- Check Hitch & Ball Size! Before you hook up to any trailer, make sure the tow vehicles trailer hitch is properly fastened to the vehicle and in good condition. You should also verify the weight rating of the hitch and ball mount is of the proper capacity for the trailer that is being towed. (Remember to add the trailer weight to the payload) Next, check that the hitch ball and trailer coupler are the same size and in good condition. The hitch ball should have the size stamped on it. There are 3 different hitch ball sizes; 1 7/8″, 2″, and 2 5/16″. The coupler should also have the required ball size stamped on it. If there are no markings showing the required ball size, or if they have been worn down you may want to consult The Hitch Man, Inc. or your local towing professional.
- Check Wiring Connector. The next step before hooking up to a trailer is to check the wiring plug. There are 4 basic wiring types in use today; 4-way, 5-way, 6-way, and 7-way (RV). Check that the tow vehicle and trailer have the same plug type and that they are clean and free from debris and corrosion.
- Check Ball Height. Now that you have verified the trailer and tow vehicle are compatible in ball size and wiring type, it is time to hook up to the trailer. Level the trailer front to rear and measure from the ground to the top of the trailer coupler. Now measure from the ground to the top of the tow vehicle ball. This measurement should be the same for a perfectly level trailer. You can have the tow vehicle ball height slightly higher so that the trailer sits slightly higher (1-3 inches) in the front than the rear. But you should never have the trailer lower in the front than the rear.
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All posts for the month June, 2014
The Hitch Man Inc in Taneytown, MD is now an authorized Toro Mower dealer. Stop by and see our selection of Toro lawn mowers. We carry Toro riding mowers as well as walk behind mowers and a number of other Toro lawn care products.
Here is a quick link to our Taneytown location: Taneytown, MD – The Hitch Man Inc.