In this blog post, we will answer the question: “What are a few examples of driveway towing equipment?” We will describe a few examples of driveway towing equipment along with their features and functioning process. We will also talk about the different types of tow trucks that are used for towing vehicles.
What are a few examples of driveway towing equipment?
A few examples of driveway towing equipment are described below.
Tow hitch
A tow hitch is the most common driveway towing equipment that is used for towing. The tow hitch is usually attached to the chassis of a vehicle for towing. A tow hitch is a common term that is used for driveway towing. In most cases, a tow hitch is referred to as a gooseneck hitch, 5th wheel hitch, or receiver hitch. A tow hitch can be any hitch that is used to tow a vehicle.
Trailer hitch
As the name suggests, a trailer hitch is built for towing trailers. These can be travel trailers and other campers including 5th wheels. A trailer hitch has the same functions as a tow hitch and both have the same purpose. These are just different terms that are used for driveway towing equipment. However, a trailer hitch is understood that it is used for towing trailers specifically.
Receiver hitch
A receiver hitch will have a square receiver tube and are different than the other hitches. The receiver hitch is a square tube and it can be mounted straight to the frame of the vehicle that is being towed. A receiver hitch is also considered a heavy-duty hitch and they also arrive in various sizes. Here are the various sizes of a receiver hitch listed below.
- 11/4 x 11/4 inches.
- 2 x 2 inches.
- 2 ½ x 2 ½ inches.
Front mount hitch
A front mount hitch is pretty similar to the rear hitch but the only difference is that it bolts directly to the frame. The advantage of a front mount hitch is that you can use it for a variety of options. A front mount hitch can be used to insert a winch, a snow plow, or a cargo carrier, or you can use it as a spare tire mount.
Gooseneck hitch
- The Gooseneck hitch is similar to 5th wheel hitches and is mounted in a similar location that is just above the rear axle.
- Gooseneck hitches are designed for pickup trucks and are used for towing livestock trailers. Huge flatbeds, car haulers, and commercial trailers.
- A gooseneck hitch is very useful to have and they came with various weight capabilities.
5th wheel hitch
- The 5th wheel hitch is a heavy-duty hitch that is used to haul large campers, car haulers, and travel trailers.
- The 5th wheel hitch is pretty different than all the other hitches since it comes with a coupling device as a part of the hitch itself.
- A 5th wheel hitch has the potential to absorb bumps and they can hold up to a solid 24,000 pounds.
Pintle hitch
- A Pintle hitch is more of a normal hooking system. A pintle hitch is different than a standard hitch and it comes with two parts.
- A Pintle hitch can be fixed to the trailer or directly to large commercial trucks. These hitches can tow anywhere from 10,000 to 60,000 pounds of gross weight. Pintle hitches are commonly used in the construction industry.
Weight distribution hitch
- The weight distribution hitch is usually mounted at the rear of a vehicle. These hitches are designed to distribute the tongue weight equally to the tow vehicle and the trailer.
- It is made up of rods that are called spring rods and are common with camping RVs. The weight distribution hitch also helps in better steering.
Bumper hitch
The bumper hitch is easy to understand as it can be fixed directly to the bumper of the vehicle. It has a square receiver tube that can be used for various purposes. The only issue with the bumper hitch is that it cannot carry excess weight. These hitches are built for lightweight towing and carrying extra cargo.
Saddle mount
- The saddle mount has been used for decades and is one of the oldest forms of towing. A saddle mount helps to place the front wheels of the vehicle onto the bed of the towing vehicle.
- A saddle mount is a device that needs to be fixed onto the bed of a towing vehicle. Hence, the trailer or vehicle that is towed is usually mounted on top with the front part elevated.
Tow bar
- A tow bar is a pretty common device that is used for driveway towing equipment. A tow bar is fitted at the rear to help connect the towing vehicle and the trailer.
- A tow bar consists of pivoting arms, a shank, and attachment tabs. These tow bars help couple the two vehicles together. Tow bars are common in RVs as they are used for towing trailers or campers.
Those are a few common examples of driveway towing equipment. The driveway towing equipment consists of various towing hitches that are used for towing vehicles. On the other hand, various types of two trucks are also used for towing. Here are the types of tow trucks described below.
Different types of tow trucks
Here are some of the common types of trucks that are used for towing.
Hook and chain trucks
The hook and chain tow trucks are seen everywhere and they are one of the most commonly used driveway towing examples. The process is simple and it is one of the oldest types of two trucks. The hook and chain are the equipment that is used to connect the towing vehicle and the trailer. The hook is usually attached to the bumper of the vehicle or axle to tow.
Flatbed tow trucks
- Flatbed tow trucks are also common and they can be used for various purposes.
- Flatbed tow trucks are secured tow trucks and the vehicle carried is considered to be safe since the wheels are not on the ground.
- A flatbed tow truck carries the entire vehicle that needs to be towed on the truck bed. These are used for transporting vehicles from one place to another.
Wheel-lift tow trucks
- Wheel-lift tow trucks are pretty simple as the front part of the vehicle is elevated. This is similar to the saddle mounts that are used as driveway towing equipment.
- These tow trucks have a metal yoke that is hooked up under the drive wheels of the vehicle. This can also be hooked up at the front and the back. However, they are not as safe as flatbed tow trucks.
Boom tow trucks
- Boom tow trucks are designed only for towing with a hydraulic arm. This arm is an extension that can be moved in different positions.
- All boom trucks consist of a winch and they are built to carry vehicles out of difficult places. However, all-wheel drive vehicles cannot be towed with boom tow trucks.
Integrated tow trucks
Another commonly used vehicle for towing is the integrated tow truck. These trucks use different mechanisms and are handy for quick small jobs as well. Integrated trucks have the controls on the interior of the vehicle and are mid-sized but are built for heavy-duty pickups. The arms of these trucks are strong and stable.
Driveway towing equipment is the towing hitches and towing vehicles. The only way to tow a vehicle is by using a hitch of a tow truck. These are the only possibilities to successfully tow a vehicle. Be sure to get the right hitch or tow truck when planning to tow a vehicle and make sure to follow the towing rules and regulations.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have answered the question: “What are a few examples of driveway towing equipment?” We have described a few examples of driveway towing equipment along with their features and functioning process. We have also talked about the different types of tow trucks that are used for towing vehicles.
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