Understanding Towing

 

It is very important to review an operator's manual before purchasing a towing system. Your vehicle manual has helpful information about your vehicle's capabilities and limitations. You also need to be aware of the different laws and restrictions which exist when you tow from state to state. The State Patrol is a good resource for information.

Gross Trailer Weight

(GTW) The gross trailer weight is the weight of the trailer & cargo. Measure this by putting the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.

Weight Carrying

(WC) The total weight of both the trailer and the cargo inside. Never exceed the weight capacity of your trailer hitch. This applies to loads without a weight distribution hitch installed.

Weight Distribution

(WD) Used to balance the weight of the cargo between the front and rear wheels throughout the trailer, allowing ofr better steering, braking, and level riding. Not to be used on class I or II receivers, or with surge brakes.

 

 Tongue Weight

(TW) The downward force that is exerted on the hitch ball by the coupler. The tongue weight will vary depending on where the load is positioned in relationship to the trailer axle(s). To measure the tongue weight, use either a commercial scale or a bathroom scale with the coupler at towing height. When using a bathroom scale, use the method shown and mulitply the scale reading by three.


Sway Control

A device used to reduce the lateral movements of the trailer that are caused by the wind. This may be used in conjuction with a weight distribution hitch or alone. Do not use this on a class I or II hitch, or with surge brakes.


 

Trailer Balls

Connection from the hitch to the trailer.

There are many factors that determine the correct hitch ball:

  • Most important is the hitch ball's gross trailer weight rating.
  • The mounting platform must be at least 3/8" thick.
  • The hole diameter must not be more than 1/16" larger than the threaded shank.
  • Every time you tow, check the nut and lock washer to make sure they are fastened securely.

Safety Chains

Safety chains are required by law and should be crossed under the tongue of trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Always leave enough slack so you can turn. Never allow the safety chains to drag on the ground and never attach the chains to the bumper.

Trailer classification: safety chain breaking force - minuimum

Class I: 2,000 lbs. (8.9 kN)
Class II: 3,500 lbs. (15.6 kN)
Class III: 5,000 lbs. (22.2 kN)

Each safety chain or safety cable must equal or exceed the GTWR of the trailer.

 

Couplers

The component that is placed over the trailer ball to connect the vehicle to the trailer. Coupler size must match the size of the hitch ball. Ensure the coupler handle is securely fastened. Trailer coupler size determines trailer ball size. Be sure your coupler os properly adjusted to the ball you are using.

Ball Mounts

The ball mount is placed inside the opening of the receiver hitch which is mounted to the vehicle. Make sure a hitch pin and clip is properly securing the ball mount to the receiver hitch before you begin towing.




 

Hitch Pins/Locks

For securing all ball mounts to receiver style hitches. Hitch locks protect against ball mount theft.

Bumper Hitches

These hitch applications are used only for light weight towing, including bike racks and cargo carriers. Towing should not exceed vehicle bumper's gross towing weight. Hitch capacities are limited to bumper capacities.