Most SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, minivans, and passenger cars can be equipped to tow a trailer. However, the selection of an appropriate tow vehicle and the proper equipment to tow a trailer depends on the type of trailer, its size and weight, and the amount of weight being towed. There are numerous types of trailers, but, in general, they fall into four categories: flat bed or open trailers, boat trailers, enclosed trailers, and recreational vehicle trailers (including travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, and folding camping trailers).

Check the owner’s manual and review the manufacturer’s guide to see if the vehicle you plan to buy can tow a trailer. After you have reviewed the vehicle capabilities, you also must investigate the capabilities of compatible hitch systems for the vehicle. This is especially important if you plan to purchase a hitch from a source other than the vehicle manufacturer. You may find that vehicle manufacturers offer specially designed trailer towing packages that define the equipment necessary to tow different types of trailers depending on their fully loaded weight and size. A trailer towing package may include a heavy duty radiator, battery, flasher system trailer parts, alternator, suspension trailer parts, and trailer brakes, as well as an engine-oil cooler, transmission-oil cooler trailer parts, wiring harness trailer parts, specific axle ratio, and special wheels and tires.

Towing packages also may include the hitch receiver trailer part, which is mounted to the tow vehicle, but towing packages rarely include the draw bar trailer parts, or ball mount trailer parts, and hitch ball trailer parts. The draw bar trailer part is a separate assembly on which the hitch ball is mounted. The draw bar then slides into the trailer hitch receiver on the tow vehicle and is secured with a locking pin trailer part. The front part of the trailer that hitches to the tow vehicle is referred to as the tongue. At the end of the tongue is a coupler trailer part into which the hitch ball trailer part is inserted and secured.

trailer hitch receiver