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What Do I Need To Tow A Trailer?

1. Trailer Hitch Receiver

Trailer hitch adapters attach to the underside of the vehicle and have a 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" or 2" x 2" receiver opening. The trailer hitch attachment points align with existing holes in the vehicle frame whenever possible.For heavy-duty applications, 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" receiver openings also are available. For an in-depth review of the different types of trailer hitches and how they are used, visit our detailed hitch information page.
Trailer Hitch Receiver

2. Ball Mount

Also called a "drawbar," this is the piece that slides into the trailer hitch opening and provides a platform for mounting the ball. Ball mounts are available in different heights, sizes and styles. Make sure you get the ball mount that will fit your hitch opening and allows your trailer to stay level during towing. If you are unsure what size trailer hitch you have, we have put together information that will help determine your hitch size. To determine which ball mount is correct for your vehicle and trailer, visit our page on choosing the correct ball mount.
Ball Mount

3. Pin and Clip

A pin and clip device is used to hold the ball mount inside the trailer hitch receiver opening.Hitch locks are also available and provide additional security by preventing theft of your ball mount or other hitch accessories.
Pin and Clip

4. Trailer Hitch Ball

Hitch balls are available in three different sizes, 1-7/8", 2" and 2-5/16". This is a measurement of the ball's diameter and should be the same as the coupler of the trailer you plan to tow.The ball sits on the ball mount and provides the attachment point for the trailer. If you plan to tow several trailers with different size couplers, you will need either a different hitch ball for each of them or an interchangeable ball system.
Trailer Hitch Ball

5. Wiring Harness

A wiring harness provides power and signals to the lights of a trailer. All vehicles that tow trailers are required by law to have a wiring harness to power the trailer's lights.For many vehicles, a T-One wiring harness that simply plugs into the vehicle's wiring system is available. For these cars and trucks no cutting or splicing is required to connect your wiring. Otherwise, you will need to hardwire the vehicle. This is done by simply using quick-splice connectors to connect the wires.For more information about how to wire for towing a trailer visit our wiring information page.
Wiring Harness
For extra help, check out our video.

Omar

9/8/2023

Hello, I have new 2023 Chevy Suburban V8 4 Wheel Drive, and I'm looking to tow a trailer. I am a complete newbie when it comes to towing. I have the square opening in the back, what else do I need to be able to tow? And advice would be appreciated, thanks!

Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

9/14/2023

@Omar Do you have the trailer connector that's located alongside the hitch? If not, you can add one using # C55664 which would connect to the round connector located behind the rear bumper. If your trailer has brakes, you'll want to add a brake controller like the # C51140. You'll also need a ball mount and a trailer ball of the correct diameter.

Christian M.

8/14/2023

I have a 2019 ram 1500 classic 4x4 crew cab. Looking for the best items I could get prior to try to buy a trailer to live in it. For towing the trailer

Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

8/15/2023

@ChristianM What will you be towing? For a 6K max capacity, go with the etrailer # e98852 Class III hitch. For the highest capacity option which offers up to a 15000 lb capacity, use # C15572. The ball mount you need will depend on the ride height of your truck versus the level height of your trailer. The # 2753 works in most cases, I'll link to an article that explains how to determine the ball mount you'll need. For a 1-7/8 inch trailer ball, use # 19260 or # 63845 for a 2 inch ball. For a trailer connector, use # HM40975 if the truck doesn't already have one.

Laura N.

7/18/2023

I have a 1995 chevy g20 van and looking to buy a camper within the week. Just have no idea what to buy to be able to haul it. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. Also someone told me aa gooseneck hitch might be my best bet, not sure since I'm new to all this.

Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

7/28/2023

@LauraN Gooseneck hitches are only used on pickup trucks, they wouldn't work on a van. You'll want to go with a frame mounted receiver hitch like # C13016 from Curt. This will fit your 1995 Chevy G20, UNLESS it has the step bumper. You can check out the install instructions using the provided link.

Paul S.

7/8/2023

I’m new to the RV world, I would like some help with finding the best parts, for the best price. Please help

Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

7/28/2023

@PaulS What parts do you need? What are you needing to do? What's the year, make and model vehicle?

Kathy S.

7/19/2022

What are the different towing items I need to have installed on my Nissan Sentra in order to tow a Livin' Lite Quicksilver 6.0?

David B.

7/25/2022

What year is your Nissan Sentra?


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