Hitch Outfitters is your resource for hitch and towing questions. Please see our frequently asked questions regarding Trailer Hitch Installation & Towing and Shopping Online listed below. If you are unable to find the answer to your question, please contact HitchOufitters.com at 256-350-2476. You may also check out Hitch Outfitter's Blog for more info!

Trailer Hitch Installation & Towing

Q: Can I weld the hitch to the frame of my truck?
A: No, never weld a hitch to the frame. Welding will weaken both the frame and the hitch.

Q: Do I need a weight distributing hitch? How does it work?
A: If the tongue weight of your trailer makes the tow vehicle squat heavy in the rear, then you may need a weight distributing hitch. The weight distributor will transfer the weight that is sitting on the ball mount on forward towards the rear suspension of the truck allowing the truck to sit more level and thus allow for a safer ride.

Q: Do you have to drill holes in the frame?
On some applications you may have to drill a hole or enlarge a factory hole that already exists. As a rule you do not want to exceed the hole diameter by more than 1/8". You can check out the instructions from the parts look-up section of the website to see if you will need to drill a hole or not before you buy the hitch.

Q: Do you sell custom fit hitches, or are they universal?
We only sell custom fit trailer hitches by CURT Manufacturing that are made for that particular application. Universal hitches are just that, universal. They are a poor fit for any application and you won't find them at HitchOutfitters.com.

Q: What is my weight capacity if my hitch is rated differently from my tow vehicle?
The weakest link will be weight capacity of the lowest rating that is listed whether it be the vehicle, the ball mount, ball or the hitch itself.

Q: What is the difference between a gooseneck and a 5th wheel hitch?
Both a gooseneck hitch and a 5th wheel hitch are designed for use in the bed of a pickup truck. The main difference is the type of attachment. Gooseneck towing uses a ball, which is in the bed of the pickup truck, and a coupler, which is attached to the trailer. Fifth wheel towing is just the reverse. The coupling device, the fifth wheel hitch, is in the bed of the pickup truck and attaches with a kingpin, attached to the trailer. Gooseneck hitches are most often found with horse and other agricultural-type stock trailers. Fifth wheel hitches are used primarily with travel-trailer style RVs.

Q: Which ball mount should I use for my truck?
Class 1 and class 2 hitches come with the correct ball mount for that application. On class 3 and higher hitches you will need to measure the height of your trailer tongue when it is sitting level. Then measure the height of your truck receiver from level ground. The difference in these two heights will be the amount of drop that you will need for your ball mount.



Shopping Online @ HitchOutfitters.com

Q: How do I make a return?
A: If you need to return a product due to an error of Hitch Outfitters or one of our affiliated companies, we will issue a full credit and a call tag or return label for pickup of the parts to be returned to our facility. Freight must be prepaid to return destination; we will not accept COD shipments. Within 90 days of receipt of your shipment, you may request to return any of the following items for a refund: any item that has been unopened, any item received with missing parts or components, or ny item that is defective or damaged. Refused items or item returned without prior notice will be subject to a 15% restocking fee. A Return Authorization Number (RA) is required for any return. To request a Return Authorization Number you may call 256-350-2476 (Mon-Fri) from 8:00am-5:00pm (CST).

Q: How will I know if I placed my order successfully?
A: Once you have submitted your order, an order summary page will display with your order details. You may want to print this for your records.

Q: Should I be concerned about site security?
A: Your online experience at HitchOutfitters.com is made possible by the ability of our site to accept your credit card as payment for the items your purchase. At checkout, you will be taken to our secure site. This establishes a secure link between your browser and our server and allows you to submit your credit card information with confidence. We take every precaution to ensure your personal data is secure. The website utilizes Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology on all pages where personal information is requested. Once we receive your transmission, we and our vendors make our best effort to ensure that it is secure on our systems. For more information, please view the privacy policy.

Q: What should I do if I have difficulty placing my order online?
A: If you experience any difficulty placing your order online, please call 256-350-2476.

Q: When will the merchandise be shipped?
A: The merchandise will be shipped within 24 hours of purchase.