Tow vehicles and trailers must be compatible with hitching,
braking,
and wiring
systems to ensure safety.
Hitching Systems
The trailer towing industry has developed a classification system that
differentiates hitches according to the amount of weight they can tow.
This system addresses tongue weight and total weight. Keep in mind that
within each classification are numerous hitch
trailer parts made by a variety of manufacturers.
The three most common types of hitch
trailer parts are the weight-carrying
hitch trailer parts, the weight-distributing
hitch trailer parts (or load equalizer) hitch, and the fifth-wheel
hitch, or gooseneck
trailer parts. Weight-carrying hitches are designed to carry all of
the trailer’s tongue weight. Weight-distributing hitches are used
with a receiver hitch and special parts that distribute the tongue weight
among all tow vehicle and trailer axles. Fifth-wheel hitches are designed
for mounting the trailer connection point in the middle of the truck bed.
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When purchasing a hitch trailer part, use the recommendations of the
manufacturer of the tow vehicle and trailer based on the type and weight
of the trailer. Make sure the hitch trailer part has provisions for the
connection of safety
chains, which are required by most states. When connected, safety
chain trailer parts should have some slack to permit sharp turns but
should not drag on the road. In addition, they should cross under the
trailer tongue to help prevent the tongue from dropping to the road in
the event the trailer separates from the tow vehicle.
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Braking Systems
The selection of a trailer
brake system also will depend on your tow vehicle and the type and
fully loaded weight of your trailer. For a trailer with a loaded weight
of more than 1,500 pounds, many states require a separate braking
system and a breakaway
switch trailer part, located on the tongue of the trailer, to activate
the trailer
brakes in the event the trailer separates from the tow vehicle. There
are two basic types of brake systems designed to activate the brakes on
a trailer:
- Electronically
controlled trailer brakes usually provide automatic and manual control
for trailer brakes. They require that the tow vehicle be equipped with
a controlling
device and additional wiring for electrical power. These brakes
typically have a control
box trailer part installed within reach of the driver and can be
manually or automatically applied. The control box may require adjustment
or “tuning in” for variations in trailer load.
- Surge
brake trailer parts are independent hydraulic
brake trailer parts activated by a master cylinder at the junction
of the hitch and trailer tongue. These brakes are not controlled by
the hydraulic fluid in the brake system of the tow vehicle. Note: The
hydraulic system of the tow vehicle should never be directly connected
to the hydraulic system of the trailer. These systems are self-compensating
and do not require adjustment for variation in trailer load.
Follow the tow vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for brake
selection. Some states require braking systems on all axles of the trailer.
So, check your state’s requirements by contacting the motor vehicle
administration.
Wiring Systems
Federal law requires trailers to have taillights,
brake
lights, side
marker lights, turn
signals, and side
and rear reflectors. Some trailers also have backup
lights. To provide power to these lights, a four-way
(or more) connector trailer part is hooked into
the tow vehicle’s electrical system. Many tow
vehicle manufacturers offer a 7-way
connector trailer part that may include an electric
brake signal, power supply, and backup lights, in addition
to the typical four functions. Note: You must ensure
that the signals on the electrical connector of the
tow vehicle match the electrical connector of the trailer. |
Connecting
Your Trailer To Your Tow Vehicle
