The Trailer Hitch Hammock - How To Choose An Ideal One?
Buyer’s Guide, Comparison and Advice
This unique concept of hammocks was invented in the year 1492 and has revolutionized the outdoor camping experience. It is specially designed for travellers or anyone who needs a comfortable sleep while on the move.
However, finding a tree that is just right for your hanging needs can be a challenge. This task can be tricky because there are many different kinds of trees, and it’s hard to get the perfect angle that will let you lie back and relax.
If you don’t like having to find a tree and stretching your hammock over it, all you need is a Car and a Trailer Hitch Hammock. With the Trailer Hitch Hammock, you don’t have to worry about finding a tree or disturbing your neighbors. You can set it up in minutes to the back of an SUV or car.
It is not just a hammock, but it is more than that. It is an invention made of steel pipes that get attached to your car’s hitch receiver, and the pore at the end of the stand holds your hammock.
When you’re shopping for a trailer hitch hammock, you have several different factors to consider. Let’s look at some of the most important ones:
What Does Trailer Hitch Hammock Consist Of?
It is a relatively new invention. Hence you have to buy each element separately to build one. It primarily consists of three elements –
- Hitch Receiver
- Hammock Stand
- Hammock
It has many other elements as well, and we will talk about that below in this article, but these are three main components that together form a Trailer Hitch Hammock.
Hitch Receiver
Hitch Receiver, also known as a “trailer hitch,” is a device that allows you to tow a trailer behind your car using a Hitch.
Don’t get confused here. The hitch is a device that connects a car to a trailer, and the hitch receiver is the part that holds that hitch. There are many types of receivers, ranging from “Class 1” to “Class 5.” Let’s take a look at each of them.
- Class 1 – A class one receiver has a towing capacity of 2000 pounds and will have a square opening measuring about an inch and a quarter by an inch and a quarter on all sides.
- Class 2 – It is important to note that a class 1 and 2 receivers hitch both have an inch and quarter receiver opening, but the class 2 hitch is typically rated to around 3500 pounds of towing capacity.
- Class 3 – A class three hitch has a 2″ by 2″ receiver opening and is rated for towing up to 12,000 pounds.
- Class 4 – Class four is a type of receiver hitch with a two-inch opening and can support up to 14,000 pounds.
- Class 5 – It has a square opening of 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches, and they’re rated somewhere between 17,000 and 23,000 pounds.
Each of these classes has a specific load capacity, but the class 3 and 4 receivers have a Standard 2 inch square opening that is widely used worldwide. So, you must attach a 2-inch standard receiver to your vehicle.
Trailer Hammock Stand.
In the market, there are several different brands of hammock stands that you can choose from. However, there is no exact choice for everyone which is suitable to their needs.
Cost
This is a common factor in buying any product. You can compare different types of hammock stands with their price and then decide on the one that fits your budget as per your requirements.
Material
It is better to go with a product made up of strong material so that it would last longer and reduce damage over a period of time.
Ease of use
Some products are easy to use as compared to others. A good example would be products that come with a user-friendly manual after purchase; they can be used easily by anyone even without professional assistance whereas other products may require further assistance from technicians or professionals to use them correctly. So, always go for those products that come with a manual to use them accordingly.
Warranty
Many companies provide warranties on their products but most of them don’t provide any warranty and therefore, avoid such companies and buy another product from another company that provides a warranty upon purchase of their product.
Hitch Receiver Size
It is very important that you don’t just buy a stand without checking the hitch receiver’s size requirement. Make sure that your hitch receiver is the compatible size with the back of your vehicle.
Weight it can Carry
You can check if the hammock stand has a sufficient carrying capacity to accommodate your weight or not. I’d suggest going with the one that has at least 400 pounds carrying capacity.
Hammock
The most important things to consider are how the hammock will fit into your space, how comfortable it’s going to be, how easy it is to store, and how easy it is to set up.
When you are choosing a hammock, you should focus on the type of hammock most suitable for you. For instance, if you are tall or have long limbs, which are usually needed to stretch out in a hammock, then it would be better for you to choose a long hanging hammock but if you’re short an average hammock will be the best fit for your situation.
Let’s take a look at some of the other factors –
Types of Hammock
There are many types of hammocks available in the market, Here are 4 main types.
Camping Hammocks
Camping hammocks are the best option for your camping journey because they are the most comfortable and provide you with the most fun. It takes up less storage in your bag. One disadvantage of these hammocks is that they won’t have sturdy back support. Sleeping in it will make you feel like you are trapped inside and can be uncomfortable. Some find it comfortable whereas others develop back pain.
Poolside Hammocks
The poolside hammock is perfect for any person or couple who enjoys relaxing by the pool or beach during the summer months. It is the most durable hammock out there. It has sturdy back support its open-pore keeps you cool. Whereas it is not as comfortable as you think because of its poor design you may feel like sharp objects on your body while relaxing on it.
Nicaraguan Hammocks
These are hammocks made from soft cotton cords in a double weave, which means that there are spaces between the two layers of the fabric. This space allows air to pass through the fabric, keeping it cool and dry. It’s also unique in that there are fringes on the bottom of the hammock that adds to the beauty. However, this is not for everybody as the cost of these products are high.
Rope Hammocks
It is very much similar to poolside hammocks but it has larger pores. It can be very easy for young children to get their hands and feet stuck between these pores. It can leave marks on your body which are visible on your body when you wake up.
Now that you know the different types of hammocks, let’s look at other variables you should consider when choosing one.
Factors to consider when buying a hammock
Size
All Hammocks may appear identical, but they come in two sizes (Single and double). The one-person hammock is perfect for relaxing in… and the double-sized, perfect for relaxing in with a partner.
- Single hammocks are around 4 to 5 feet wide and can hold weights of up to 300 or 400 pounds.
- Double hammocks are about 5 to 6 feet wide, but they can support weights of up to 400 or 500 pounds.
Portability
Most people prefer portable hammocks because they are easy to carry when traveling. Camping and Nicaraguan hammock are very much portable and can even fit in your backpack.
Quality
The quality of a hammock is important because it determines how comfortable you will feel while using it, and what you will have to deal with in case there is a problem. So, ensure the quality before you buy one.
Cost
When choosing a hammock, you want to find one that is comfortable but also affordable. Think about how much you’ll use the hammock, and balance the price with your situation.
Extender for Hitch
When you hang your hammock in the back of the car, there are higher chances that it will inevitably collide with the body of your car and that will not allow you to get the kind of comfort that you deserve. For this type of situation, you’ll need to find an extender that will help you hang your hammock further away from your car. All you have to do is make sure the extender fits into your hitch receiver.
Locking Hitch Pin
Imagine that you are sleeping in your hammock and all of a sudden it gets detached from your car and now you fall. Hopefully, you don’t want to get stuck in this kind of situation so you need a hitch pin. The hitch pin is a small metal part that keeps a Hitch stand from sliding out of a hitch receiver tube.
You must be wondering why we’re talking about these products separately. Isn’t there any company that gives all of these things together?
Unfortunately, few companies in the market will provide you with all the equipment you need for your trailer hitch hammock. So, it’s better to buy all of the above-explained equipment separately and assemble them on your own.
Buying Guide
Many factors come into play when you choose different elements for building your trailer hitch Hammock. I’m going to take each of these elements into consideration in this buying guide.
Hitch Receiver
The most important part is the hitch receiver because this is the place where your hammock stand will be placed. It is really important that the trailer hitch can support the weight. So, this is where you want to go with class 3 and 4 rated hitch receivers.
Because first, it has a Standard 2-inch opening. The second reason you want a class 3 or 4 hitch receiver is that it’s extremely versatile, especially if you looking to towing something heavy with it.
Aside from this, a lot of manufacturers of these items have been using class 3 and 4 receiver types for a long time. That’s why, if you’re thinking of investing in it, then be sure to get a receiver that gives you some value beyond the original use.
Hammock Stand
You just need to ensure two things that the hammock can get attached to, You will need to ensure the stand fits safely and it fits in your car’s current hitch receiver. If you are missing one of these 2 points, you will face a lot of problems.
Besides just hanging a hammock on it, many of the companies also support hanging a hammock chair on their stand, if you like you can get that as well.
Hammock
Camping Hammocks are the best option to choose. Although it is not the only option you have, it is nevertheless the most appropriate one.
You still need to see your requirements. It is the most important part and you can’t just take it lightly. You have to see many different situations while buying a Hammock.
If you develop back pain quickly then getting a camping hammock is not the right choice. In this type of scenario the Poolside Hammocks or with Nicaraguan Hammocks would be more suitable.
If durability matters to you go with Poolside Hammocks and if you want more comfort then go with either Camping or a Nicaraguan hammock. If lounging is more your style then a Rope Hammock would be best fit.
Hitch Extender
It is used not only to lengthen the receiver but also to make its opening smaller or larger.
If you have a carrying vehicle, then you may not use this extender, but if you have a car in which the receiver is placed a bit inward, then you will need it for hanging your hammock.
Locking Hitch Pin
Hitch Pin may or may not play a large role, but the benefit of purchasing is that it holds your stand in place by attaching it to the hitch of your car.
Conclusion
Once you get to have all these elements then you just need to assemble your trailer hitch hammock.
We have already talked about the points to keep in mind before buying these elements. I believe this guide has helped you in choosing a trailer hitch hammock and providing the best build for your needs.