No Truck? No Problem. Trailer Hitches for SUVs and Cars

When you think of towing a large boat or trailer, you're likely picturing a big truck doing the heavy lifting. It's a common misconception that trailer hitches are only for large trucks with heavy load-bearing capabilities.

Many modern SUVs and even some newer cars are designed to handle far more weight than you might expect. This versatility is largely due to advancements in vehicle engineering, which allow SUVs and certain car models to be built with higher towing capacities and the option to add trailer hitches suitable for a wide range of applications.

So, if you don't have a big truck and still want to haul around some serious weight, we've got good news for you.

Busting the Myth

Advancements in the world of vehicles and trailer hitches have come a long way. Trucks are no longer the only vehicle on the market equipped to handle towing large loads. While trucks will always remain an excellent option for heavy-duty towing, the growing capabilities of SUVs and even smaller cars have changed the game. Many midsize and larger SUVs are built with powerful engines, robust transmissions, and reinforced frames that bring them up to speed with some pickup trucks.

For example, some SUVs on the market today have towing capacities of over 7,000 pounds, more than enough for recreational trailers, camping RVs, boats, or material loads. That said, not all cars or SUVs can handle a full-sized trailer or certain weight capabilities. If towing is important for you, it shouldn't necessarily limit the type of vehicle you purchase, but it will require you to take a closer look at the vehicle's towing capacity and overall build.

And we know what you're thinking: what about electric, hybrid or even compact vehicles? The good news is that most electric and hybrid cars can handle towing capacities similar to gas cars. Compact cars vary in their towing capabilities, but there are different sizes and types of hitches that can still work for these smaller automobiles.

Types of Trailer Hitches for SUVs and Cars

Here at Southside Hitch, we offer a wide selection of trailer hitch options for different types of trucks, SUVs and cars, including rear mount hitches, front mount hitches and bumper mount hitches. We aim to expand our customers' towing capabilities in a variety of ways while always keeping safety top of mind.

Here are a few of the most popular hitch types for smaller vehicles:

1. Class 1 Hitches: These lightweight hitches are ideal for compact and midsize cars and smaller SUVs. They typically support a maximum of 2,000 pounds of gross trailer weight (GTW) and are perfect for towing smaller loads, like bike racks, cargo carriers, or light trailers.
2. Class 2 Hitches: With a higher weight capacity of up to 3,500 pounds GTW, these hitches are great for midsize SUVs and some cars with the capability to haul larger loads. Class 2 hitches are commonly used for towing small boats, utility trailers, and larger cargo carriers.
3. Class 3 Hitches: This class is where SUVs shine. Class III hitches can support up to 8,000 pounds GTW, making them suitable for towing campers, larger trailers, and even some vehicle-mounted accessories. This is a popular choice for midsize and full-size SUVs, which are typically equipped with stronger frames and engines capable of handling this kind of load.
4. Specialized Accessories: Class 1-3 hitches are available in rear, front and bumper mount options. Beyond traditional towing, Southside Hitch also provides hitch-mounted accessories that increase an SUV's or car's utility. These include bike racks, cargo carriers, adapters, step attachments for easy access to roof storage and much more.

Finding the Right Hitch for Your Vehicle

Choosing the right hitch is essential to ensure both safety and performance. We offer professional guidance on selecting the ideal hitch for your vehicle based on its towing capacity, intended use and design. When you first visit us, we will begin by assessing your vehicle's maximum towing capability and provide recommendations from there.

Ready to Tow?

Southside Hitch is proud to carry a complete line of trailer hitches for SUVs and cars. Rest assured, you don't need to make a significant vehicle change just because you want to haul a small trailer or amp up the family camping trip with mountain bikes or kayaks.

Whether you need a simple Class 1 hitch for your car or a robust Class 3 hitch for your SUV, we have you covered. Our team can help you find the right fit, ensuring that your SUV or car is equipped for whatever adventure or utility you have planned.