5 ESSENTIAL COMPONEMTS OF A STANDARD TOWING SYSTEM

Do you want to tow a trailer? If so, you should know there are a number of components needed for any type of towing system. Here are the key parts that are required.

1. The trailer hitch
   Sometimes called a tow hitch or a receiver hitch, this component is what connects the tow vehicle to the trailer. It’s made up of a trailer ball, ball mount and several other parts. It bolts onto the tow vehicle and provides a coupling point to hook up to the trailer. There are five different classes of trailer hitches:
    
   • • Class 1 hitches have a towing capacity of up to 2,000.
   • • Class 2 hitches have a towing capacity of up to 8,000 pounds and a weight distribution of up to 12,000 pounds.
   • • Class 3 hitches have a towing capacity of up to 8,000 pounds and a weight distribution of up to 12,000 pounds.
   • • Class 4 hitches have a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds and a weight distribution of up to 12,000 pounds.
   • • Class 5 hitches have a towing capacity of 16,000 to 20,000 pounds.
      
2. Ball mount
   This is a metal bar or tube that gets placed inside the trailer hitch. It’s made up of a shank and a trailer ball platform. The shank is the part that connects to the trailer hitch and the platform offers a mounting point for the trailer ball. Ball mounts come in a range of different styles and capacities. Some are fixed and others are adjustable. Typically, they have a hole in the shank so a hitch pin or lock can be inserted.
    
3. Trailer ball
   Also called a hitch ball or tow ball, this component provides a point of connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer that allows the driver to turn corners and travel smoothly over bumps and dips. It comprises a metal ball and a threaded shank and comes in several standard sizes. A coupler mounts on top of the trailer ball and locks around it.
    
4. Hitch pin
   The hitch pin is a small L-shaped metal rod that gets inserted into the side of the trailer hitch, passes through the ball mount shank and emerges out the other side. It also has a hole on the end to receive a steel clip that keeps the pin held in the receiver. A hitch lock can be used in place of a hitch pin to secure the trailer and help prevent it from being stolen
    
5. Trailer coupler
   This component is secured onto the end of a trailer tongue and attaches to the trailer ball. Trailer couplers come in several standard sizes. It’s essential that the size is compatible with that of the trailer ball.
    

In addition to these five components, a trailer wiring harness is required to supply power to the trailer lights and synchronize them with the tow vehicle’s taillights.

Trailer hitches in the GTA

Hitch City offers a selection of quality towing equipment and supplies. Our team of knowledgeable staff can help you find the products for your towing needs. Contact us today to speak with one of one of our experts.