Hitch Components
How Does A Trailer Hitch Work?
Trailer hitches are the primary connector between a trailer and the tow vehicle. In other words, it's a component that bolts to the vehicle and provides a place to connect a trailer to the vehicle. You might imagine what is actually called a ball mount when you think trailer hitch. Ball mounts, however, are simply accessories for trailer hitches. The trailer hitch, along with other components, is what connects your trailer to your tow vehicle. Hitch connections are bolted or welded on your tow vehicle.
How Does A Receiver Hitch Work?
There are different types of trailer hitches, but most of them attach to the underside of a vehicle, at the rear, and provide a tube for attaching accessories. Most receiver hitches are vehicle-specific, have a standard receiver tube size, and belong to one of five hitch classes. Receiver hitches are perhaps the most popular types of trailer hitches. In fact, the two terms are interchangeable.
Different Types Of Trailer Hitches
Bumper Mounted Trailer Hitches
Bumper hitches allow for adjustment and flexibility in towing, mount to the bumper, and provide a receiver tube for a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, or other hitch-mounted accessories.
Front Mounted Trailer Hitches
Front mount trailer hitches allow you to use the front end of your vehicle for various towing purposes. They can be used for mounting a winch, snow plow, or other accessories
Gooseneck Trailer Hitches
Gooseneck hitches are designed to tow heavy loads that come with gooseneck trailers. RVs and livestock trailers are typically the types of trailers of this type, but they can also be flatbeds or other large trailers.
5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
A fifth wheel hitch is installed in the bed of a pickup. The weight distribution of the trailer will press down between the cab of the truck and the rear axle.
Receiver Trailer Hitches
Receiver hitches are categorized in classes 1 through 5, according to the maximum amount of gross trailer weight they can tow.
List Of Hitch Components For Online Sale Canada
Hitch Balls
Hitch Pins
Hitch Ball Mounts
Hitch Extensions
Hitch Locks
Hitch Receiver Covers
RV Trailer Hitch
Trailer Hitch Parts
Ball Hitch For Camper
Ball Hitch Replacement Parts
Hitch Cables
Hitch Chains
Hitch Couplers
Hitch Parts
Hydro Trailer Hitch
Parts Of A Ball Hitch
Parts Of A Hitch
Parts Of A Trailer Hitch
Parts Of Tow Hitch
Receiver Hitch Components
Hitch Components β The Business of Connection
The hitch components in your towing car and in the towed vehicle or trailer form the essential connection between your towing vehicle and that which is being towed. Towing a trailer with your car would need five parts to execute.
Trailer Hitch Components
The trailer hitch receiver is similar to a typical hitch. The receiver is the device that connects and attaches beneath your vehicle to connect the tow vehicle to the trailer hitch. This has an opening to receive the ball mount.
Fixed Drawbar Hitches
Fixed drawbar hitches fixed tongue hitches consist of the hitch and the ball mount and are considered as a single unit not generally compatible with aftermarket accessories. The receiver type hitches accept a removable ball mount which is separate from the receiver. This allows flexibility compared to fixed drawbar hitches.
Drawbar Ball mount
This is the component that slides into your receiverβs opening to provide the platform for the ball that attaches your hitch to your trailer. In fixed-drawbar hitches, this is the part that forms a single unit with your receiver. In receiver-type hitches, theΒ ball mount is separate.
Trailer Hitch Ball
This is the connecting metal ball that hitches your trailer when you lower the trailer tongue couplerβs round opening onto it. The coupler sits over the hitch ball and pivots on it when you turn your vehicle. These balls come in three sizes: 1-7/8 inches, 2 inches, and 2-5/16 inches.
Wiring Harness
The pin and clip is the bolting mechanism that holds the ball mount secure to the receiver opening. The pin fastens the pin into place. The wiring harness is the wiring connection that supplies power to your trailerβs lights and signals.
Hitching Terminology
There are certain abbreviations that are related to the hitch class ratings and towing capacity. GTW refers to the gross trailer weight. This is the combined weight of your trailer and its contents.Β TW is tongue weight which means the amount of weight placed on your hitch by your trailerβs attachment.
GVWR is the gross vehicle weight rating and the GVM means the gross vehicle mass rating. This is the actual amount of the weight or mass your vehicle can carry (including the parts, passengers, and cargo, and tongue weight) but does not include the trailer. The GCWR is the combined weight rating. In effect, this is the maximum weight for both the vehicle and the trailer altogether.Β Β
Tow Hitch Installation
The maneuver for installing the tow hitch is done step by step. The first action is to maneuver into a position where the hitch ball lines up with the trailer tongueβs coupler. This closes the latch over the ball and secures it with the pin. In turn, this secures the connection of the safety chains and attaches your wiring harness. To choose the right hitches, you need to take into account not only the type of vehicle you have but also how much you need to tow including the trailer and contents.
Selecting The Best Trailer Hitch For Your Vehicle
Look Up Your Vehicle- Begin by looking up your vehicle in our Select Your Vehicle tool near the top of the page. Enter the year, make, model and submodel, if needed. A custom-fit ensures an easier installation, maximum towing capacity, and optimal look and integration with the spare tire and other vehicle design features.
Select A Hitch Class
After entering the year, make and model, you will be able to view the trailer hitch or trailer hitches that are specifically tailored for your vehicle. Some vehicles may have more than one option to choose from. In this case, it is helpful to understand that trailer hitch receivers are divided into five different classes. What class of trailer hitch is best suited?
Maximize Your Trailer Hitch Potential
What size hitch do I need? If multiple trailer hitches are compatible with your vehicle, it can be helpful to consider what and how often you'll be towing. If you're planning to frequently tow heavier trailers, you should maximize your towing potential with a higher-rated hitch and larger hitch receiver. If you'll only be towing light-duty trailers or using the hitch receiver for cargo management with a bike rack or cargo carrier, a smaller trailer hitch may be sufficient.
Add Accessories To Your Trailer Hitch
A hitch receiver is just a receiver. It doesn't provide a direct connection to a trailer. As such, after you've selected a hitch for your vehicle, you will need to purchase some hitch accessories, such as a ball mount, trailer ball, hitch lock, and wiring harness.
Key Hitch Component Parts For Trailer Hitching
If youβre considering the purchase of a new trailer and youβve never towed before it can seem like a daunting task. Thereβs a lot to learn, but once you have the tools and knowledge necessary it provides the foundation for a lot of great recreation! In this guide, we discuss the various parts that go into hitching up a trailer.
Hitch Receiver
The foundation of the hitch! The Hitch receiver bolts or is welded onto the frame of your tow vehicle, allowing you to attach a hitch. Common brands include Hidden Hitch, Reese, & Blue Ox. Be aware when shopping, hitch receivers are often mislabeled as hitches. What it is called isnβt as important as doing what you need though. These come in 5 sizes, Class I, Class II, Class III, Class IV, Class V. Each class has different ranges of available ratings, and intended uses.
Trailer Hitch
There are many kinds of Hitch, and some do a lot more than others. An Equalizer hitch is recommended or required in a large number of trailer applications, and will greatly reduce the strain placed on the tow vehicle. The most basic hitches are only a linkage between the hitch receiver and the Hitch Ball, whereas fancier hitches like the Equalizer pictured below use some clever engineering to reduce weight transfer and increase stability.
Hitch Ball
The Shiny bit that attaches to the trailer! Some hitches will have a ball built-in and some will require attaching one. The Ball has a pretty simple, but very important job β securing the trailer and allowing it to twist and tilt without losing it. Make sure to keep the ball well lubricated, and make sure you have the right size for your trailer. There are 4 commonly available sizes: 1 7/8, 2, 2 5/16, and 3. The vast majority of RVs use a 2 5/16? hitch ball, but older trailers and tent trailers might use 2? or even 1 7/8. Making sure your ball is the same size as your coupler is extremely important when hitching your trailer. Too large a ball and you wonβt be able to lock the coupler, too small a ball and you wonβt get a firm connection potentially causing the coupler to fly off the hitch!
Hitch Coupler
This is actually part of your trailer but is a good thing to understand. The Coupler is typically welded onto the A-frame of the trailer and is what attaches to the ball to create the connection to the tow vehicle. The coupler is meant to slide freely on the ball and should be lubricated. The coupler contains a jaw-like mechanism that when locked in position will secure the ball inside of it, while still allowing some rotation. There are many ways that the mechanism can work, but there is usually a locking lever somewhere that controls the jaw and must be locked into position before moving the trailer.
Hitch Safety Chains & Cables
Should your trailer and tow vehicle experience an unplanned separation, youβd be in a lot of trouble if the trailer were left to its own devices. There is not much to say about chains other than β βUSE THEM!!!β β it could save someone's life, or at the very least a very expensive insurance claim. One thing often forgotten is that the chains should be crossed like in the photo below, the cross provides a place for the tongue to rest if it does become detached. Without it, the tongue would scrape on the ground, which would be much harder to control and can also result in βpole vaultingβ.
Breakaway Wire
Should all of the components above fail at once, your breakaway wire is your last line of defense. The wire should be firmly attached to your tow vehicleβs frame (not your chains), if the trailer decouples and the chains fail, the wire will be pulled out of its seat on the trailer which will cause the trailer brakes to lock up. Obviously, there is no controlling the trailer at this point, and the breakaway wire is only meant as a last-ditch effort to slow the trailer in an absolute emergency.
Popular Hitch Components Online RV Part Shop
RV Hitch Parts
RV Receiver Hitch
RV Trailer Hitch Parts
Tow Hitch Components
Tow Hitch Parts
Trailer Hitch Components
Trailer Hitch On Camper
Trailer Hitch Parts And Accessories
Trailer Hitch Parts For Sale
Trailer Hitch Pieces
Trailer Hitch Receiver Parts
Trailer Hitch Repair Parts
Trailer Lock Parts
Trailer Receiver Parts
Hitch A-Frame Couplers
Hitch Adjustable Mounts
Hitch Drop Mounts
Hitch Fixed Ball Mounts
Hitch Gooseneck Couplers
Hitch Components Parts And Service RV Part Shop Canada
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Conclusion: If you go on long trips, you need a fuel-efficient RV Hitch and if you like getting the best prices with free shipping options, you need to shop from RV Part Shop Canada. Browse our selection today and see how we can keep your devices intact on your next trip. Using email addresses we provide an email notification service to update you with the latest reliable power and clean power products.
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Coupler 2"Ball 3"W w/Chn 3500
Husky TowingFeatures: Built To The Highest Industry Standards, Tested And Certified A Safety Chain To Eliminate Loss Of The Safety Pin The Quick Release Assemb...
View full detailsCoupler 2"Ball 2. 5"W w/Chain
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ReeseGrooved style hitch pins and clips. Available in 5/8 in. and 1/2 in. to fit Class I/II/III/IV/V Titan square receiver hitches. Be sure to determine...
View full detailsPintle Hook Receiver Mount 11-3/8" L 12 000 Black
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TrimaxLike having multiple distinct ball mounts bundled into one sturdy package, the Trimax RAZOR Adjustable Tow Hitch shifts between multiple rises and ...
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ReeseHitch pin with swivel lock. Choose from steel or zinc. Priced each.
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Bulldog/FultonIncludes Dust Cap Easy Access Models Feature Side Key Entry, Sliding Dust Cap, Lock Housing Rotates 360 degrees.
Padlock (3-D) Padlock
Master LockRustproof steel padlock with 4-pin tumbler locking mechanism. Includes two brass keys. 31-8864 is 1-9/16 in. inside shackle dimensions are: 9/32 in...
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Buyers ProductsLOCK PIN
10L X 8Drop Or 6-3/4 Rise
Buyers Products6000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 600 lbs. tongue weight. Sold in bulk.
10L X 6Drop Or 4-3/4 Rise
Buyers Products6000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 600 lbs. tongue weight. Sold in bulk.
(SPECIAL ORDER) 8L X 2Drop Or 3/4 Rise
Buyers Products6000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 600 lbs. tongue weight. Sold in bulk.
Hitch Ball 2-5/16 X 1-1/4 X 2-1/2 10 000 Lb.
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View full detailsHitch Ball 2 X 1-1/4 X 2-1/4 Shank 7 500 Lb.
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Buyers ProductsWrench flats aid in installation, allowing the hitch ball to be held in place while tightening the nut without damaging the hitch ball finish. Avai...
View full detailsHitch Ball 2 X 3/4 X 1-3/4 Shank 3 500 Lb.
Buyers ProductsWrench flats aid in installation, allowing the hitch ball to be held in place while tightening the nut without damaging the hitch ball finish. Avai...
View full details6' Safety Chain
Buyers ProductsMany states require safety chains on all trailers. These have heavy 3/8 in. steel wire links. Includes Quick Links. Corrosion resistant finish. NOT...
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View full detailsLine Kits
Clyde T JohnsonRugged, pick-proof, threaded connection that won't false lock. Strong, automotive style key is easy to insert and remove. Features a weather-proof ...
View full detailsCoupler Lock Yellow
Clyde T JohnsonJOHNSON - Deadbolt Blockhead Trailer Coupler Lock For 2in and 2-5/16in Couplers. Strong. Tough. Simple. Hi-tech materials redefine the traditional ...
View full details580409 Easy Access Adjustable Coupler Lock
ReeseHeavy duty, hardened steel construction.?Adjustable to fit most trailer wheels up to 15".?Includes brass lock and key set.
LE Lock w/10' Le
Clyde T JohnsonProtect your valuables against theft! This solid machined steel, chrome plated has an extra long cable to allow you to loop it through multiple bik...
View full detailsCoupler Lock 1-7/8 & 2
Master LockGuard against trailer tow away theft with our coupler lock! Advanced locking mechanism resists picking and prying. Nickel-plated, zinc die-cast bod...
View full details1/2 Dead Bolt Hitch Lock
Clyde T JohnsonRugged, pick-proof, threaded connection that won't false lock. Strong, automotive style key is easy to insert and remove. Features a weather-proof ...
View full details5/8 Dead Bolt Hitch Lock
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Tow ReadyIncludes Dust Cap Easy Access Models Feature Side Key Entry, Sliding Dust Cap, Lock Housing Rotates 360 Degrees
Receiver Hitch Lock
RoadmasterPadlocks with hardened steel shackle and solid brass tumblers and compenents.
Coupler Lock Pin
JR ProductsNever lose another locking pin! Includes spring stay and retaining chain.
Coupler Pin
JR ProductsJR Products Coupler Lock Pin without pin saver. Ideal for quick, secure locking of most trailer couplers. The snap lock bale is spring tensioned fo...
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JR ProductsJR Products Hitch Pin Clip. Replacement clip for 5/8in pull pin. 2/card.
Swivel Hitch Pin 5/8 Stainless
ReeseHitch pin with swivel lock. 5/8 in. Stainless Steel.
2" Ball Coupler
ReeseFits 3" square tongue or 3" channel for 2" ball. 5,000 lb. GTW. 1 per pack.
Lunette Eye
ReeseFor use with Pintle Hook. 42,000 lb. GVW. This is a special order item and is not stocked in our store. Please call for availability.
Pintle Hook Receiver Mount 8000 Black
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View full detailsPintle Hook Receiver Mount 7-5/8"L 12000 Black
Tow ReadyConverts receivers for use with pintle-type trailers, quickly and easily Provides mounting for both ball and pintle and rigid type-pintle hooks Pin...
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Reese99-7419 has a 30,000 lbs. gross transfer weight rating and a 6,000 lbs. tongue rating. Includes grade 8 mounting hardware.
Pintle Hook 10 Ton
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View full detailsChrome Hitch Ball 2 X 3/4 X 3-3/8 3 500 Lb.
ReeseTow Ready hitch balls in chrome, Select from 2-5/16 in., 2 in., or 1-7/8 in. to match your towing system requirements. Bulk.
14 000 Lb. 2 5/16 X 1 1/4 X 2 3/8
Equalizer/FastwayMake sure you have a hitch ball tough enough to handle the load you?re towing. All have a 1-1/4 in. diameter threaded shank and are specially desig...
View full details12 000 Lb. 2 5/16 X 1 1/4 X 2 3/8
Equalizer/FastwayMake sure you have a hitch ball tough enough to handle the load you?re towing. All have a 1-1/4 in. diameter threaded shank and are specially desig...
View full details10 000 Lb. 2 5/16 X 1 1/4 X 2 3/8
Equalizer/FastwayMake sure you have a hitch ball tough enough to handle the load you?re towing. All have a 1-1/4 in. diameter threaded shank and are specially desig...
View full detailsClass II DrawbarKit Drawbar 3500 Lbs. Black
Tow ReadyBoxed includes drawbar, pin and clip Black powder coat finish over A-Coat Fits 1-1/4" square receiver tube opening
Class II DrawbarKit Drawbar 3500 Lbs. Black
Tow ReadyBoxed includes drawbar, pin and clip Black powder coat finish over A-Coat Fits 1-1/4" square receiver tube opening
5/8 Class II I/IV Pin & Clipgroove Style
ReeseGrooved style hitch pins and clips. Available in 5/8 in. and 1/2 in. to fit Class I/II/III/IV/V Titan square receiver hitches. Be sure to determine...
View full details