Trailer hitches and installation

The trailer ball attaches to the ball mount. It is the point where the trailer and the hitch connect. The ball shape allows for smoother and easier turns with a trailer. Different sizes are rated for towing varying weights. Make sure the trailer ball you select fits the trailer you plan to tow. If you plan on towing multiple trailers, it is wise to purchase multiple ball sizes.

The hitch pin is one of the smallest yet most crucial pieces for a trailer hitch. It helps hold the ball mount in place and keep it from slipping out of the hitch receiver. Most standard hitch pins are shaped like Ls. A hitch pin comes with a clip on the other side to securely lock it in place. Hitch pins can come in different diameters, so it is important to make sure your hitch pin will fit with your ball mount.

Some ball mounts are sold with the adequately sized hitch pin included, which can save you stress. The trailer coupler is located at the front of the trailer. There are different mount styles available.

You will want to make sure to match the trailer coupler with the ball size you need. The hitch class comparison chart shows the trailer hitch classes and the receiver size:. Safety chains are crucial because they will keep you safe if anything fails on your trailer hitch.

You will need to make sure your safety chains are rated strong enough to hold the weight of your trailer loaded up with all of your gear. Safety chains hook to the trailer hitch and the trailer.

There are fancy options available that will lock in place for added security. You can also find simple options available for easy attaching and detaching.

Another essential thing to remember is, while you may be sure your trailer is secure thanks to your spectacular hitch, you still need to have safety chains to legally tow a trailer. On top of that, it is just smart to use them. A trailer wiring harness is a crucial piece for legally driving your trailer in most places.

If you plan on going your trailer on the road at all even between off-roading locations , you will need a wiring harness. The purpose of the trailer wiring harness is to connect the electronics of your vehicle to your trailer. It means that when you turn on the turn signal of your vehicle, the turn signal on your trailer will also light, alerting drivers around you. Make sure the style of connection offered with your trailer wiring harness will work with both your vehicle and the trailer.

To safely and legally drive with a trailer, you will need wiring for lights. In most states, trailers need to have three different kinds of lights. You will need to have turn signals, brake lights, and a light to illuminate the license plate.

In some states, trailers below a certain weight do not need license plates to take on the road. In those states, you will not need the light to highlight the license plate. You will, however, still need the other taillights. The wiring may be attached through the trailer hitch or separately.

U-Haul can connect the wiring harness for you when they install the rest of your trailer. The installation does not take long. U-Haul uses the most trusted names in trailer hitch production for their hitches, so you can drive knowing you have a significant hitch.

Many of these brands offer hitches specified for particular vehicles, and U-Haul can help you check compatibility. Other options from these brands include multi-fit hitches that can fit on multiple makes and models. U-Haul makes many of their own hitches.

These are easy to find designed specifically for your vehicle. The other benefit of going with U-Haul for your hitch is they can custom-make hitches for your vehicle. Some vehicles do not have pre-made hitches, but having the flexibility of a U-Haul custom hitch is perfect. You may need to drive to a special location to have this hitch designed for you, but they do have options if that is too much of a hassle for your schedule. U-Haul trailers have great warranties, and the installation process is quick and easy.

Curt is one of the premier manufacturers of trailer hitches. Their work is exceptional and thorough. All of their hitches have finishes to help increase their durability. Curt also offers multi-fit hitches that are accessible for a variety of vehicles. Depending on your vehicle's towing capacity, these trailer hitches are rated for loads of up to 8, pounds.

You can only install class 4 hitches on trucks and SUVs. They have 2-inch receiver tubes and can tow loads of up to 10, pounds. These commercial duty hitches are compatible only with chassis and dually cab trucks. They can tow up to 20, pounds when properly equipped. Considering these factors will help you get your trailer hitch selection right the first time. The most important consideration is whether a particular hitch fits the make and model of your vehicle. Some hitches fit only certain vehicles while others work with any vehicle that has the right receiver tube size and load capacity.

It's made from durable powder-coated, UV- and rust-resistant carbon steel rated up to 4, pounds GTW. The standard receiver can accommodate various types of trailers and complies with all industry safety regulations and tests.

Just select your vehicle make, model, and year for a factory fit and easy installation in your own garage. Think about the towing ability of your vehicle and the weight of the items you plan to tow. Fans of this hitch cite the durability of its solid welded construction, not to mention its affordable price.

It features an integrated hitch plug and an exclusive "one-wrench tightening system" that makes adding accessories a snap, even for the novice. You'll also appreciate the long-lasting coated metal finish designed to create an original equipment manufacturer OEM appearance. Most experts recommend choosing a trailer hitch made from a high-strength material like powder-coated alloy steel, such as the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Class III, 2 in. This hitch is the top overall choice for by The Drive and received Amazon's Choice designation thanks to hundreds of positive customer ratings.

It offers easy no-drill installation, weather and corrosion resistance, and a load capacity of up to 4, pounds. Draw-Tite uses computer-aided design to customize an exact fit for every vehicle make and model. The brand stands behind the quality of this product with a lifetime limited warranty. The etrailer trailer hitch receiver e does come with everything you would need to install it, from the mounting hardware down to detailed, step by step instructions.

For bumper pull trailers, a custom receiver hitch is best. The difference between the fifth wheel. Adjust until the holes on the shank and receiver tube line up. A typical tow hitch installation may involve some of the following steps: Between all of the hitches available for your toyota rav4 i recommend the etrailer trailer hitch e23zr as it is made right here in the usa, and its matte black powder coat finish sets it apart for the other options as it will blend in to the plastic trim on.

Removing the spare tire, lowering the exhaust, removing existing vehicle hardware, lifting the hitch into position and torqueing the hitch hardware to the correct values. Decided on it because of the price and higher tongue weight than the curt. If you've got some basic hand tools, you can likely install this yourself by following along with the installation video i've linked to this answer. Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Hitch Receiver for Tailgating Hitch Grill Station keeps grilling odors.

Pin on stuff Daniel wants. Step Bumper Receiver Bumper hitch, Receiver. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.