How Towing Accessories and Hitches Affect Capabilities in Houma, LA
Accessories and Hitches Affects on Towing Capabilities
How Towing Accessories and Hitches Affect Capabilities
The first step to making sure your vehicle is capable of handling the towing and hauling jobs you put before it investing in the right machine with a capable engine and a sturdy chassis. The second is choosing the right gear to get the job done. GMC trucks are among the most powerful pickups on the market, and the brand offers a variety of towing hitches and accessories that make it possible to take full advantage of all that power. Here is a list of the primary towing equipment you should invest in today, and before you take on towing for the first time, make sure to check out our towing FAQ guide.
Trailer Hitch
A trailer hitch is the most basic component needed for any towing job. While there are many types of hitches, they are all essentially a metal receiver that connects your truck to a trailer. The Barker Buick GMC parts center offers trailer hitches with capacities ranging from 3,500 pounds to more than 14,000 pounds. Trailer hitches can affect the capabilities of your vehicle in a few ways, but they will not increase its towing capacity. It is, however, essential that you choose a trailer hitch that has the right weight rating for the loads you intend to carry.
Gooseneck Hitch
A gooseneck hitch connects to a trailer using a ball that sits in the bed of the pickup truck rather than at the rear bumper. It is designed to handle heavy loads, as well as provide better stability and maneuverability than bumper-mounted hitches. It is positioned directly over the rear axle, which significantly increases the truck’s towing capacity.
Fifth-Wheel Hitch
A fifth-wheel hitch is also mounted in the bed of a pickup truck directly above the rear axle. The coupling method of this hitch includes a kingpin on the trailer and a household-shaped coupling on the truck. It is commonly used with RVs and large trailers. Like a gooseneck hitch, it provides better stability, improves maneuverability, and enhances towing capabilities.
Common and Essential Towing Accessories
- Trailer Hitch Receiver Size: Most GMC hitches use a 2-inch receiver opening. This is the standard size for most trailers and towing accessories.
- Ball Mount: A ball mount attaches to the trailer hitch receiver and provides a point of connection for the trailer coupler. Ball mounts come in different heights to adjust for the height of your trailer.
- Wiring Harness: A wiring harness provides electrical signals between your truck and trailer, such as taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.
- Trailer Brakes: If you are towing a heavy trailer, you may need to install trailer brakes to ensure adequate stopping power.
GMC Towing Accessories for Sale in Houma, LA
The Barker Buick GMC parts department carries OEM and quality aftermarket accessories that can help you maximize the towing prowess of your GMC truck or SUV. Visit us today for all of your towing and trailering needs.