Weight Carrying Hitches are the most popular and carry all the trailer tongue weight on the rear of the tow vehicle. They are commonly used to tow small & medium sized trailers.
Weight Distributing hitches are recommended for heavier trailers because they even out the trailer load between the wheels of the tow vehicle and the wheels of the trailer, thus improving steering and brake control. Two parts are required: The Receiver, which bolts to the vehicle, and the spring bar assembly.
Before deciding which type is right for you, consult vehicle manual for the manufacturer's recommendation and the load capacity of your vehicle.
IMPORTANT:
The loaded trailer must not exceed the load capacity of the hitch, that capacity will be stamped or tagged on the hitch itself
Hitching Up
Hitching up is usually a one man job, but it's easier if someone helps, here are the basic steps
1) Back your tow vehicle as close as possible to the trailer, NEVER back up if someone is between the vehicle and the trailer
2) Release the coupler locking device
3) Lower trailer until it is seated on the hitch ball, covering it completely.
4) Check under the coupling to ensure the ball clamp is below the ball and not riding on top of it.
5) Latch the coupler to the hitch ball. Make sure it's locked in place by lifting up the trailer tongue. If it comes loose, unlatched and go back to step 3.
6) Make sure jack is fully raised.
Safety Chains
Safety chains on your trailer provide added insurance that the trailer will not detach from the tow vehicle when underway.
We strongly recommend that you crisscross the chains under the trailer tongue. Attach the chain on the left side of the trailer tongue to the hole or ring on the right side of the hitch ball. Attach the chain on the right side of the trailer tongue to the hole or ring on the left side of the hitch ball. This prevents the tongue from dropping to the road if the trailer coupler separates from the hitch ball. Rig the chains with just enough slack to permit tight turns.
Safety Chain Strength: The Society of Automotive Engineers and the Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission have adopted the following standards:
Listed in this order CLASS - TRAILER WEIGHT - SAFETY CHAIN MINIMUM BREAKING STRENGTH
CLASS I - 2000 lbs. GVWR - 2000 lbs
CLASS II - 2000-3500 lbs. GVWR - 3500 lbs
CLASS III - 3500-5000 lbs. GVWR - 5000 lbs
CLASS IV
- 5000-10,000 lbs. - The GVWR of the trailer ..................................................................................................................... For more information, visit the Ministry of Transportation
Both open and enclosed trailers are available so you can sit back, relax and know you won't scratch your ride. Who wants to ride a scratched hog! ................................................................ No Bike. No Problem. Our Trailers will haul almost anything! Want to bring an extra bike? Ramp kits available with trailer rentals ................................................................ TIPS & HINTS How much does a 3500-pound trailer affect braking? How much room do I need when turning with a trailer?
What can happen if I exceed the tow rating? Visit our Tips & Hints section ................................................................ PRE-TRIP CHECKLIST Checked you radiator coolant recently?
Trailer lights and turn signals functioning? Print out our Pre-trip checklist to make sure your trip goes without any hitches! Insert joke ................................................................ HITCH INFO
There are two types of trailer hitches: Weight-carrying hitches & Weight-distributing hitches. More in our Hitch Info section here ................................................................ Questions?Contact Ted De Boer
QEW & Walkers Line
(647) 887–4814
Fax 289-891-9416
