When it comes to towing a trailer, it’s essential to have the right hitch for the job. The type of hitch you choose will depend on factors such as the weight and size of your trailer, as well as the towing capacity of your vehicle. However, it’s important to note that the capacity of your hitch should always match or exceed the weight of the trailer being towed to ensure safe and secure towing. It’s also worth keeping in mind that towing regulations can vary from state to state in Australia, so it’s essential to check the specific rules and guidelines in your area before hitting the road with your trailer. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types and classes of trailer hitches available in Australia, including off-road hitches, so you can choose the best hitch for your towing needs with confidence.
- Common Types Of Trailer Hitches
- Common Trailer Tow Balls
- Tow Ball Weight
- Quality Off-Road Trailer Hitches
- Off-Road Trailer Hitches and Weight Distribution Systems
Types Of Trailer Hitches Commonly Used In Australia
This table provides an overview of the different types of trailer hitches commonly used in Australia, including standard ball hitches, pintle hitches, fifth-wheel hitches, gooseneck hitches, weight distribution hitches, and off-road hitches.
| Type of Hitch | Maximum Capacity | Application | More Information |
Standard Ball Hitch (50mm) | Up to 3,500 kg | Cars, SUVs, Light Trucks | Most common type of hitch, available in different sizes to match weight and towing capacity of trailer |
Large Ball Hitch (70mm)  | Up to 4,500 kg | Cars, SUVs, Light Trucks | Used for Large Trailers ranging from 3,500kg to 4,500kg. |
Weight Distribution Hitch | Up to 4,500 kg | Cars, SUVs, Light Trucks | Used to distribute weight of trailer more evenly across tow vehicle and trailer axles, improves stability and handling while towing. These are normally used in conjunction with either a 50mm or 70mm ball coupling. |
Off-Road Hitch  SHOP NOW | Up to 4,500 kg | 4WD vehicles, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Remote Access Trailers | Provides greater articulation and flexibility over uneven terrain, often uses multi-axis pivotingThe Different Types and Uses for Off-road Hitches |
Pintle Hitch | Up to 45,000 kg | Heavy-duty trailers, construction, mining and agricultural trailers | Strong and durable, uses pintle hook and ring coupling |
4 Common Trailer Tow Balls
In Australia, trailer hitches are classified according to the weight they are capable of towing and the braking capacity of the towing vehicle. The following are the standard tow ball sizes used on trailer hitches in Australia, please note just because you have this hitch size does not mean your trailer has that capacity, your trailer must also have a compliant braking system with the correct braking capacity:
| Class | Common Applications | Receiver Size | Towing Capacity | Brakes | Coupling | Breakaway |
| 1 | Single Axle Trailers | 50mm | Up to 750kg | Vehicle Brakes Only | 50mm Ball Coupling | No |
| 2 | Tandem Trailers, Small Boat Trailers, Small Campers, Small Car Trailers | 50mm | Up to 2000kg | Trailer Override Brakes (Manual and Hydraulic) | 50mm Override Coupling | No |
| 3 | Large Tandem and Tri-Axle Trailers. Camper Trailers, Caravans, Horse Floats, Car Trailers, Small Plant & Equipment Trailers | 50mm | Up to 3,500 kg | Electric Brakes/Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes | 50mm Electric Ball Coupling | Yes |
| 4 | Large Caravans, Large Boat Trailers, Mining Trailers, Agricultural Trailers, Large Horse Floats, Large Horse Floats, Large Plant & Equipment Trailers | 70mm | Up to 4,500kg | Hydraulic Brakes | 70mm Ball Coupling | Yes |
Again, it’s important to note that the capacity of a hitch should always match or exceed the weight of the trailer being towed and that towing regulations may vary depending on the state or territory, so it’s important to check the specific rules and guidelines in your area before towing a trailer. The trailer must also have a compliant braking system that matches the maximum allowable towing capacity.
Tow Ball Weight
Tow Ball Weight is a critical figure often overlooked. Tow Ball Weight is the maximum downward weight that can be applied to the tow ball for safe towing. As a general rule of thumb tow ball weight should not exceed 10% of the towing capacity. However the maximum permissible tow ball weight is set by both the Towing Vehicle Manufacturer ie Toyota, and the Towed Vehicle Manufacture (who made your caravan/trailer) and you must use the lesser figure. This figure is critical to stability and can be easily checked with a set of tow ball scales.
Off-Road Trailer Hitches
The types and availability of Off-Road trailer hitches have increased significantly in recent years and Off-Road hitches are available with up to 4,500kg towing capacity. The most common are rated at 3,500kg and are tested to significantly higher levels. The key features of an Off-Road hitch are multi-axis articulation, ease of re-hitching, low profile and safety locks. All hitches fitted to Australian trailers should also be tested to ensure they comply with Australian Standards and have a Component Type Approval (CTA).
Multi-Axis articulation gives the hitch the ability to move in the 3 dimensions along the X, Y and Z geometrical axes. Some Off-Road hitches only really give an X and Y articulation with a limited Z, particularly those that use Ball Couplings or Poly-Blocks. Most major manufacturers in Australia offer a range of Off-Road hitches. The table below only refers to OZHITCH Off-Road Hitches.
| Trailer Type | OZHITCH Model | Towing Capacity | Self Aligning | Articulation | Low Profile | Safety Locks | CTA/Test | |
| 1 | Single Axle Trailers | OZHITCH2.5G-4H | Up to 750kg (Un-braked) | Yes | XYZ | Yes | Double Pin Lock and Security Lockable | Yes |
| 2 | Tandem Trailers, Small Boat Trailers, Small Campers, Small Car Trailers | OZHITCH-OR-G-4HOZHITCH-OR-G-6H | Up to 2000kg (Override Brakes) | Yes | XYZ | Yes | Double Pin Lock and Security Lockable | Yes |
| 3 | Large Tandem and Tri-Axle Trailers. Camper Trailers, Caravans, Horse Floats, Car Trailers, Small Plant & Equipment Trailers | OZHITCH3.5G-4HOZHITCH3.5G-6H | Up to 3,500 kg(Electric Brakes) | Yes | XYZ | Yes | Double Pin Lock and Security Lockable | Yes |
Off-Road Trailer Hitches and Weight Distribution Systems
Can you use a Weight Distribution System (WDS) with an Off-Road Hitch ? You can, do we recommend it ? No.
A WDS puts a lot of multi-axis load strain on Off-Road hitches and they are not tested to operate with this level of force applied by a WDS. The WDS will actually fight against letting the hitch do what it is designed to do. Even low speed manouvres such as U-Turns, spoon drains, speed bumps can cause problems and off-road conditions could be catastrophic.
The Australian Design Rules (ADRs) specifically make mention of the above.
How Much Does A Trailer Hitch Cost?
According to the report from Forbes, the price range for trailer hitches alone is AU$180-$715. Installing a trailer hitch, on average, can cost between AU$260-560 for class 1 to 4 hitches. The total installation cost of a trailer hitch typically falls within the range of AU$450-$1,275. For a fifth wheel hitch alone, the average price is $1,800.
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