TOWING

HITCHES

Trailer hitches come in two main configurations: receiver type and fixed-drawbar type. Receiver-type hitches consist of a portion that mounts to the frame of the vehicle that has a rearward-facing opening that accepts removable ball mounts, hitch bike racks, cargo carriers, or other hitch mounted accessories.

FIFTH WHEEL HITCHES

The fifth wheel hitch (the part that lives in the bed of the pickup truck) is a large, flat plate that has a shape similar to a horseshoe. The metal rails that run beneath the hitch attach to the frame of the pickup truck for strength. The trailer connects to the fifth wheel hitch via a downward-facing pin — called a king pin — along with a plate that rests on top of the fifth wheel hitch plate. The king pin locks into position so it is secure within the hitch but can pivot to accommodate turns.

GOOSENECK HITCHES

Unlike regular hitches that extend from the back of the towing vehicle, gooseneck hitches, and the closely-related fifth wheel hitches, are anchored through the bed of a pickup truck. Gooseneck hitches use a hitch ball to lock into place, while fifth wheel hitches use a wheel-shaped plate to accomplish the connection. Besides their strength (can pull up to 30,000 pounds), gooseneck hitches are also popular because the types of trailers they pull are able to make tighter turns than the ones that connect off the back of the towing vehicle.

BRAKE CONTROLLERS

A brake controller is usually an OEM or aftermarket installed device or module. It is mounted to the tow vehicle’s driver’s-side dashboard area, and engages a trailer’s electrical braking system either time delayed, or in proportion to the tow vehicle’s brake engagement when slowing down or coming to a halt.

AIR BAGS

Eliminate squat and level your vehicle to tow, air bags is a type of vehicle suspension powered by an electric or engine-driven air pump or compressor. This compressor pumps the air into a flexible bellows, usually made from textile-reinforced rubber. The air pressure inflates the bellows, and raises the chassis from the axle.

ACCESSORIES

Adapters –
Trailer Plugs –
Wiring Harness –
Connectors –