Smart Brands Auto Group Inc
15620 131 Ave NW Edmonton, AB T5V 0A9Sales: 1 (866) 577-9411
Towing Basics Information
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TRAILER HITCHES
| Attaching Safety Chains A trailer hitch technically becomes part of the vehicle structure when it is properly installed and so the chains may be fastened to it. Many hitches come equipped with chain plates. .... |
| Hitch Classifications Class designations relate to V5/CSA testing standards for trailer hitches. Class 1 Trailers, with a GVWR not exceeding 2,000lbs. Class 2 Trailers, with a GVWR over 2,000lbs., but not exceeding 3,500lbs. Class 3 Trailers, with a GVWR over 3,500lbs. but not exceeding 5,000lbs. Class 4 Trailers, with a GVWR over 5,000lbs., but not exceeding 10,000lbs. Hidden Hitch has a MAGNUM lineup that exceeds the Class 4 Rating, and Reese makes a TITAN lineup that exceeds the Class 4 Rating. .... |
| Vehicle Towing Capacities Different vehicles have different towing ratings or capacities. Please refer to your vehicle owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find your vehicle's capacity. .... |
| Weight Carrying vs. Weight Distributing A weight carrying hitch is desinged to carry the entire trailer tongue weight at the hitch connection point. They are used in light duty applications. A weight distribution hitch is designed to distribute the tongue weight over all four wheels of the tow vehicle and trailer axles. This is done by using a set of spring bars to apply leverage between the tow vehicle and the trailer. These hitches can handle a much higher trailer weight and tongue weight than a weight carrying hitch. .... WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION & SWAY |
| Defining & Understanding Weight Distribution Weight distributing hitches apply leverage between the towing vehicle and the trailer, causing the TW to be carried by all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer. When TW is distributed in this way, trailers with greater TWs can be towed, resulting in a more level ride which reduces stress on the rear of the tow vehicle and provides greater steering and brake control. .... |
| The Bigger the Better? Weight distributing is based on the amount of loaded tongue weight the trailer has. To purchase the correct size weight distributing hitch, you will need to first load the trailer (as it would be when you tow it down the road,) and then have the tongue weighed. you can weigh the trailer tongue by using a bathroom scale or taking it to your trailer dealer to have the tongue placed on a tongue scale. .... |
| The Sway Control Question It should be noted that a properly loaded trailer does not require the use of a sway control device. However, many drivers feel safer during extended/highway driving knowing their trailer is equipped with one. There are two popluar methods of sway control. The older form of sway control is a friction device called Friction Sway Control. The superior approach is the Reese developed device controlled by cam action. Known as a Dual Cam Sway Control, it is an innovative and effective technique to help control trailer sway before it starts. We only recommend the use of the Dual Cam Sway Control .... 5th WHEELS & GOOSENECKS
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* Terms
GW = Gross Weight
GVW = Gross Vehicle Weight
GVWR = Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
** Basic Requirements: Lights, safety cables or chains, and a valid license plate: Lights, safety cables or chains, and a valid license plate are required in most States and Provinces
NOTES KEY:
1. Tow dollies/lift arms permitted with license plate.
2. Tow dollies/lift arms permitted.
3. Reciprocity granted.
4. Tow dollies/lift arms permitted, but must comply with trailer requirements.
5. Reciprocity granted for registration purposes only.
6. Tow dollies/lift arms permitted. Lift arms must have a rigid connection.
7. Tow dollies/lift arms permitted; drawbar or other connection required.
8. Reciprocity granted with Minnesota and Canada.
9. Reciprocity granted on trip permits to border states.
10. Tow dollies/lift arms permitted provided the combination meets the safety requirements established under Section 4905 of the vehicle code.
11. Reciprocity granted except for size limits.
12. Tow dollies/lift arms permitted, but registration required.
13. Reciprocity granted, except as to towbar, chain, and cable regulations.
14. Tow dollies/lift arms permitted. Lights required.
15. Reciprocity granted, if motor vehicle insurance is required by the home state.
16. Tow dollies/lift arm permitted if meeting regulations and is registered.
Information used in this document came from: AAA 2004 DIGEST OF MOTOR LAWS, 70TH Edition, Copyright AAA, 2004.
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Private trailers weighing more than 910kg (2,000lbs.) and more than ? or the actual weight of the towing vehicle need to be equipped with a braking device that can stop and control the trailer. No breakaway device required. Registration of towed vehicle required; proof of ownership required; drawbar required. 2,15 |
