Trailer Hitch
and
Hitch Accessories

TRAILER HITCH

Having the right trailer hitch on your tow vehicle is just as important as having the right trailer under your boat. If the hitch assembly isn't properly sized for the vehicle as well as the load being towed, every trip runs the risk of becoming an accident waiting to happen.

The first thing you need to verify is your vehicle's maximum towing capacity. The capacity is determined by a variety of factors including vehicle weight, drive train (front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, or four wheel drive), engine size, transmission, axle ratio, suspension, and cooling system size. If you don't already know the rating, it's best to check the Owner's manual, or check with the vehicle's manufacturer.

The next thing you need to look at is the weight of the tow. Don't forget to include the boat's dry weight, fluids like gas and water, all the gear, and then be sure to add the weight of the trailer itself.

After you've added those numbers, you'll need to determine what class trailer hitch is required to pull the weight of the loaded rig, and compare that number with your vehicle's tow rating.

If the load is greater than the vehicle's towing capacity, don't even bother going any further. The next step will be to upgrade your tow vehicle to one with the capacity to safely tow your rig.

Assuming the weight of the rig is still within the tow capacity rating of the vehicle, the next step is to determine the proper hitch for your application. Hitch ratings are determined by weight capacity. The five basic ratings are...

• Class 1 - Hitches in this class are rated up to 2000 pounds of gross trailer weight with a maximum trailer tongue weight of 200 pounds.
• Class 2 - Hitches in this class are rated up to 3500 pounds of gross trailer weight with a maximum trailer tongue weight of 350 pounds.
• Class 3 - Hitches in this class are rated up to 5000 pounds of gross trailer weight with a maximum trailer tongue weight of 500 pounds.
• Class 4 - Hitches in this class are rated up to 10,000 pounds of gross trailer weight with a maximum trailer tongue weight of 1,000 pounds.
• Class 5 - Hitches in this class are rated up to 12,000 pounds of gross trailer weight with a maximum trailer tongue weight of 1,200 pounds.

In addition, there is a weight distributing system, which can be installed with hitch classes 4 and 5 to increase their individual ratings (on a limited basis)...

...and don't forget each of these classes also requires the proper sized hitch ball to safely perform the tow.

Last, but not least, some very heavy loads require the use of a "fifth wheel" assembly. Depending on the load, the assembly is typically installed in the bed of a heavy duty rated pick-up truck, or on a vehicle designed specifically for this type of hauling. Though the majority of boat owners don't require this set-up, it bears mentioning non-the-less.

For additional towing tips and information, stop by the U.S. Department of Transportation website and view their "Towing Tips" booklet in "pdf." format.

TRAILER HITCH ACCESSORIES

There have been a variety of hitch and towing related accessories brought to market in the last 5 - 10 years. Some out of necessity, and others to add to the convenience and comfort of your towing experience.

Wiring assemblies have always been a part of the towing equipment requirement, but in recent years have become available in a "plug-in" format, reducing the need to cut and splice into your tow vehicle's wiring system.

If you've ever spent any time around a vehicle with a trailer hitch, chances are you've smacked your leg against the hitch and come away with a grease stain on your clothes. A rubber ball cover will pretty much eliminate that problem, and they only cost a few dollars.

If you have a "receiver style" hitch, the draw bar needs to be secured to the hitch assembly with a pin. If someone else decides they need your draw bar and ball more than you, the removal is fast and easy unless you have a hitch lock installed. Different lock styles and prices are available to choose from, but well worth the investment as cheap insurance against theft.

When the draw bar isn't installed for towing purposes, there are a variety of hitch covers available to fill the open end of the receiver and keep out dust and dirt. With a little bit of searching, you're sure to find one that fits your personality.

When it comes to hooking up the boat trailer to the tow vehicle, even with help, it's not uncommon to bump the trailer tongue and vehicle bumper together. To avoid damage to the vehicle, a trailer hitch bumper guard is something to give thought to. Once again, it's cheap insurance compared to the cost of touching up some paint or damaging the bumper.

Last, but not least, if you've ever had to hook-up to the boat trailer by yourself, you know how frustrating it can be to line-up the vehicle hitch and the trailer. Even with years of experience, it's real easy to bump the trailer tongue with the tow vehicle. Not too long ago, someone came up with the idea to attach a small, wireless camera to the license plate bracket. By placing the camera monitor inside the vehicle, you can watch the progress as you slowly back-up to the trailer, rather than jumping in and out of the vehicle repeatedly. Pretty cool stuff, and might be worth thinking about.