Mar 19, 2016 02:38 PM
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(Updated Mar 19, 2016 02:39 PM)
What exactly goes into the selection of trailer hitches for your towing situation?
Let's discuss load and weight requirements, safety features and tips for hitching and unhitching your trailer to your tow vehicle.
Here’s a typical conversation that I'll have when someone calls us to get a quote on hitching up a vehicle:
Customer: Hi, I’d like to get a quote on a hitch.
Me: Ok, what kind of vehicle does this hitch need to be installed on?
Customer: I need a trailer hitch for a 2011 BMW X5.
Me: What type of trailer do you want to tow?
Customer: Well, I’m looking at one of those pop-up tent trailers that u tow behind your car.
Me: Do you have any idea how much the trailer you want to buy weighs?
Customer: Not really. Oh, & I also want to get 1 of those bike racks that slide into the hitch.
Me: Ok. Just to let you know most of the bike racks available are designed for the Class 3 - the 2” square receiver style hitches, so I think we should just look at that size hitch. Your tent trailer probably doesn’t weigh more than 3500 lbs loaded so this hitch will be fine for that. Now, what size ball will you need? And what are the wiring requirements of the tent trailer you want?
Customer: I haven’t a clue. I haven’t bought it yet.
Me: Well in your case, I would recommend that you select the specific trailer you want first, then we can set your ball and wiring up specifically for the trailer you end up purchasing. The tent trailers all seem to have different wiring requirements and plugs. Some have electric brakes, some need a charge line, some don’t. Once I know what you need, then I can quote you based on the exactly what we need to do for you.
https://youtu.be/pjGt1Hkm1y8
Backing up Your RV
Trailer Launch Cartoon When backing up, the trailer turns in the opposite direction of the tow vehicle. So when you turn the tow vehicle left, the trailer will back to the right. When you back your tow vehicle to the right, the trailer will turn to the left.
An easy way to back the trailer in the direction you want it to go is to put one hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. To move the trailer to the left, move your hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Back up slowly, and if possible, have someone behind you to guide you.
