Tow Hitches Explained: Types, Uses & How to Choose
A tow hitch is the part of your towing setup that actually connects to the trailer — fitted to (or as part of) the towbar's receiver. While "tow hitch" and "towbar" are sometimes used interchangeably, the hitch specifically refers to the connection point and hardware, and getting the right type matters for how securely and safely your trailer connects.
Common Types of Tow Hitches
- Receiver hitches — the most common type in Australia, using a square receiver tube on the towbar that accepts a removable tow ball mount, bike rack, or other accessory. Flexible, since you can swap what's fitted to the receiver.
- Ball mounts — the component that slots into the receiver and holds the tow ball itself, available in different lengths and drop/rise heights to level the trailer correctly.
- Pintle hitches — a hook-and-loop style connection, common on heavier-duty and off-road trailers where a rigid ball connection isn't ideal.
- Weight distribution hitches — used with heavier or unevenly loaded trailers to spread the tow ball download across both the tow vehicle's and trailer's axles, improving stability and reducing sway. See our Weight Distribution range.
Choosing the Right Hitch
- Match the hitch's rated capacity to your trailer's actual loaded weight, not just its empty weight.
- Check the tow ball size matches your trailer coupling (50mm is the most common size in Australia, but always confirm).
- If you're regularly towing a heavier or longer trailer, a weight distribution hitch is worth considering even if your vehicle can technically handle the weight — it makes a real difference to towing stability.
- Make sure the ball mount's drop or rise keeps your trailer level when hitched — an unlevel trailer tows worse and wears tyres unevenly.
Browse our full Tow Hitches range, or see our guide to towbar types if you're still deciding on the towbar itself. Need help finding the right fitment? Contact us and we'll point you in the right direction.