I'm setting up to tow my car and motorcycle from Delaware to Oklahoma in a couple weeks and I need to decide on a hitch setup. This will be my first time personally towing anything, so I'm still feeling a little ignorant. Maybe you guys can help.

Truth be known, I should probably get a class III, but if cost prohibits, can I do it with a bumber ball? The major difference will be the ride height of the coupler, right?

I've been looking into Class III's lately and like the Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch brands. What are your thoughts on the two? Performance and appearance? Is a weight distributing hitch necessary?

And finally, should I expect any special challenges by towing with a manual transmission?

I'm really looking forward to finally being able to use my truck as it should be used. HAULING ALL SORTS OF CRAP. I've already loaded the bed full of all sorts of stuff, but this will be my first tow.

Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated!
- 00 Chester -

 

I think your best bet would be to go ahead and put on a hitch for the ride hieght thing since your going to be on a long haul. That is my opinion as I'm not an expert since I haven't towed anything yet. But if I was going to tow something half way across the country I would get a hitch for my truck but if it was just a local trip a few times a year I would just use the bumper.