your car's manual or work with trailer hitch suppliers to determine what type of trailer hitches your vehicle can accommodate.
3. Shop for interchangeable hitches and hitch balls to maximize your towing options.
4. Shop for other load-carrying accessories if you can't find trailer hitches for sale that accommodate all of your needs or if you have special needs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Calculate the gross trailer weight

To pick the right trailer hitches, you need to know the combined weight of the trailer you'll be towing and the load you need to carry.

I recommend: You can also figure out the total weight of your trailer if you know the tongue weight (the amount of weight applied to the trailer hitch from the downforce of the tongue), which is generally about 10 percent of the total weight. Use a scale to measure the tongue weight before you find trailer hitches to fit the weight. You can also use a CAT scale, designed for tractor trailers. Find a CAT scale near you to weigh the trailer.

Know what your car can carry

Check your vehicle's manual to learn more about its towing capabilities and what kinds of trailer hitches it can use.

I recommend: Use UHaul's trailer hitch calculator to enter information about your vehicle make and model and then receive results about which trailer hitches will fit your car or truck. You can then choose to purchase a hitch from UHaul or to shop with other trailer hitch distributors. You can also choose the Hitches for Less hitch selector to enter vehicle information and shop directly with this manufacturer.

Shop for variety and flexibility with trailer hitch sellers

Looking for trailer hitch sellers that stock interchangeable hitch balls can save you some trouble if you have a variety of towing needs.

I recommend: Purchase a trailer hitch with an interchangeable ball system with at least two different sizes of balls. Aside from needing your hitch to be able to carry a certain weight, you will also need the hitch to fit the trailer. Different size balls will maximize the trailers you can fit onto your hitch. Trailer hitches with multiple balls can sometimes accommodate all balls at once so that you don't have to worry about switching them out.

Make the accessories of trailer hitches suit your needs

For some cargo needs, you may prefer a cargo rack or specialty cargo device rather than a trailer.

I recommend: Shop with trailer hitch sellers for other specialty cargo devices to find the hardware to best suit your needs. You can shop for a cargo carrier or rack that is hitch mounted, to go with one of your existing trailer hitches, or one that is roof mounted. Also look for specialty trailer hitches like front-mounted hitches or winches (for towing your car) if a traditional hitch doesn't meet your needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you have good quality chains or cables to secure your trailer to the hitch in the event that the hitch loosens. Even heavy-duty hitches can come unhitched, but a chain or cable provides an emergency back-up.
• •  Have bungee cords or nylon ratchet straps on hand to tie down your cargo to your trailer or cargo rack if you have an open rack or trailer. In many states, it is illegal to carry cargo that is not adequately tied down or covered.