General contractor Tom Silva teaches host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about trailer hitches. From tow weight to adjustable height, Tom breaks everything down to make matching a hitch to a trailer a breeze.
Pay Attention to the Tongue and Coupler
The coupler is the part of the trailer that connects the tongue of the trailer the vehicle. The important, need-to-know stats should be written on the coupler, such as the ball size and the total weight of the trailer. This will help you choose the right ball hitch for your trailer, ensuring a smoother, safer ride.
Pay Attention to the Receiver
Vehicles equipped for towing have square ports, called a receiver, under their back bumpers. The trailer hitch slides into the receiver and is locked in place with the hitch pin. They come in two standard sizes for passenger vehicles: 1 ¼” and 2”. For heavier-duty vehicles and trailers, they also come in 2 ½” and 3”. If you don’t have a receiver and need to tow, you’ll need to visit a local mechanic to have one installed.
Ball Size Matters
The ball is the shiny, round knob that the trailer connects to, and its size matters. If the ball is too large, it won’t fit in the tongue. However, if it’s too small, it will shake and bump around, creating an uncomfortable ride and a potentially dangerous situation.
Tri Ball Hitches Help
Tri-ball hitches help remove the guesswork. These hitches have three different ball sizes attached, allowing the user to simply remove, turn, and replace the hitch when they need a different size.
Ball Height and Drop Hitches
Trailers should be close to level when hooked to a truck. To do this, you’ll need to measure the height of the coupler from the ground, and set the ball height to that measurement. To adjust the ball height, you can use a drop hitch, which lowers the ball but can also be flipped over to raise the ball. Also, there are adjustable hitches with bolts that can be removed so the hitch slides up or down, and then reinserted and tightened down. This allows the user to set the ball at the perfect height for trailering.
Trailer Wiring Harnesses
There are two main types of wiring harness: 4-pin and 8-pin. The 4-pin, or flat plug, is very easy to figure out, as it only has 4 terminals. However, the large plug can power heavier trailers’ braking systems. As the brake lights come on, the trailer brakes engage. Trailer with their own brakes require a trailer brake controller, which allows the driver to set the braking pressure based on the weight of the trailer.
Trailer Security
There are a few things to know about securing a trailer to the vehicle, and making sure it stays there. For one, you’ll need a pin to slide into the coupler lever to ensure the lever doesn’t come loose while driving. Then, you can install a locking hitch pin to lock the hitch into the receiver, preventing theft.
How To Hook Up a Trailer
The process of hooking up a trailer is straightforward, but could still use an explanation:
- Adjust the trailer so it’s relatively level. Measure the distances from the ball hitch to the ground.
- Install the appropriate drop or riser to match the ball height to the trailer.
- Ensure the correct ball size is installed (check the tongue).
- Carefully back the truck up until the hitch is directly under the receiver.
- Turn the jack crank to lower the receiver onto the truck.
- Push down on the hitch lever to snap the ball into place, securing the trailer to the truck.
- Insert the safety pin through the coupler lever.
Resources
Tom introduces Kevin to the straight trailer couplers. These hitches often clamp over a hitch ball.
Tom displays hitch balls to Kevin, explaining that they mount onto trailer hitch mounts.
Kevin asks Tom about the tri-ball hitch/mount. The tri-ball hitch allows individuals to switch quickly between ball sizes.
Tom introduces a ball mount hitch that can be used as either a drop trailer hitch or rise.
Tom introduces an adjustable ball mount as squared steel pieces with ball hitches mounted at adjustable heights.
Tom explains how a loop connector works to Kevin in regard to differing trailer hitches.
Tom displays a trailer light wiring adapter to Kevin.
Tom further explains the importance of hitch pins to Kevin and how they secure a ball mount.
Tom presents a 6” adjustable tow hitch to Kevin.
