How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch?
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Nowadays, more and more vehicles are equipped with a trailer hitch because of its multitude of uses. There are many drivers who install a hitch to simply transport their bikes using a hitch-mounted bike rack. This option allows you to securely fasten your bicycles to your vehicle without having to use support straps, thus limiting the risk of damaging your vehicle’s paint or body panels.
If you are looking to tow something, such as a trailer, it will be important to choose the correct trailer hitch and fastening kit according to your vehicle type, its load capacity and the weight of the equipment to be pulled. At VitroPlus, we have a wide selection of makes and models to choose from, accommodating all your needs, as well as trained technicians with years of automotive experience for a guaranteed, quality installation.
A trailer hitch consists of several parts: the hitch ball, which is fixed or removable; a draw bar, which is also sometimes called a gooseneck; the towing hook, which can replace the tow ball if necessary; the coupling head that attaches to the drawbar of the trailer and finally the electrical connector, necessary to supply power to the trailer’s taillights.
A hitch must have these properties:
- Mechanical tensile strength high enough to exceed the towing force and prevent mechanical failure;
- Ability to easily adapt to the position of the trailer, relative to the vehicle;
- Rigidity to compensate for speed variations and prevention of unwanted movement by the trailer that could lead to collisions with the vehicle.
It is preferable and much safer to entrust the installation of a trailer hitch to a professional. Without proper tools and knowledge of the various mechanisms, it can be a relatively complex and risky task to perform. It should be noted, among other things, that the vertical weight exerted by the trailer must not exceed the weight limit specified by the manufacturer of the trailer hitch. In addition, the hitch must not hide the license plate of the vehicle once installed.
Professional installation, such as that provided by VitroPlus, will help you avoid any regulatory or safety issues related to the installation and use of a trailer hitch, so you can enjoy your new equipment quickly and make the most of the vacation season!