With a few useful accessories, an average family vehicle can be transformed into an impressive towing machine, capable of carrying extremely heavy loads.
A trailer hitch is the standard accessory used as a bridge between the vehicle and the trailer. These hitches come in a variety of types that are often categorized based on position or how much weight the hitch can tow. A trailer hitch often requires a certain amount of drilling and therefore may require the help of a professional.
–Front mount hitches attach to the front of the vehicle and are often seen on trucks and SUVs that use winches or snow plows.
–A receiver hitch is often the option for those wishing to attach a trailer or bike rack. They are usually quick to install and are custom made for many types of vehicles. It’s important to try to select a hitch that matches the vehicle’s color scheme, as well as find one that has a lifetime warranty, if possible.
–Heavy-duty hitches are used to transport very large trailers or RVs, including those weighing up to 30,000 lbs.
An extremely important component to consider is a brake controller. Brake controllers are useful for stops because they can control the trailer’s braking system. One popular type is the timed brake controller which has a set delay between when the brake is activated and when full output is reached. Another type is the proportional brake controller, which monitors your vehicle’s deceleration and proportionally adjusts the trailer brakes for a smooth stop. A third type is the inertia brake controller that can automatically adjust deceleration based on the rate of braking.
Once the basics are mastered, some may choose to explore other components of the hitch. For example, a trailer hitch camera can be used to connect to a trailer without assistance. It allows reverse navigation and can be used at night. Cargo net tie downs are used to secure hitch mounted cargo loads.
