1. How do I install a trailer hitch?
If you have decided to install your trailer hitch on your vehicle, these tips will help to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Keep in mind that your specific installation is going to be different. Carefully reading the instructions that are in included with your hitch is the best thing you can do to ensure an easy and hassle-free installation.
- Order a receiver hitch that is specifically made to fit your vehicle. If a no-drill hitch is available for your vehicle, it will make your installation job a lot easier.
- Call a friend. Installing your hitch will be a lot easier with two people. It can be difficult to maneuver a heavy hitch while tightening bolts.
- Read the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that you have all the necessary parts and tools to complete the installation.
- Elevate the rear of the vehicle. Remember to use proper safety procedures when elevating a vehicle and working underneath it.
- Line up the hitch with the bottom of the vehicle to get an idea of how installation will go. If you need to remove the exhaust or anything else in the way, do that now. Installing a trailer hitch requires steel to steel contact at all points between the hitch and frame. If your frame has significant amounts of rust, do not install the hitch. You can consult a professional about what to do in the case of excess rust.
- Set the hitch in place and loosely tighten all fasteners. If your hitch requires you to use existing weld nuts on the vehicle, check them to make sure they are clean and that you can work the bolt in without cross threading the nut. Tap out old, rusty or dirty weld nuts and never use a compromised nut to install your receiver hitch.
- Once you have loosely attached all of the fasteners, follow the torque specifications in the instruction sheet to ensure that you dont over tighten them.
- Make sure to re-install the exhaust and anything else you removed.
- Double check all of your work. Re-read over the manufacturers instruction to make sure you didnt miss any steps.
- Get ready to add on the bike rack or hitch up that trailer! Remember; never exceed the GTW of any one component in your towing system.
2. What are the best towing driving tips?
- Drive at moderate and reasonable speeds. If the speed demons find it infuriating that you insist on safe driving, let them rush up ahead and find the waiting highway patrol cars. One of the most important things you can do when towing is to drive at a moderate and controlled pace. Not only does this place less strain on your vehicle and trailer, it also helps to prevent trailer sway.
- Avoid sudden stops and movements. When youre pulling a trailer, the movement of your vehicle will be exaggerated in your trailer. Sudden stops and starts can cause skidding and sliding or cause the trailer to jackknife. They can also throw off your trailer and cause sway.
- Be aware of your trailers position. The wheels on your trailer are closer to the inside of a turn, so you will need to make wider turns in order to avoid running over curbs. You also will want to leave lots of excess room when changing lanes and passing.
- Control sway. Trailer sway can be caused by a lot of factors, including air pressure change and wind buffeting from passing vehicles. Reacting properly is they key to regaining control. When your trailer begins to sway release the accelerator pedal to reduce your speed. Do not apply the brakes this can make the sway worse. The trailer should come under control as you slow down. If you have significant sway problems, a sway control system is a good solution.
- Properly balance your load. Ensure that the bulk of the weight resides over the axles of your trailer. If you are unable to get the load to level, a weight distribution hitch may be a good solution to your problem.
- Follow all manufacturer instructions. Never exceed the manufacturers recommends GTW. Also, use the driving gear that is recommended by the manufacturer for towing when ever possible (you may need to shift up or down on hill climbs and descents).
