How Do You Install A Trailer Hitch?
• Your Vehicle: • • Make and model • Model year • Vehicle maximum towing capacity (see owner’s manual) Your Trailer: • Trailer type • Gross trailer weight • Tongue weight • Coupler socket size (What diameter ball do you need?) • Does your trailer already have safety chains? If not, are new chains required? • • Two of the most important factors in selecting a trailer hitch are Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and Tongue Weight (TW). First, you should determine the GTW and TW of your trailer when fully loaded. Table 1 shows some common examples of trailer weights. Then, you should determine whether your vehicle is rated to accept the weight of your trailer. • Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the fully loaded weight of your trailer in the condition that you would tow it in. If you don’t know the weight of your trailer, the best way to measure it is on a vehicle scale. Weigh stations in your area are a good resource for determining GTW. • Weigh your gross towing weight • The Tongue Weight (TW) is t
