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.
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.
Introduction
-
Selecting
a Tow
Vehicle
-
If You
Already
Have a
Tow
Vehicle
-
Connecting
Your
Trailer
To Your
Tow
Vehicle
-
Tire
Safety
-
Loading
and
Weight
Distribution
-
State
and
Local
Requirements
for
Towing
-
Pre-departure
Safety
Checklist
-
Safety Tips
For
Driving
With a
Trailer
-
Maintenance
-
Resources
-
Main
Page |
