Selecting a Tow Vehicle
Most SUVs, pickup trucks, vans,
minivans, and passenger cars can be equipped to tow
a trailer. However, the selection of an appropriate
tow vehicle and the proper equipment to tow a
trailer depends on the type of trailer, its size and
weight, and the amount of weight being towed. There
are numerous types of trailers, but, in general,
they fall into four categories: flat bed or open
trailers, boat trailers, enclosed trailers, and
recreational vehicle trailers (including travel
trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, and folding camping
trailers).
Check the owner’s manual and review the
manufacturer’s guide to see if the vehicle you plan
to buy can tow a trailer. After you have reviewed
the vehicle capabilities, you also must investigate
the capabilities of compatible hitch systems for the
vehicle. This is especially important if you plan to
purchase a hitch from a source other than the
vehicle manufacturer. You may find that vehicle
manufacturers offer specially designed towing
packages that define the equipment necessary to tow
different types of trailers depending on their fully
loaded weight and size. A towing package may include
a heavy duty radiator, battery, flasher system,
alternator, suspension, and brakes, as well as an
engine-oil cooler, transmission-oil cooler, wiring
harness, specific axle ratio, and special wheels and
tires.
Towing packages also may include the
trailer hitch receiver,
which is mounted to the tow vehicle, but towing
packages rarely include the draw bar, or
ball mount, and
hitch ball. The draw bar is a separate assembly on
which the hitch ball is mounted. The draw bar then
slides into the hitch receiver on the tow vehicle
and is secured with a locking pin. The front part of
the trailer that hitches to the tow vehicle is
referred to as the tongue. At the end of the tongue
is a coupler
into which the hitch ball
is inserted and secured.
|
hitch receiver |
ball mount |
coupler |
hitch ball |
A manufacturer may offer different towing
packages to safely tow various sizes and types of
trailers. Towing packages indicate both equipment
that must be installed on your tow vehicle and
equipment that is optional or recommended. For
example, not all trailers require the tow vehicle to
be equipped with extended side-view mirrors. But if
you are towing a trailer that is wider than your tow
vehicle, you will need
extended side-view mirrors to see rear-
and side-approaching traffic.
extended
side-view mirrors
`
|
FORWARD