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Glossary
BallBack to TopBall HeightMeasurement from the ground to the center of the hitch ball or hitch ball coupling (trailer) when parked on a flat surface and parallel to the ground. Used to determine the amount of drop or rise needed in the ball mount to make the trailer ride parallel to the ground when being towed. Back to TopBall MountA removable hitch ball platform that slides into the Receiver of a hitch and fastens with a pin and clip. Different ball mounts can be used to raise or lower the height of the ball to allow for level trailer towing. Back to TopBolt-on hitch (permanent undercar hitch)A device which attaches directly to the tow vehicle providing the connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer. A fixed tongue hitch includes the ball platform, while a receiver style hitch has a receptacle (typically 1-1/4" or 2") for inserting special ball mounts or bike racks. Back to TopBrake ControlInterface between tow vehicle and electric trailer brakes. Can be inertia activated or based on time delay from activation of vehicle brakes. Typically in the tow vehicle's driving compartment with electrical line running to the trailer wiring connector. Most require the user to adjust brake gain to compensate for varying trailer load. Necessary for the use of electric trailer brakes. Back to TopBumperThe parts on a vehicle that protect the front and rear ends in the event of an accident. Some trucks and SUVs have a tow bumper (or step bumper) for attaching a hitch ball for towing. Back to Top
Class 1 (Class I) HitchTrailer hitch with capacity of up to 2,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 200 lbs tongue weight. Back to TopClass 2 (Class II) HitchTrailer hitch with weight-carrying rating of up to 3,500 lbs gross trailer weight and 300/350 lbs tongue weight. Back to TopClass 3 (Class III) HitchTrailer hitch with weight carrying rating of up to 5,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 500 lbs tongue weight. Also sometimes used to refer to a hitch with any 2" receiver, regardless of rating. Back to TopClass 4 (Class IV) HitchTrailer hitch with weight carrying rating of up to 10,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 1,000 - 1,200 lbs tongue weight. Although many times any hitch with a capacity greater than 5,000 lbs gross weight is referred to as a Class 4. Back to TopConverterConverts 3-wire tow vehicle electrical systems to 2-wire systems by integrating the stop and turn signal circuits as is common in trailer wiring. Back to TopCouplerThe forward most part of a trailer Tongue that envelopes and secures to the tow vehicle hitch ball. Back to TopCurb WeightThe empty weight of a vehicle full of fuel and all fluids. Curb weight does not include passengers or payload. Back to TopCustom hitchA hitch that is designed for a particular year, make and model of vehicle. Because these hitches are made for a specific vehicle, the best possible appearance can be achieved. Back to TopDrawbarA removable coupling platform that slides into a hitch receiver and fastens with a pin and clip, or the "tongue" portion of a fixed-tongue hitch. The term drawbar is sometimes used to distinguish a ball mount with a solid ball shank or a coupling configuration different than a hitch ball (such as a pintle hook). Back to TopEqualizerSee weight distribution system. Back to TopFifth Wheel HitchA Class 5 hitch that mounts in the bed of pickup truck which uses a plate in the bed of the truck (similar to a semi-tractor) and a Pin on the trailer. Back to TopGooseneckA Class 5 hitch that mounts a ball in the bed of a pickup truck (either 2-5/16" or 3" in diameter) to engage a coupler on a trailer. Not to be confused with a fifth wheel. Back to TopGross combined vehicle weight (GCVW)Total combined weight of the two coupled vehicles, including all passengers and payload. Back to TopGross trailer weight (GTW)The total weight of a trailer including all of its contents. Back to TopGross vehicle weight (GVW)The total weight of a vehicle including all of its contents and passengers. Back to TopGross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)The weight specified by a manufacturer as the recommended maximum weight of a vehicle when fully loaded. Back to TopHitchA device which attaches directly to a tow vehicle providing the connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Hitch installations are most often considered permanent. A fixed tongue hitch includes a flat non-removable drawbar, while a receiver style hitch has a receptacle (typically 1-1/4" or 2") for inserting special ball mounts or bike racks. Back to TopHitch BallThe ball-shaped attachment to a hitch onto which a trailer coupler is attached. Back to TopHitch BarBack to TopHitch weightSee Tongue Weight Back to TopInsertAny item that slides into a receiver style hitch (i.e. ball mount, bike rack, winch). Back to TopJackknifeBack to Top
Locking pinA hitch pin that locks with a key to prevent theft of a ball mount or other insert. Back to TopLunette eyeA round metal ring used in place of a ball coupler on a trailer. It attaches to a pintle hook on the towing vehicle. Back to TopOEMOriginal equipment manufacturer. Back to TopPayloadBack to TopPinUsed to fasten any insert (ball mount, bike rack) into a receiver hitch. Available in standard and locking configurations. Back to TopPintle hitchA common heavy-duty coupling type which utilizes a pintle hook attached to a tow vehicle to pull a trailer having a lunette eye. Pintle hitches are commonly used on military, construction, industrial and agricultural equipment. Back to TopPintle hookThe "jaw" portion of a pintle hitch which attaches to the tow vehicle. Back to TopPintle mountAn insert for a receiver hitch, having a shank with a flat plate to bolt a pintlehook to. These mounts are typically adjustable for vertical height. Back to TopPlugThe connector used to connect trailer wiring to a tow vehicle. Back to TopReceiverThe receptacle part of a trailer hitch which accommodates inserts such as ball mounts, drawbars or accessory carriers. Common receiver sizes are 1-1/4" and 2". Back to TopReceiver coverA temporary receiver end-cap insertable into a 1-1/4" or 2" hitch receiver. Designed to protect from the elements. Also used to mask or enhance the look of the hitch when not in use. Back to TopReceiver style hitchAny hitch with a receptacle (typically 1-1/4" or 2") which accommodates inserts such as drawbars, ball mounts, or bike racks. Back to TopRound tube hitchA new generation of custom hitches designed to produce a more pleasing visual appearance. The use of round tubing lowers the weight of the hitch while maintaining its strength. These hitches are designed to compliment the look of the vehicles for which they are made. Back to TopSafety chainsThe chains that are attached to the trailer Tongue with hooks on their free ends. These chains keep the trailer connected to the tow vehicle should the coupler or hitch ball detach from the tow vehicle. Safety chains must be secured every time you tow. Back to TopSurge brake systemA surge brake system is entirely self-contained on the trailer and is activated when the tow vehicle decelerates. The momentum of the trailer pushes the surge brake housing forward. This drives the push rod that is connected to the coupler into the master cylinder. Brake fluid is then forced out of the master cylinder into the wheel cylinders or pistons that apply the trailer brakes. The entire activation process is completed in less than one second. Hydraulic surge brake systems can be used by a variety of tow vehicles and can accommodate a variety of trailer loading conditions without requiring any type of adjustment. Back to TopSway control deviceA device similar to a shock absorber which resists swaying movement of a trailer tongue sometimes caused by passing vehicles and wind. Back to TopTandem axleTwo axles (four wheels). Back to TopTongueThe part of the trailer which extends forward from the trailer box and includes the coupler. Back to Top
Tongue weightThe downward weight applied by the towable equipment on the hitch ball. Generally tongue weight should not be more than 10% of the gross trailer weight. Back to TopTow barA device attached to the front of a vehicle which allows it to be towed by another vehicle while riding on its own wheels. Back to TopTow vehicle (towing vehicle)The vehicle that pulls a trailer or towed vehicle. Back to TopTransmission coolerAn auxiliary cooler that is available to provide extra cooling for automatic transmission fluid. Lower temperatures equal longer transmission life. Back to TopWeight carrying hitchAny hitch used without a weight-distributing system. Some hitches are designed and clearly marked "weight carrying only". Some hitches are weight carrying with weight distributing ability and will have a dual rating – "weight carrying (WC) 5000 / weight distributing (WD) 10,000", for example. To use a hitch at the higher rating (WD), a weight distribution system must be added. Back to TopWeight distribution systemBack to Top
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