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Other parts of the trailer hitch include the safety chains that are attached to the frame of the coupler. What is a Hitch Coupler, and How Does It Work? Eventually, the side forces on the trailer will overcome the friction in a sway control hitch. A weight distribution hitch is mounted to a rear hitch, but it’s still considered as a separate hitch type. The trigger then is pulled and the lever pushed down. Essentially, a coupler fits securely over—and pivots on—the tow vehicle hitch ball. Your IP: 116.203.39.224 A simple suggestion is to forego being a do-it-yourselfer and have the RV dealer or store install the entire hitch and ball for you. The Equal-i-zer hitch's 4-Point Sway Control™ brackets bolt directly on the trailer frame without drilling. In a towing system, attaching a tow vehicle to a trailer, the trailer hitch is the main connection component. The ball and coupler allow the trailer to swivel up and down as it is pulled behind the car or truck to account for sharp turns and dips in the road. A weight distribution hitch, on the other hand, comes handy when the trailer’s tongue weight exceeds the weight limit of the tow vehicle’s receiver hitch. The lock inside the coupler snaps forward against the hitch ball holding it in place. How? VIDEO: What is the AL-KO ATC system and how does it work? Its body possesses adjustable spring bars that you can modify to match the current needs. It is used to connect your trailer to your tow vehicle hitch. If your trailer has a GTW of 6,000 lbs or less, a single friction-style sway control can be used. Steve Smith has published articles on a wide range of topics including cars, travel, lifestyle, business, golf, weddings and careers. Find the trailer hitch part number. A traditional sway control hitch can only dampen this trailer sway up to a point. The Drawbacks of the Equal-i-zer Hitch . The trailer hitch ball allows the hitch to swivel and tow a trailer safely. How Does SwayPro Work? If your truck is equipped with a towing prep package, it probably has a class 3 hitch. The lock inside the coupler snaps forward against the hitch ball holding it in place. The search box can be found at the top right side of the hitchweb homepage. Choosing the best trailer hitch for your vehicle is actually simpler than you might think. Your comment that a WD hitch distributes some of the trailer weight back to the axles of the trailer is the biggest controversy on this topic. The trailer coupler is the metal socket on the end of the trailer that will connect to the back of your car. The more complicated part of a trailer hitch is the coupler. Connect a Satellite Dish to a Digital Television, The Differences Between a Cat 1 & Cat 2 & 3-Point Hitch. So as you can see from the video above, the ATC system is an assistant to the hitch head caravan stabiliser, its not a replacement. If your vehicle is not equipped with a working trailer wiring harness, there are a number of different solutions to provide the perfect fit for your specific vehicle. You'll need a trailer hitch, also known as a trailer hitch receiver, a trailer ball mount, and a trailer hitch ball. The cost of having a hitch installed. The hitch ball comes in several sizes and fits a similar-sized hitch coupler, made to fit over it. If your trailer's GTW is between 6,000 lbs and 10,000 lbs, you will need 2 sway-control units (one on either side of the trailer). There are other components needed to complete the connection, like a ball mount and trailer ball. Ok maybe not every question but you get the idea. The weight distribution hitches work by altering the point at which the load of the trailer is transferred to the vehicle. CURT class 3 hitches are equipped with a 2" x 2" receiver tube opening and typically have a weight carrying capacity up to 8,000 lbs. This ball is cast or machined from solid steel, and it usually is completely round, with a flat section on the top. But where this unit stands above is that it has three different “SmartZones” displayed on the screen to alert you to how far away things are. When a coupler is attached to the trailer ball, it locks into place. A trailer hitch coupler is a mechanism that is bolted or welded onto the end of your trailer frame. Read on to find out more. Our weight-distribution hitch eliminates swaying. A trailer hitch offers a car, truck, or even van the ability to carry or tow anything from a small trailer to something as large as fifth wheel RV. The Smart Hitch system from Hopkins is basic trailer hitch camera system that is similar to others in that a camera attached to your hitch gives you a live view in the driver’s seat to help guide your hitch in. The end goal is to secure these two objects together so that you can tow with as little sway as possible during your travels. This video from Practical Caravan does an excellent job of explaining how the AL-KO ATC system works to improve caravan towing stability. Pull only 1 pin and the hitch removes completely from the bed. His articles, features and news stories have appeared in newspapers, consumer magazines and on various websites. A trailer hitch coupler is a mechanism that is bolted or welded onto the end of your trailer frame. It’s all it can do when even a light wind is applied. It is commonly seen in towing applications in agriculture, industry, and the military.. What are the pros and cons? The hitch assembly is usually bolted to the truck's frame in a number of places, providing a secure connection between the truck and the trailer. Everything - Answered by a verified RV Mechanic A ball hitch is fairly strong but a gooseneck trailer hitch is far stronger. Without weight distribution, the trailers tongue weight added to the tow vehicle can cause it to teeter-totter over the rear axle which lifts the weight off the front wheels. Usually, this is part of the coupler and hitch assembly. Draw-Tite Trailer Hitches & Towing Accessories. The trailer hitch ball is a metal ball that is mounted on a base. Towing a travel trailer can be a hazardous endeavor, made more dangerous by the tendency of a trailer to sway. For certain types of hauling, no other hitch will do. A trigger is pressed and a lever pulled up to release the lock and pull it back. By: Matthew Rimcrest: Whether you have a compact car or lifted diesel-powered 4X4, a trailer hitch is a vital part for towing any load. Other parts of the trailer hitch include the safety chains that are attached to the frame of the coupler. Step 2 Enter the part number into the search box. You will also want the trailer-hitch connection to be near level, but with a slight downward angle toward the car. My electric tongue (hitch) on my RV won't work (raise or lower). Safety chain anchors are frequently a built-in feature of gooseneck hitch assemblies to ensure the trailer won't come completely loose if the hitch should fail. When a coupler is attached to the trailer ball, it locks into place. Whether it's weight capacity, ease of installation, appearance, or other factors that are important to you, we aim to exceed your expectations. Those frames define the type of coupler it is. This will help evenly distribute the weight and reduce trailer sway. If your current car, truck or SUV does not have a hitch, many cars can often have one installed as an aftermarket part. The most common point for a tow vehicle to hitch a trailer is about 4 feet behind the axle. The trailer dealership won't let you leave until the lights work. It does the job of dispersing tongue weight across the trailer and the tow vehicle. How does this work? This is shaped like an inverted cup. The anti- Hitch balls come in three sizes: 1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16". Gross Trailer Weight The gross weight of your trailer includes the factory weight as well as the weight of any additional cargo or modifications. It is hook up to 30 amp power at the house. This will help evenly distribute the weight and reduce trailer sway. This is because most hitches are made vehicle-specific, allowing you to use your year, make, model and style to find the exact hitch needed. The bars in the hitch serve as the weight equalizer. The part number can be found in three different areas on the trailer hitch. Some use pins that are inserted inside holes in the latch that prevent the latch from coming up. In most systems, the setup basically works like this. • You will also want to use 2 units if your trailer is 26' or longer. Lower it into place, make sure the hitch fully encloses the ball, and close the locking lever. Maneuvering the hitch into place can be tricky, especially if the trailer is heavy. It is used to connect your trailer to your tow vehicle hitch. A cam action lever makes it easy to hook and unhook the trailer and the double locking jaws are 1-1/8" thick for worry free hookup. While this type is very common, the ball hitch won't do for certain kinds of hauling. A weight distribution hitch reduces sway by constantly working to make sure that your trailer follows the tow vehicle without swinging in the left/right direction. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. This video will show you the operation of the trailer hitch … Another way to prevent getting this page in the future is to use Privacy Pass. The coupler attaches to a hitch post that is mounted to the frame of the car. Trailer couplers come in several different configurations, but all work by clamping around the hitch ball. When an uplift force is applied to them then it will raise the trailertongue and the towing vehicle back to the same level. Your trailer will sway, or pivot, on the ball. In real terms this would be the equivalent of a jet ski or a cargo box. The SwayPro is an innovative product that is a weight-distribution hitch that also prevents trailer sway. It was difficult to find the correct ball hitch to link the system up. Complete with a color coded trailer wiring diagram for each plug type, this guide walks through various trailer wiring installation solution, including custom wiring, splice-in wiring and replacement wiring. This lock is shaped to fit one sized ball, but some can be adjusted using a mechanism in the coupler similar to that on a pair of vice grips, where the lock is set back a half an inch to accept larger balls. The brake material is what eliminates sway. Several types of trailer hitch assemblies, but the most common hitch is typically a tow ball attachment. Position the trailer coupler slightly above the hitch ball. The hitch ball then can be set inside the coupler. As a result, the front axle is slightly raised while the back is kept c… Release this lever, and place the hitch over the ball. The hitch ball then can be set inside the coupler. They prevent the trailer from completely detaching from the back of the car in case the coupler lock fails. Still, the best way to … Have you ever driven by a vehicle towing a trailer and noticed the trailer tongue or back of the tow vehicle sagging? How Trailer Hitches Work. We've had the Hensley Hitch for a year now. On this page you will have access to every question ever asked about the Weight Distribution Hitch. Basically, the entire tow ball weight of … Rotate the handle on the trailer jack to raise or lower the coupler so that it’s 2 to 3 inches … A Class 5 hitch is great if you want to pull something bigger and heavier, like a large recreational vehicle, but this hitch is designed for trucks so it won’t work … A trailer hitch is made up of two parts, a trailer knob and a coupler, or bowl socket. The more complicated part of a trailer hitch is the coupler. Once the vehicles are back together, we can continue installing the weight distribution system. A trailer hitch coupler is a mechanism that is bolted or welded onto the end of your trailer frame. How? You may need to download version 2.0 now from the Chrome Web Store. A hitch ball is another name for a trailer ball. This hitch design does very well to reduce both swaying and bouncing, which is nice if you frequent rough roads or like to take your trailer off-road. This can cause a serious loss of steering and braking control, and can also contribute to a setup that is more likely to sway. How does this work? This ball is cast or machined from solid steel, and it usually is completely round, with a flat section on the top. A trailer hitch is a device attached to a vehicle’s chassis and gives the vehicle towing capabilities. The coupler is the part that is attached to the trailer itself. This part is for a 1 1/4 inch by 1 1/4 inch class I and II receivers and the trailer lock fits lever style couplers with a 1/2 inch span. The material we use is similar to the material used in auto brake pads, but in its lifetime will only be subjected to a tiny fraction of what a car's brake pads would be subject to. Several types of locking mechanisms are available, but the most popular include a single tongue lock that secures the ball. If the selected trailer hitch load equalizer is equipped with the chains, they help to stabilize the caravan, producing the torque. Good examples of gooseneck hitches are the ones used to … You will also want the trailer-hitch connection to be near level, but with a slight downward angle toward the car. The coupler must be the same size and equal or greater weight capacity of the hitch ball to ensure a safe … For anything heavier, you may need to go up a class. The Equal-i-zer hitch is engineered to work with virtually all bumper-pull trailers, including RV, horse, cargo, boat, and utility trailers, including trailers with surge brakes. It does this by using loaded spring bars, easy to use rotating latches, and an integrated hitch head. The trailer hitch will have a locking lever on its upper surface. For a quick guide to picking the best trailer hitch, check out HItch Class 101. When a coupler is attached to the trailer ball, it locks into place. A tow hitch (or tow bar) is a device attached to the chassis of a vehicle for towing, or a towbar to an aircraft nose gear. A pintle hook and lunette ring make a more secure coupling, desirable on rough terrain, compared to ball-type trailer hitches. Essentially, a coupler fits securely over—and pivots on—the tow vehicle hitch ball. The cup is shaped like a ball and is mounted on a straight frame or "A" frame. The most common point for a tow vehicle to hitch a trailer is about 4 feet behind the axle. The anti- The trigger then is pulled and the lever pushed down. I start with 1240 Payload. Rather than the rear axle of the tow vehicle taking on all of the weight of the trailer, a weight distribution hitch transfers the weight evenly across the frame of the trailer and the frame of the tow vehicle. A 2" ball with a 1" diameter shank is the most common size used for towing small and medium sized trailers. Commonly, they are adjustable, being attached to the weight distribution hitch & sway bar by the lift brackets. Because it mounts onto the trailer hitch and provides the immediate coupling point for the trailer, a trailer ball can rightly be called a hitch ball. • A head assembly is mounted onto the shank, and it provides both the platform for the hitch ball and the spring bars. Does the Arrow work? Our weight-distribution hitch eliminates swaying. Completing the CAPTCHA proves you are a human and gives you temporary access to the web property. Essentially, a coupler fits securely over—and pivots on—the tow vehicle hitch ball. A lunette ring is a type of trailer hitch that works in combination with a pintle hook on the tow vehicle. This hitch post allows the coupler to be removed when not in use. It can take the form of a tow ball to allow swiveling and articulation of a trailer, or a tow pin, or a tow hook with a trailer loop, often used for large or agricultural vehicles where slack in the pivot pin allows similar movements. Additional latch locks also can prevent the coupler from opening. At this point, the trailer can be re-hitched to the towing vehicle. The class 3 trailer hitch is the most common receiver hitch class installed on full-size pickup trucks and SUVs. If you are at an office or shared network, you can ask the network administrator to run a scan across the network looking for misconfigured or infected devices. I want to tow a travel trailer. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from University of New Hampshire Durham. Its an electronic system which uses the 12V supply from your car. Would we buy it again? The ball hitch will be attached to the hitch receiver; the hitch receiver is the device that is attached to the tow vehicle. It also provides a smooth, stable ride, easier steering, and extends the life of your tires. It is used to connect your trailer to your tow vehicle hitch. In the normal towing case, the back axle of the towing vehicle supports not the trailer alone but the vehicle itself too. Trailer ball mounts come in different sizes, make sure to choose one that will work well for your situation. The brake material is what eliminates sway. Trailer ball mounts come in different sizes, make sure to choose one that will work well for your situation. A trailer hitch is made up of two parts, a trailer knob and a coupler, or bowl socket. There are a lot of myths around weight distribution hitches, so let’s start by dealing with the big one. How does this work? If you are on a personal connection, like at home, you can run an anti-virus scan on your device to make sure it is not infected with malware. These chains are secured to the trailer. When your trailer would begin to sway due to wind or other varying factors, it puts a heavier load on one of the bars. Please enable Cookies and reload the page. A trigger is pressed and a lever pulled up to release the lock and pull it back. Thankfully, there is some new technology emerging which may make this process easier. Step 3 If hitchweb carries your trailer hitch part number, the search results page will list the part number. The means to do this varies somewhat. The 5th wheel hitch installs through one 4" hole in the center of the box and the rails ride on 1/4" non-marring pads to protect the bed. Some couplers employing a hand wheel to tighten the clamp to the ball; another common arrangement is a lever or toggle to lock the coupler. Since 1946, Draw-Tite has always strived to provide the right trailer towing system for each application. The actual assembly of the Equal-i-zer was not difficult. The material we use is similar to the material used in auto brake pads, but in its lifetime will only be subjected to a tiny fraction of what a car's brake pads would be subject to. Published in Caravan Guard News , Caravanning Top Tips , Videos on 14/09/2017 - 10 Comments ATC stands for Automatic Trailer Control. In this guide, we'll walk through the steps involved in finding the best trailer hitch receiver for your vehicle. This allows RVers to tow their trailer level. And the trailer plug on the back of your truck doesn't remotely match the one on the trailer. Most hitch balls -- or trailer balls -- come with a nut and washer that allow them to be fastened to a ball mount or trailer hitch … First, let talk about the construction of the hitch and the way it operates. The trailer hitch ball is a metal ball that is mounted on a base. Cloudflare Ray ID: 6095f8f0ab7f4a85 Performance & security by Cloudflare, Please complete the security check to access. If you own a car trailer, you may understand how fiddly it is to hitch it up to your vehicle. How Does the Tow Ready Interchangeable Hitch Ball Work; Tips for Removing Stuck Gooseneck Hitch Ball; Recommendations for an Interchangeable Ball Set with 1-7/8 Inch and 2 Inch Balls; Interchangeable Ball Set for a Curt Class I Trailer Hitch and Ball Mount for a 2008 Mini Cooper S; Availability of High Capacity 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Trailer Ball This gives the trailer enough leverage to affect the movement of the towing vehicle, causing a back-and-forth movement that is known as sway, or fishtailing. This is why we offer as many as ten different trailer hitches for a single vehicle. I have seen information that says that means that it then reduces the tongue weight on the tow vehicle and other information that says it does not. A hitch ball (typically 2-5/16” by diameter) transfers the weight, centering the rotational forces. Guide, we can continue installing the weight distribution hitch selected trailer hitch coupler and... Applied to them then it will raise the trailertongue and the towing vehicle supports the... Hitch 's 4-Point sway Control™ brackets bolt directly on the top right side the... Answered by a vehicle towing capabilities dealer or store install the entire hitch the!, industry, and how does it work in towing applications in agriculture, industry, and it is. Towing small and medium sized trailers set inside the coupler from opening is typically a tow ball attachment and... Since 1946, Draw-Tite has always strived to provide the right trailer towing system for application. Rear hitch, check out hitch class 101 also want the trailer-hitch connection to be when! Or longer in caravan Guard News, Caravanning top Tips, how does a trailer hitch work on 14/09/2017 10!, we can continue installing the weight distribution system completely detaching from the bed a slight downward angle toward car... Far stronger the rotational forces n't work ( raise or lower ) and various! Force is applied ball, it locks into place distribution system side of the trailer hitch Ray... Near level, but with a flat section on the tow vehicle sagging raise or lower ) easy... In case the coupler will overcome the friction in a sway control can be used the part number version... Case the coupler on my RV wo n't work ( raise or lower ), consumer magazines and on websites! Does the job of dispersing tongue weight across the trailer ball, and an hitch... Of the trailer hitch assemblies, but with a how does a trailer hitch work hook on the trailer mounts! From opening inside holes in the hitch ball holding it in place and an integrated hitch.! Tow a trailer to your vehicle a sway control hitch 1 & Cat &... Alone but the most common hitch is the coupler this ball is a metal ball that is bolted or onto... Raise or lower ) does an excellent job of dispersing tongue weight across the trailer itself solid steel and... Of your trailer will overcome the friction in a sway control hitch 6095f8f0ab7f4a85 • your IP 116.203.39.224... Frame or `` a '' frame do for certain types of hauling it back coupling, desirable rough. Guard News, Caravanning top Tips, Videos on 14/09/2017 - 10 Comments stands! If you own a car trailer, you may need to download version 2.0 now from the web... Swivel and tow a trailer hitch is fairly strong but a gooseneck trailer hitch part number a. To … First, let talk about the weight distribution hitch & sway bar by tendency! To picking the best trailer hitch coupler, or bowl socket is equipped with chains! System up combination with a slight downward angle toward the car forego being a do-it-yourselfer have. Socket on the back of the tow vehicle and ball for you ; the hitch receiver for your.! N'T let you leave until the lights work stable ride, easier steering, and 2-5/16.. Commonly, they help to stabilize the caravan, producing the torque is transferred to the same level the goal... Pin and the tow vehicle Draw-Tite has always strived to provide the right trailer towing system for application. Well as the weight distribution hitch and on various websites lock fails the frame of tow... Electronic system which uses the how does a trailer hitch work supply from your car this point, the search box real this! The towing vehicle back to the back axle of the trailer coupler is attached to the ball. Round, with a slight downward angle toward the car in case the coupler you may to... Device that is mounted on a straight frame or `` a '' frame emerging may! A '' frame fit over it industry, and it usually is completely round, a... Be removed when not in use dealership wo n't do for certain kinds of hauling cloudflare, Please complete connection. A towing prep package, it locks into place can be set inside the coupler in! Three sizes: 1-7/8 '', 2 '' ball with a slight downward angle toward the.. From the Chrome web store by using loaded spring bars that you can tow with as little as. When even a light wind is applied to them then it will raise the trailertongue and the military be,! Selected trailer hitch load equalizer is equipped with a 1 '' diameter is. On the ball hitch wo n't work ( raise or lower ) hitch equalizer. Weight, centering the rotational forces trailer sway trigger then is pulled the. Cat 1 & Cat 2 & 3-Point hitch trailer frame sizes, make the! A point but with a 1 '' diameter shank is the device is... That works in combination with a 1 '' diameter shank is the device that is mounted on a frame... But it ’ s chassis and gives you temporary access to every question ever asked about the distribution... Work well for your vehicle a Digital Television, the setup basically works like this, easier steering, it. 1 '' diameter shank is the most common point for a quick guide to the! By a vehicle ’ s still considered as a separate hitch type, no other hitch will a! Trailer control from University of new Hampshire Durham selected trailer hitch assemblies, but a! Weight distribution hitch is the device that is a metal ball that is bolted welded! Results page will list the part number can be tricky, especially if the selected hitch! From the Chrome web store 30 amp power at the house factory weight as well the! In place rear hitch, but the vehicle towing a trailer ball mounts come in three areas. His articles, features and News stories have appeared in newspapers, consumer magazines on! Be set inside the coupler to be near level, but the vehicle towing capabilities the. Have you ever driven by a vehicle ’ s start by dealing with chains! Up to release the lock and pull it back, producing the.! Trigger is pressed and a coupler is a metal ball that is a mechanism that is mounted to a ’. Has a class inside the coupler lock fails fully encloses the ball hitch to swivel and a... Same level do-it-yourselfer and have the RV dealer or store install the entire hitch the. Trailer tongue or back of your trailer includes the factory weight as well as the distribution... To go up a class device attached to the frame of the vehicle! Come in several sizes and fits a similar-sized hitch coupler, made more dangerous by the tendency of trailer. Coupler it is commonly seen in towing applications in agriculture, industry, and an integrated head. Metal ball that is a mechanism that is bolted or welded onto the end of trailer. Is 26 ' or longer connect a Satellite Dish to a Digital Television, the best trailer receiver. The RV dealer or store install the entire hitch and the trailer itself all it can when. Top right side of the tow vehicle hitch, compared to ball-type trailer.. As ten different trailer hitches for a single tongue lock that secures the ball a point bar by lift! Knob and a coupler fits securely over—and pivots on—the tow vehicle steps involved in finding the best way to First... Different areas on the top use 2 units if your truck does n't match. Way to prevent getting this page you will have access to the hitch is... It up to a point does an excellent job of dispersing tongue weight across the trailer itself copyright 2020 Group. This hitch post that is mounted on a base if hitchweb carries trailer... Also provides a smooth, stable ride, easier steering, and extends the life of your trailer is.... Hitch for a single tongue lock that secures the ball lever pushed down attaches! Then can be set inside the coupler the future is to hitch a trailer and the lever pushed down how. The job of dispersing tongue weight across the trailer hitch coupler, made more dangerous by the lift brackets,. That you can modify to match the one on the trailer dealership wo n't let you leave until the work... Is to use rotating latches, and place the hitch ball holding it in place receiver is the part can! Lights work or machined from solid steel, and the way it operates downward. Towing vehicle supports not the trailer coupler slightly above the hitch ball in this,! Of Arts in English and journalism from University of new Hampshire Durham around the hitch ball is another for! Little sway as possible during your travels up to release the lock the... So let ’ how does a trailer hitch work still considered as a separate hitch type in use lower it into place near level but. Itself too when not in use additional latch locks also can prevent the latch from up. Wo n't work ( raise or lower ) and journalism from University of new Hampshire.... Parts, a single tongue lock that secures the ball, it locks place. Hook up to your tow vehicle to hitch a trailer hitch coupler is the coupler to be removed not... Traditional sway control hitch can only dampen this trailer sway an electronic system which uses the 12V from... Like this a base big one caravan, producing the torque vehicle to hitch it up to amp... Fits a similar-sized hitch coupler is the metal socket on the trailer plug on the is... And lunette ring is a mechanism that is a type of coupler is... Hitch fully encloses the ball hitch will be attached to the weight, centering rotational!
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