Introduction
Whether you are moving, attaching a trailer to your truck, or simply preparing for the future, truck hitches are a great way of ensuring that your truck can always haul everything that it needs to. Truck hitches are a very effective tool that can be used for hooking up your truck to a separate trailer or anything that has wheels and the opposite truck hitch for connecting it. Although there are many benefits that can come with owning your own truck hitch, many people are turned off by the ridiculous prices that some outlets offer.
As a result, we have prepared this page in order to help truck owners find the right hitch that will suit their needs perfectly without draining their wallet. In any case, there is no reason that you should pay too much for a truck hitch. For your reference, we have carefully picked the best truck hitches for towing so that you can explore the top options before reaching a purchasing decision.
Contents
Best Truck Hitches for Towing Buying Guide
Before we go ahead and look at the best truck hitches for towing, it is important that you know what you are getting yourself into before you start spending money only to realize that you need to spend more. The idea behind purchasing a truck hitch for towing off the internet is that you can get the best deal possible without having to pay a marked-up price from a dealer or mechanic.
Price
From many local retailers, it can be easy to come to the conclusion that a truck hitch will cost a minimum of $100. However, if you are careful to consider the many options for getting a truck hitch, you will soon realize that the price that many local retailers want to charge is considerably more expensive than what is possible.
This means that you should be cautious before you whip out the money that is truly required for getting a truck hitch. If you find a high-quality hitch that is anywhere between $20-50 many people might think that they are of a lower quality than what a local retailer has. However, the reality is that many local retailers purchase products like these and then mark up the price to local customers. Just keep in mind that the market is always subject to change and the price can rapidly evolve out of this range.
Type of hitch
Most people who are looking for a hitch will typically get one of three different types of hitches: shackle hitches, ball mount hitches, or receiver mount hitches. People who simply want to have the highest weight capacity will normally purchase a shackle hitch since they have impressive towing weight capacities. However, if you would prefer the design of a ball mount hitch or receiver mount hitch, they are all viable options which are equally as easy to use once they are installed.
Towing weight capacity
How much weight your vehicle can handle while it is towing a car or trailer is perhaps the most important factor that people will look at when they are deciding what type of truck hitch to purchase. As briefly stated above, shackle hitches are the most affordable way to get a hitch that can handle weight over 10,000 pounds. Since this is more than the normal weight that people will drag around, many people with heavy-duty needs will get this design.
Not everybody needs to be able to tow this amount of weight. For these people, you might instead opt to get a receiver hitch or ball mount hitch since they will normally clock in around 5,000 or fewer pounds in towing weight capacity. If you don’t envision ever needing a hitch which can handle weights which are more than usual, you should simply get a ball mount of the receiver hitch.
Durability of the materials
The durability of the metal used in designing your truck hitch should be something that everybody takes into account before purchasing one. Since these products are typically made of metal, a common issue that could result is rust and corrosion. For this reason, many manufacturers will make their truck hitches coated so that they are naturally resistant to the weather and rust.
Since a towing hitch will normally come with a calculated weight capacity, staying within this range will help you to keep your hitch alive for years to come. After all, since hitches are commonly made with sturdy metal material, the only concerns you will have is to keep it free from corrosion and being sure to use it within its limits.
Top 5 Shackle Hitch Receivers
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Ranking |
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Overall Rating |
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| 1. Read The Full Review |
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 (4.9 / 5)View Now On Amazon |
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| 2. Read The Full Review |
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Shackle Hitch Receiver by Vault 10,000 Lbs Capacity |  (4.8 / 5)View Now On Amazon |
| 3. Read The Full Review |
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(4.8 / 5) View Now On Amazon |
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| 4. Read The Full Review |
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 (4.5 / 5)View Now On Amazon |
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| 5. Read The Full Review |
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 (4 / 5)View Now On Amazon |
RHINO USA Shackle Hitch Receiver
Consumer Ratings (4.9 / 5)
The Rhino USA Shackle Hitch Receiver is one of the highest rated shackle hitches on the market today with a great reputation among consumers. Chances are if your a truck enthusiast you’ve already heard of Rhino. With an over 31,000 weight capacity you can probably bet your life on this shackle hitch. Even better when you are buying Rhino, you are support a 100% made in America product and it’s backed by 100% Guarantee. If you aren’t 100% Satisfied for any reason, they will refund your money.
Even better from time to time Rhino USA offers discounts on multiple purchases thru Amazon. Check out the Special Offers and Production Promotions section located under the Compare with similar items section.
Rhino USA Shackle Hitch Receiver Features
- 100% Money back guarantee
- Use standard 5/8 in. pin but it’s not included
- Made in the USA
- Made of solid steel, not tube
- Powder Coated Chromoly Steel
- 3/4 inch Shackle bolt
What Consumers Say about the Rhino USA Shackle Hitches
- If you’re looking for American quality and beefy equipment, look no further. Lifetime guarantee, well made and a huge solid chunk of steel to boot. I believe you can buy cheaper, but then, why would you..if you need to use this you want the strongest and best that’s available.
- Went off road. Was stuck on a rock climb and used the shackle to hook a winch from another vehicle to pull me off. Shackle worked great did it’s job. Very satisfied. I’m ordering another one to use in the rear receiver.
- I bought this gear and a tow strap from Rhino USA after watching multiple winter YouTube clips of trucks helping folks out of ditches on the east coast. Figured it would come in handy sooner or later. Turned out much sooner. On the start of my drive from Homer AK to Anchorage AK I drove past a van in the ditch with a bunch of kids trying to push it out. Another SUV tried pulling them out with a rope but only managed to entrench her tires more. I asked the gentleman if I could give it a try since I had gear and a truck. I attached the hitch receiver, tow strap and hook and pulled her out without much hassle. Thankful I bought this gear and hope to lend a hand to folks in the future.
- This thing is made from a solid steel block. There is not a doubt in my mind you could lift the whole truck of the ground with this if you chose to do so. This is made to last a life time. This is much safer than relying on a strap looped over a tow ball. The quality of manufacture is apparent on this thing.
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Vault Cargo Management Shackle Hitch Receiver
Consumer Ratings (4.8 / 5)
This truck hitch from Vault Cargo Management comes with a sturdy shackle hitch design that comes with an impressive towing weight capacity and a price that everybody who is looking for a truck hitch can afford. With 10,000 pounds of towing weight capacity, there are few things that cannot be pulled by this truck hitch. The true test, then, would be to see if your truck can handle towing your cargo.
This is a great tow hitch to consider purchasing if you are already the owner of a ball mount and need a little extra kick to your towing capacity. As we all know, shackle hitches tend to carry a little more weight than their ball mount counterparts. This is why many will consider them to be the best truck hitches for towing. Since this one in particular comes with resistance to rust, thanks to its rugged powder coating, it is also guaranteed to last a longer time than one without these protections.
Pros
- Heavy-duty shackle hitch with a 10,000-lb. towing weight capacity
- Constructed of durable drop forged steel
- Rugged powder coating helps fight against common metal issues like rust and corrosion
- Affordable price for all budget ranges
Cons
- Can be a tad noisier than ball mount hitches
- Lighter weight capacity then leading competitors
What Consumers Say about the Vault 10k Capacity Shackle Hitch
- I honestly didn’t have too high of expectations when purchasing this product as the cost was a lot easier on the wallet than local farm supply stores. That being said, this thing has a beautiful fit and finish. The ability to have the shackle mounted sideways, keeps from damaging your rope from pinch points. This thing is a solid chunk of steel. I’m not entirely sure that it is possible to damage this hitch on a full size truck. The hitch pin or shackle will fail way before the receiver will. Make sure you use this thing as it is intended because if you manage to rip this off, it is going to take armor plating to stop this thing in a projectile state. It is SOLID! Also, buy a locking hitch pin. Someone would definitely steal this if they have the chance.
- High quality. Typically you get what you pay for but with this item I got more. Thank you. Solid construction. Really like the fact that this item can be placed in a vertical or horizontal orientation within the hitch. Also this is solid bar stock not a square tube stock. Solid!
- Heavy, solid, and it fits the 2″x2″ receiver perfectly. A 5/8″ locking hitch pin is now needed. Has to be a locking type because this shackle is so attractive a thief could hardly pass it up. In doing research, I found that hitch pins come in different lengths; I had bought one that was a bit too short to pass through the holes in my Toyota Tacoma receiver, which has 1/2″ thick walls. So beware.
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X-Bull Shackle Hitch Receiver
Consumer Ratings (4.8 / 5)
If you want a shackle hitch that can pull impressive weight loads with ease, then this should be one of your top options. With an towing weight capacity of 4-3/4 tons, many people simply won’t even need to pull this much weight. However, being prepared for the worst is better than no preparation at all. This is one of the reasons why many people will get a top-quality truck hitch like this one which boasts a considerably high towing weight capacity.
This shackle hitch can be easily installed and used on most trucks, SUVs and jeeps, and turning your vehicle into a towing machine. It comes equipped with a black powder coating which will keep it safe from the weather and corrosion, and a price which everybody can afford. If you are simply looking to get a great deal on a truck hitch and are on the lower end of the budget range, then this should be one of your top choices.
Pros
- Heavy-duty shackle hitch with an 4 3/4 Tons. towing weight capacity
- Can be used on trucks, jeeps, and SUVs
- Black powder coating provides protection against rust and weather
- Very affordable price for all budgets
Cons
- Can be a tad noisier than ball mount hitches
What Consumers Say about the X-Bull Shackle Hitches
- First question I had was if it was square tube or a solid chunk.. it is definitely a solid chunk of steel. This thing has some heft to it, which is a good feeling. I have a 3/4 avalanche that’s heavy. I used this thing right away. First day I watched a heavy loaded military hummer go in the ditch and get stuck, and they let me pull them out. I was right there, so they hadn’t called it in yet.
- Great! The ONLY thing that drives me crazy is that it bangs around when I roll up driveways and turn. That’s because it sits ‘loosely’ inside my hitch, however that’s no reason to deduct a star. This item is functional and a great value. If you need it, get it.
- Nice piece of equipment. Will be an easier way to tow from behind instead of hooking to the factory shackle. Sticks out far from the receiver but that’s my vehicles fault (2017 4Runner). Fits my wife’s 2013 Jeep Wrangler perfect. I’ve recommended to others.
- This is a nice piece if you use as intended. I abused this thing pulling on it with several tons of weight more than it was rated for and it took over a year of that type of abuse before it broke.
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LIBERRWAY Shackle Hitch Receiver
Consumer Ratings (4.5 / 5)
This hitch from LIBERRWAY comes in a standard shackle design which allows it to carry extra heavy loads up to 11,000 pounds. This means that everything from a medium-large trailer to a full-size automobile will be pulled by your car without breaking a sweat. If you are handy and capable of doing basic car installations like this one, you can end up saving a lot of money by getting a design like this which comes at an affordable price.
This hitch also comes with a hitch pin, shackle, and shackle cover, meaning that you will have everything necessary to break out your tools and install the hitch yourself. Additionally, you can take this part to any mechanic and they will easily be able to install it for you. Although a hitch like this is great since it allows you to shackle either horizontally or vertically at a considerably high towing weight capacity, it is also a tad noisier than ball mount hitches.
Pros
- Heavy-duty shackle hitch with an 11,000-lb. towing weight capacity
- Comes with a 5/8” hitch pin, 3/4” shackle and shackle cover
- Extremely durable drop forged steel material
- Dual hitch pin holes allow you to shackle horizontally or vertically
- Affordable price
Cons
- Can be a tad noisier than ball mount hitches.
What Consumers Say about the Liberrway Shackle Hitches
- Update: After using it several times on 2 different vehicles (1997 jeep Cherokee with a 4.0 and a 2003 dodge Dakota 4.7), I can say this shackle hitch is a good setup for multiple uses. I’ve used it pulling a trailer out of a ditch and pulling a tree up a hill. It works perfectly for me.
- This is a great little hitch so far. After having my other tow hitch on my Jeep drag the bottom of a creek while I was crossing it, I decided on this product. It doesn’t hang up, and it is my go-to recovery point for the back of my Jeep versus my other two D-rings.
- Not a bad item. The red insert is pretty much worthless other than decor. I wish the shackle was a little bit larger. It is good and sturdy though . Pulled bushes out the ground with no issues at all.
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OMOTOR Towing Hitch Mount Brackets for Truck Trailer
Consumer Ratings (4 / 5)
If you already have a rear hitch receiver installed on your vehicle and simply want the most affordable means possible of installing a hitch onto your truck, this might be the option you are looking for. What is great about this truck hitch is that it can easily install on a hitch receiver and be ready to be used by your vehicle within an hour or so. Since its installation only requires the use of everyday hand tools, you won’t need to grab a power drill or anything which requires significant levels of effort.
This hitch works by mounting it directly to the frame of the vehicle behind you, allowing the two vehicles to work almost as if they were one. However, keep in mind that you should not tow heavy-duty weights or vehicles with this vehicle. Since there is not a clear weight capacity with this hitch, it is best used for loads that are lighter than the vehicle you already use.
Pros
- Rear-receiver hitch
- Easily installs onto any truck or SUV rear hitch receiver with at least a 3” diameter
- Shock-proof, anti-scratch, and waterproof
- Rust resistant
- Extremely affordable
Cons
- The exact towing weight capacity isn’t clear.
What Consumers Say about the Omotor Hitch Mount
- Awesome product and awesome service! Highly recommend it!
- I had to grind a little off one side to make it work on a 2017 GMC Sierra. I really like after about an hour of modifications.
- This does not fit on a 2015 Silverado 2500hd diesel. One side is 2 1/2 and the other side is 3 1/16. Says it will fit receiver that is 2 1/2 does not. Mine is 4 1/2 on the flange and 3 on the shaft. Wish it would have fit awesome idea.
- Works but will need to do some adjustments to fit the pin for the receiver. If it was about 50% more narrow it would have fit perfectly. Put on a 2017 Honda Ridgeline.
- There was a little casting issue when mine was made it had a couple blemishes but it works as it should. I have a 2005 Ford F250 and I had to grind my safety chain holders down a little for it to fit.
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Best truck hitches for towing: Summarized
Searching for the best truck hitches for towing requires that you carefully consider the price of the model, the towing weight capacity, the type of hitch, and the durability of the materials used in the hitch. If all of these things blend together in a fashion which results in the best possible towing hitch for your personal needs, there is no reason you should hold back on your decision. However, always be sure to purchase something only if you can afford it.
