Towing a trailer is not as easy as it sounds. It’s not about just hitching your vehicle and driving off. You need to consider several factors to make the best selection for choosing the appropriate equipment for your vehicle so you don’t face any malfunctions along the way.
Do remember that the hitch alone is not responsible for towing. You need other components such as a trailer ball and ball mount, wiring and safety chains. You need to also know the maximum weight limit for towing the trailer, including the weight of your cargo, passengers, fuel and safety equipment.
If you are aware of the weight capacities of your trailer and the type of trailer you are towing, then finding the right hitch is not difficult. What you also need to know is how to select a receiver hitch for your vehicle, the right ball mount and trailer ball and how to select for heavy-duty hitch applications.
Types of Trailer Hitches
The right trailer hitch is crucial for safe and secure trailer towing. There are three kinds of trailer hitches:
Weight Carrying: Used for cars, SUVs and smaller trucks.
Weight Distribution: This kind of hitch is required for large trucks.
Fifth Wheel: This is meant for the largest vehicles.
Know Your Trailer and Vehicle
Before you purchase the right trailer hitch, you need to know the make, model and year of your vehicle and its maximum towing capacity. Find out the type of trailer you have, the coupler socket size and if your trailer comes with safety chains. If you are unaware, just look up the owner’s manual for all details.
Determine the Gross Trailer Weight
The gross trailer weight refers to the total weight of your trailer. This includes the weight of the items that are in the vehicle. An empty trailer does not provide an accurate reading. If you need help to figure that out, just take it to the nearest weigh stations or an auto centre equipped with a vehicle scale.
Find the Right Trailer Hitch
If you fail to use the right trailer hitch for your vehicle, you can face malfunctions. In case of any queries or inability to measure the gross trailer weight or tongue weight, simply visit a reputed auto professional to help you out.
Cobra Car and Truck Accessories, Mississauga
We welcome you to our large showroom in Mississauga to view a variety of vehicle enhancing products and services. Speak to our expert employees to find the right trailer hitch and other accessorizing needs, many of who have been with us from the time we opened our store in 1984. Call us before you visit so we are ready to meet your needs.