Hitching A Trailer
A trailer coupler is used to secure the trailer to the towing vehicle. The trailer coupler attaches to the trailer ball. This forms a ball and socket connection to allow for relative movement between the towing vehicle and trailer while towing over uneven road surfaces. The trailer ball is mounted to the draw bar, which is usually removable. The draw bar is secured to the trailer hitch by inserting it into the hitch receiver and pinning it. The three most common types of couplers are Straight Couplers, A-Frame Couplers, and Adjustable Couplers.
.
Another type of hitch is known as a "fifth" wheel. Fifth wheel coupling is when trailers attach to a "fifth wheel" mounted within the bed of the tow vehicle. Though a fifth wheel and a gooseneck trailer look the same, their method for coupling is different. A goosneck trailer couples to a trailer ball mounted in the tow vehicle, usually a pickup truck. This type of hitch is used for larger trailers and provides considerably more stability than does a traditional bumper-pull hitch.
A trailer hitch, fifth wheel coupling or other type of tow hitch is needed to draw a trailer with a car, truck or other traction engine.
The basic function of a trailer jack is to lift the trailer to a height that allows the trailer to be hitched or unhitched to and from the towing vehicle. Trailer jacks are also used for leveling the trailer during storage. The most common types of trailer jacks are A-Frame Jacks, Swivel Jacks, and Drop-Leg Jacks. Some trailers, such as horse trailers, have a built-in jack at the tongue for this purpose.
Read more about this topic: Trailer (vehicle)
Famous quotes containing the word hitching:
“Look not too long in the face of the fire, O man! Never dream with thy hand on the helm! Turn not they back to the compass; accept the first hint of the hitching tiller; believe not the artificial fire, when its redness makes all things look ghastly.”
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)