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Towing Guide & Glossary - TrailerHitches.com

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Guide

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Helpful Information

Towing Guide & Glossary

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. Your area State Patrol is a good resource for finding this information.

Gross Trailer Weight

Bumper Hitches

Hitch Selection Guide

Tongue Weight

Ball Mounts

Passenger Car & Truck Styles

How much can you safely tow?

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Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)ﾠﾠ
The Gross Trailer Weight is the weight of the trailer and cargo. Measure this by putting the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.

Tongue Weight (TW)ﾠﾠ

The downward force that is exerted on the hitch ball by the coupler. The tongue weight will vary depending 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 with heavier tongue weights, use the method shown and multiply the scale reading by 3.

Weight Carrying (WC)ﾠﾠ
The total weight of both the trailer and the cargo inside. Never exceed the weight capacity of your trailer hitch.

Weight Distribution (WD)ﾠﾠ
Used to balance the weight of the cargo between the front and rear wheels throught the trailer, allowing for better steering, braking, and level riding.

Sway Controlﾠﾠ
A device used to reduce the lateral movements of the trailer that are caused by the wind. This works in conjuction with a weight distribution hitch. Do not use this on a class 1, 2, or 2.5 hitch, or with surge brakes.

Receiver Hitchesﾠﾠ
The primary device attached to the rear of the vehicle which allows you to tow. There are six (6) classes of hitches. It is very important to choose the correct class of receiver hitch. Gross trailer weight and tongue weight will determine the hitch that is needed. Do not exceed the lowest rating of any component of your towing system.

Class 1 & 2	Class 2.5	Class 3 - Round Tube
Ball Mount Pin & Clip Included Class 1: up to 2,000 lbs. GTW up to 200 lbs. TW Class 2: up to 3,500 lbs. GTW up to 350 lbs. TW	4,000 lbs. GTW 400 lbs. TW	5,000 - 6,000 lbs. WC 500 - 600 lbs. TW 6,000 - 10,000 lbs. WD 600 - 1,000 TW

Class 3 - Square Tube	Class 4 - Square Tube	Class 5 - Square Tube
5,000 - 6,000 lbs. WC 500 - 600 lbs. TW 10,000 lbs. WD 1,000 lbs. TW	8,000 - 10,000 lbs. WC 800 - 1,000 lbs. TW 12,000 - 15,000 lbs. WC 1,200 - 1,700 lbs. TW 14,000 - 16,000 lbs. WD 1,4000 - 1,600 lbs. TW	12,000 lbs. WC 1,200 lbs. TW 14,000 lbs. WD 1,4000 lbs. TW

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

Hitch Box 5,000 lbs. GTW 500 lbs. TW	Bumper Hitch Up to: 5,000 lbs. GTW Up to: 500 lbs. TW	Step Bumper Hitch 5,000 GTW 500 lbs. TW

Ball Mountsﾠﾠ
The ball mount is placed inside the opening of the receiver hitch which is mounted to the vehicle. Make sure a hitch pin is properly securing the ball mount to the receiver hitch before you begin towing. Ball mounts are grouped into three (3) styles.

Style Type 1 Used for vehicle and trailer equally level towing.	Style Type 2 Used for vehicle and trailer NOT equally level towing.	Style Type 3 Straight Cut.

Hitch Pin/Lockﾠﾠ
For securing all ball mounts to receiver style hitches. Hitch Locks protect against ball mount theft.

Trailer Ballsﾠﾠ

The most important 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" think

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

Couplersﾠﾠ

The component that is placed over the trailer ball to connect the vehicle to the trailer. Be sure that the coupler size matches the size of the hitch ball and that the coupler handle is securely fastened. To determine what size hitch ball you need for your application you will need to know the size of the couplre that is on the trailer. Be sure your coupler is properly adjusted to the ball you are using.

Safety Chainsﾠﾠ

Safety chains are a requirement and should be crossed under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated form 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 - Minimum
Class 1: 2,000 lbs. (8.9 kN)
Class 2: 3,500 lbs. (15.6 kN)
Class 3: 5,000 lbs. (22.2 kN)
The strength rating of each length of safety chain or its equivalent and its attachments shall be equal to or exceed in minimum breaking force the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the trailer.

Hitch Selection Guideﾠﾠ
Use this table to select the correct class of hitch for your vehicle. Refer to not only the vehicle type, but also the trailer(s) that you will be towing.