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Selecting
a Tow Vehicle
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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.
trailer
hitch receiver
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ball
mount
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coupler
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hitch
ball
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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
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