Creative Ways to Use Your Truck's Hitch

Towing—especially pulling a new travel trailer— is one of the most useful things you can do with any vehicle, but the hitch receiver has many uses outside of towing that you might not know about. Your hitch receiver can accept a variety of accessories that may make your next trip a lot more convenient.

Before going too far, it’s important to note that hitch receivers come in different sizes, and vehicles have different bumper shapes, making it essential to measure and research products before a potential purchase to ensure fit and safety.

Bed Steps

Modern pickup truck beds can be challenging to enter and exit, even for fit people. There are several hitch-mounted steps available, ranging from simple single-step attachments to wider steps with grip surfaces and more elaborate designs.

Bike Racks

While there are countless roof-mounted racks and other products, a hitch-mounted bike rack opens those spaces up for other cargo, and the hitch is a solid place to mount heavy bikes. Depending on your hitch and needs, some racks offer multiple-bike capacity, and some can carry additional gear.

In a similar vein, many people opt for hitch-mounted cargo racks. Coolers, grills, and other large, outdoor-friendly gear can be carried on the racks. It’s vital to make sure the gear does not exceed the rack’s weight rating.

Temporary Seating

Since hitch receivers can easily support a person’s weight, they’re ideal for temporary hitch-mounted seating products, including hammocks and other super-relaxing options. Safety is key here, so it’s important to look for a product that fits your vehicle and the space you plan to use it in.

Auxiliary Lighting

There’s nothing worse than needing extra lights when you’re well off the beaten path. There are a range of hitch-mounted lighting accessories that can brighten up your night. They range in design from basic single-light products to more elaborate multi-light configurations, and some come with integrated steps.

Considerations

Safety is the most important consideration with any hitch-mounted accessory, especially for bike racks and other large attachments that will be in place while the vehicle is in motion. If you’re unfamiliar with how the extra size and weight will affect your vehicle’s handling, it’s good to take a few practice drives to familiarize yourself with the feel. It’s also good to practice pulling into and out of steep driveways to prevent scraping every time you enter a parking lot.

If you have any questions about hitch-mounted accessories or want to learn more about RVs and towing vehicles, come see us at Valley RV Supercenter. Our knowledgeable staff would be excited to walk through different hitch accessories, and we can help you configure the new Jayco RV of your dreams.